What to Serve with Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Pulled pork sandwiches are the ultimate summer sammy, but what do you serve with them?! From slaw to stewed collards and beyond, there are so many great Southern sides for pulled pork sandwiches. 

Collage with 4 images and the text what to serve with pulled pork sandwiches sides to sere with pulled pork sandwiches

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What to Serve with Pulled Pork Sandwiches

One of the best parts of summer is the food. Y’all know I love a good backyard barbecue

You can take the girl out of Tennessee and put her in Texas, and, well… she will love barbecue no matter what. But she’ll always return to the BBQ of her youth.

While pulled pork is harder to come by here in Texas, it’s still a favorite of mine. My personal favorite classic pulled pork recipe is made in the slow cooker.

Pulled pork sandwiches are the quintessential summer food, if you ask this Southern girl, and if you’re going to serve them, you’re going to need some really great summer side dishes to go alongside ’em.

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    From baked beans to French fries and potato salad, to mac and cheese (or pasta salad), corn, tomatoes and beyond, there are so many favorite sides to serve with this barbecue staple. 

    More pulled pork recipes to try: Pulled Pork Nachos | BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza | Pulled Pork Egg Rolls 

    Close up of a pulled pork sandwich drizzled with BBQ sauce

    Pulled pork recipes

    Not sure what to put in your pulled pork sammies? Don’t you worry. There are so many delicious homemade pulled pork recipes. 

    If you have a great pork barbecue restaurant near you (especially a local business), you can also support them by buying a pound or two to transform into pork sliders. 

    Here are some easy recipe ideas to try if you go the homemade route: 

    What type of meat should I use to make pulled pork?

    I look for a recipe that calls for a pork shoulder, Boston butt or pork butt for the next level flavors because I like when the pork cooks low and slow. The fattier cut of meat will yield super tender pork after a long cook. I do not like using a leaner cut of meat, like pork loin. 

    I have not successfully made pulled pork in the air fryer or the electric pressure cooker. While I know there are some recipes for this, I prefer to cook mine extremely slowly so that the pork is tender as all get out and incredibly juicy, too.

    No Mayo Honey Mustard Coleslaw sits on top of a pulled pork barbecue sandwich, sitting on a white platter on a granite background

    Pulled pork sandwich toppings

    I know the toppings on your sandwich won’t determine what you pair this wonderful Southern main dish with, but I just want to put it out there: In Memphis, Pulled Pork Sammies are served with tangy coleslaw ON the sandwich. (There is no such thing as adding something like cheddar cheese to one, too.)

    You pile that shredded meat high on your favorite bun (brioche buns are my fave), add a homemade (or storebought) coleslaw recipe, then finish it with a drizzle of BBQ sauce for the ultimate main dish.

    You can also serve the slaw on the side if you’re not into your sandwich being super messy.


    Looking for the best sides to go along with pulled pork sandwiches… or just BBQ pork?

    We’ve got a mix of veggies and more that make a delicious side.

    Here are our best sidedishes:

