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.
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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.
From baked beans to French fries, potato salad to mac and cheese 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
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:
- Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Apple Cider Pulled Pork
- Pear Pulled Pork
- Pumpkin Pulled Pork
- Memphis-Style BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- Tropical Pulled Pork
- Salsa Verde Pulled Pork
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.
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.
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.
Here are our best Pulled Pork Sandwich sides:
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, there are so many great Southern side dishes to pair with this barbecue staple.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Creamed Corn
Creamed corn is a Southern staple. Make it with sweet corn on the cob and add some crispy bacon.
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.
Grilled Peach Salad with Burrata
If you want a healthier side dish, consider this summery grilled peach salad made with fresh peaches and burrata.
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!
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
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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