    1
    A woman holds a bowl of traditional potato salad over a table of other BBQ dishes
    Classic Potato Salad
    Whip up some creamy, classic potato salad, the ultimate side dish for any occasion, especially a summertime barbecue. This 7-ingredient old fashioned potato salad recipe is easy to make and absolutely delicious.
    Get the Recipe
    2
    Overhead of Oven Fried Okra on top of paper towels with a bowl of ketchup and two lemonades
    Oven Fried Okra
    Us southerners love our fried okra, but it can get messy. Make it in the oven for a lighter, crispier fried okra. It’s a classic at all summer BBQs!
    Get the Recipe
    3
    Glass jar of sauce next to spoon
    Homemade BBQ Sauce
    Okay, it’s not a side dish. But if you’re making some homemade side dishes for your BBQ, why not make some homemade sauce? This sweet-and-spicy is a family favorite.
    Get the Recipe
    4
    Bowls of Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese are served
    Macaroni and Cheese
    This Instant Pot version of mac and cheese will change your mind about how to make this classic side dish. Dress it up with seasonal ingredients like spring peas or toasty bacon and serve for the easiest, most comforting meal.
    Get the Recipe
    5
    A bowl of coleslaw next to a bowl of baked beans
    Memphis-Style Creamy Coleslaw
    Looking for a classic coleslaw to make and serve? This Memphis-Style Creamy Coleslaw recipe strikes the perfect balance and is simple to put together.
    Get the Recipe
    6
    A bowl of no mayo potato salad on a white towel with tongs
    No Mayo Potato Salad
    Mayo haters will love this No Mayo Potato Salad recipe, which is a lighter rendition of the classic. Serve it at any picnic or cookout this summer and expect compliments on this surprisingly creamy potato salad.
    Get the Recipe
    7
    Close up of a white plate of Oven Fried Pickles next to a dipping sauce
    Oven Fried Pickles
    Frying pickles at home can be messy! Bake these Oven Fried Pickles for the same tasty effect, but with less mess and grease. This recipe is sure to be a summertime favorite and is wonderful served with your favorite pulled pork sandwich and an ice-cold beer.
    Get the Recipe
    8
    Vegetarian Baked Beans are served in a white bowl in front of an Instant Pot
    BBQ Baked Beans
    Instant Pot BBQ Baked Beans are another classic side dish. They are the perfect side to serve! Spicier and less sweet than the canned version, these vegetarian baked beans burst with flavor.
    Get the Recipe
    9
    Roasted green beans on a white platter
    Oven Roasted Green Beans
    These oven roasted green beans are so much better than heating up a can of beans! They are crispy and fresh, and oh-so-good.
    Get the Recipe
    10
    joyfullymad.com
    Simple Fruit Salad Recipe
    Fresh fruit paired with a pulled pork sandwich? Absolutely! This simple recipe calls for easy-to-find fruits and can easily be customized to your tastebuds!
    Get the Recipe
    11
    braziliankitchenabroad.com
    Collard Greens with Bacon
    Collard greens with bacon are the absolute best. This is a crisp, garlicky side dish full of crispy bacon bits, with a hint of Brazilian flair.
    Get the Recipe
    12
    madaboutfood.co
    Baked French Fries
    These Crispy Baked French Fries are easily made in the oven with simple ingredients. These healthier French fries at home are simple and delicious.
    Get the Recipe
    13
    realhousemoms.com
    Hush Puppies
    Fluffy, fried cornbread is one of the favorite side dishes to pair with barbecue. This easy Hush Puppies recipe is a great recipe for anyone who wants to try them.
    Get the Recipe
    14
    thegingeredwhisk.com
    Creamed Corn
    Creamed corn is a Southern staple. Make it with sweet corn on the cob and add some crispy bacon.
    Get the Recipe
    15
    Close up of cucumbers and salad dressing in a white bowl on top of a blue striped towel
    Cucumber Salad with Feta Vinaigrette
    Take the classic pickle up a notch by making this easy cucumber salad. With a feta vinaigrette, it is the best summertime side and made with minimal ingredients.
    Get the Recipe
    16
    Close up of an arugula salad with peaches
    Grilled Peach Salad with Burrata
    If you want a healthier side dish, consider this summery grilled peach salad made with fresh peaches and burrata.
    Get the Recipe
    17
    jz-eats.com
    Sweet Potato Fries
    Make homemade Sweet Potato Fries in the air fryer with this easy recipe! These are the perfect side dish and amazing to dunk in BBQ sauce!

    Get the Recipe

    What to drink with pulled pork sandwiches:

    Pulled pork sammies call for a delicious drink! If it’s summer, you will need a good refresher. 

    Consider a classic like fresh-squeeze lemonade. Or take things up a notch with strawberry iced tea or cherry limeade

    If you want a cocktail, pineapple margaritas would be amazing, as would Pimm’s punch.

    More barbecue recipes

    A woman with dark curly hair wearing a black tank top in front of a white wall

    About the Author:

    Erin Parker is a Southern gal living in Texas with her husband and two daughters. She started The Speckled Palate to share what she was cooking as a newlywed… and over the years, it’s evolved to capture her love for hosting. Specifically, the EASIEST, lowest key entertaining because everyone deserves to see their people and connect over good food. Learn more about her

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