Are you searching for the ultimate accompaniments to your succulent pulled pork? Look no further! We’ve meticulously curated a comprehensive guide featuring our absolute favorite side dishes, refreshing drinks, and delightful desserts that flawlessly complement the rich, smoky flavors of pulled pork. Get ready to transform your meal into an unforgettable culinary experience!
Mastering Pulled Pork: Recipes & Tips
Considering pulled pork for your next social gathering or family dinner? You absolutely should! This iconic summer barbecue staple isn’t just incredibly delicious; it’s also remarkably economical, feeds a large crowd with ease, and freezes exceptionally well for future meals. Its unique sweet and savory profile makes it incredibly versatile, lending itself perfectly to everything from lively parties and casual potlucks to cherished family dining experiences.
This extensive recipe roundup is dedicated to bringing you the best side dishes that elevate simple pulled pork into a comforting, crave-worthy meal. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or planning a cozy weeknight dinner, pulled pork serves as the ideal main course, promising satisfaction with every bite.
Need a tried-and-true pulled pork recipe to get started? We’ve got you covered with a selection of our top picks, each offering a distinct flavor profile:
- Crock Pot Mexican Pulled Pork: Infuse your pulled pork with the rich, complex flavors of authentic Mexican mole sauce, perfect for tacos, burritos, or a flavorful bowl.
- Crockpot Hawaiian Pulled Pork: Bring a taste of the islands to your table with sweet and tangy Hawaiian-style pulled pork, fantastic when paired with pineapple.
- Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork: A surprisingly delicious twist, this recipe uses Dr. Pepper to tenderize the pork and add a unique, caramelized sweetness that everyone loves.
- Crock Pot Cuban Pulled Pork Sandwich: For a Latin-inspired meal, skip the bun and toppings to enjoy this savory pulled pork with a zesty, flavorful kick.
While we favor the slow cooker for its convenience and ability to create incredibly tender pork, you can also achieve fantastic results using your oven or an Instant Pot pressure cooker. Each method yields delicious, fall-apart tender pulled pork, making it adaptable to your kitchen tools and time constraints.
Don’t let leftover pulled pork go to waste! It’s incredibly versatile and transforms into exciting new meals. Use it for savory pork sliders, dynamic pork tacos, loaded pork nachos, creative pulled pork pizza, or a hearty Pulled Pork Hash. The possibilities are endless!
Effortless and Delicious Pulled Pork Side Dishes
The secret to a truly memorable pulled pork meal lies in selecting the perfect easy side dishes. These pairings enhance the main course, offering complementary textures and flavors that create a balanced and satisfying feast.
Crockpot Mac & Cheese
Rich, creamy, and undeniably comforting, our Crockpot Mac & Cheese is a quintessential companion for savory pulled pork. This classic American dish, one of the very first recipes we shared on our blog, showcases a delightful cheese-filled goodness that perfectly balances the robust flavors of the meat. As food bloggers, we’ve since shared over 250 Crock Pot recipes, but this mac and cheese remains a beloved favorite. Its luscious texture reminds John of spaetzle, a simple egg noodle dish from Germany and Austria, highlighting its universal comfort appeal.
Cheesy Biscuit Bites
These delightful pull-apart biscuit bites, made with two types of cheese, are an irresistible addition to any pulled pork meal. They’re fantastic served alongside our homemade Crock Pot Marinara Sauce or a cool, creamy ranch dip. We leverage Pillsbury Grands biscuit dough for a quick and easy shortcut, saving you time without compromising on flavor. For a homemade ranch experience, try our simple 3-Ingredient Ranch Dip made with Hidden Valley Ranch Mix, or our bolder Fiesta Ranch Dip for an extra kick.
Sausage, Biscuit, and Gravy Casserole
As a Northwesterner who married into a Southern family, I’ve grown to adore comforting, down-home classics like this Sausage, Biscuit, and Gravy Casserole. This hearty dish, a favorite of my Alabama-raised husband, brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. We highly recommend using a hamburger meat chopper to efficiently break up the ground sausage, ensuring an even texture. Serve this delightful casserole in your favorite dish for a meal that will undoubtedly bring smiles, especially on a Sunday brunch table or as a substantial side to your pulled pork.
Spicy Southwest Biscuits
Inspired by a local bakery in Kalispell, these Spicy Southwest Biscuits offer a delightful kick that perfectly complements savory pulled pork. My spice-loving husband adores these! Crafted with a medley of bold spices, black beans, and other exciting additions, these biscuits are a fantastic way to add a bit of zest to your meal. Rotel makes it incredibly easy to customize the heat level to your preference, with options ranging from mild to medium to hot. They provide a wonderful textural and flavor contrast to the tender, smoky pork.
Copycat Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Indulge in the famous flavor of Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuits without leaving your kitchen! This copycat recipe is incredibly easy to whip up. You can personalize them with delicious add-ins like crispy bacon bits, fragrant herbs, or extra cheese for an even richer experience. We use versatile Bisquick Baking Mix, which conveniently offers a gluten-free version, ensuring everyone can enjoy these fluffy, cheesy delights. Explore all our Bisquick Recipes for more quick and delicious ideas.
Crockpot Cheese Grits
Grits, a beloved slow-cooked Southern cornmeal porridge, boast a creamy texture akin to polenta, making them a superb side for pulled pork. Our Crock Pot Cheese Grits are wonderfully mild, exquisitely cheesy, and deeply comforting. This makes them a perfect, soothing contrast to the rich, savory meat. For a delightful change of pace, consider swapping the traditional cheddar cheese for the sweeter, nuttier notes of gouda.
Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
Recreate the magic of Cracker Barrel’s famous Hashbrown Casserole right in your own kitchen! This cheesy, comforting dish is a fantastic accompaniment to pulled pork, much like other Cracker Barrel favorites we love, such as pecan pancakes and fried apples. For this classic breakfast entrée turned perfect side, we recommend using a creamy soup base like Cream of Potato, Cream of Cheddar, Cream of Mushroom, or Cream of Chicken to achieve that signature luscious consistency. If you adore this copycat recipe and your trusty Crock Pot, you’ll also fall in love with our equally delicious Crockpot Cheesy Hashbrowns.
Creamed Corn Casserole
Requiring just five simple pantry staples, this Creamed Corn Casserole is a remarkably easy and incredibly satisfying side dish for pulled pork. Its creamy sweetness offers a delightful contrast to the savory meat. For a truly hearty and comforting dinner, pair it with our flavorful Southern-Style Green Beans or a warm bowl of Crockpot Chicken Chili. This casserole is a crowd-pleaser that adds a touch of homestyle goodness to any meal.
Broccoli Casserole
Elevate your holiday menu or a simple weeknight dinner with this creamy and satisfying frozen Broccoli Casserole. It’s a versatile side that pairs wonderfully with pulled pork, adding a touch of green goodness. To make it a heartier side, simply mix in a cup of cooked rice. For an intriguing taste and color contrast, swap half of the broccoli with an equal portion of cauliflower. You can even transform it into a light meal by adding leftover shredded chicken or diced turkey, making it a truly adaptable dish.
Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole
Green beans are a natural and traditional pairing for hearty meat dishes, making a comforting green bean casserole an excellent choice to serve alongside your pulled pork. This beloved holiday side dish achieves its signature creaminess from a can of Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom soup, while a dash of soy sauce introduces a delightful umami depth, elevating the overall flavor. It’s a classic for a reason, offering a familiar and satisfying texture that perfectly complements the rich pork.
Crockpot Green Bean Casserole
This budget-friendly Crockpot Green Bean Casserole is a clever way to utilize frozen green beans and leftover ham or turkey, especially convenient after Thanksgiving. Your reliable Crock Pot handles all the cooking, allowing you to relax and enjoy the busy holiday season without stress. This “set it and forget it” recipe is a win-win, delivering delicious flavors with minimal effort, making it a perfect, easy side dish for your pulled pork.
Funeral Potatoes
Whether you know them as party potatoes or funeral potatoes, this incredibly cheesy hash brown casserole is an absolute must-try with slow-cooked pulled pork. Sour cream lends an extra creamy richness, making this make-ahead casserole even more irresistible, while a crunchy cornflake topping provides a delightful textural contrast. Its hearty and satisfying nature makes it a perfect comfort food pairing for the savory main dish, ideal for any gathering.
Crockpot Corn Pudding
This delectable slow-cooked corn casserole is a delightful addition to any meal, particularly during the busy holiday season. To bring it to life, you’ll only need a handful of essential ingredients: fresh or frozen corn, eggs, white sugar, butter, milk, and a pinch of salt. The creamy sweetness of this corn pudding provides a fantastic balance to the savory notes of pulled pork. For effortless serving and cleanup, we also recommend using a non-stick cooking spray to coat the inside of your Crock Pot.
Crock Pot Parmesan Potatoes
Though we developed this recipe back in 2015, Crock Pot Parmesan Potatoes have recently gained viral fame as a popular TikTok trend! This simple yet flavorful side features perfectly seasoned red potato wedges generously topped with grated Parmesan cheese. It makes an excellent, savory accompaniment to pulled pork. Feel free to swap the oregano for an Italian seasoning blend if you prefer a more herby potato side dish, customizing it to your taste preferences.
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes
These quick and incredibly creamy baked potatoes are bursting with cheesy ranch goodness, making them an irresistible side for pulled pork. We skip peeling the potatoes to preserve their natural flavor and enhance their crispiness, ensuring every bite is delightful. While you can certainly use your favorite casserole dish, we recommend baking the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This method promotes more even cooking and helps achieve that perfect golden-brown finish.
Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
For all garlic lovers, these Crock Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a dream come true! Both Russet and Yukon gold potatoes work beautifully in this classic Thanksgiving and holiday-appropriate side dish, which also pairs wonderfully with pulled pork. Its creamy texture and robust garlic flavor provide a comforting balance to the savory meat. To scale the recipe for a larger crowd, simply double or triple the ingredients. For an even more intense garlic experience, we suggest coating the potatoes in garlic powder before cooking.
Crock Pot Candied Sweet Potatoes
This holiday side dish, made with baking staples like vanilla extract, sugar, and nutmeg, possesses delightful dessert-like qualities that perfectly balance a savory meat dish such as pulled pork. It’s a scratch-made delight, simplified with the help of your trusty Crock Pot. The sweet and tender potatoes offer a wonderful counterpoint to the smoky pork. We recommend using kitchen tongs to gently transfer the tender potatoes from the slow cooker, ensuring they retain their perfect shape.
Pulled Pork Parfait
Prepare to surprise your guests with this unique and savory Pulled Pork Parfait, an innovative appetizer that brilliantly combines three beloved elements of summer barbecues: tender pulled pork, creamy mashed potatoes, and refreshing coleslaw. This clever dish comes together in under half an hour, utilizing instant mashed potato mix alongside our delicious pulled pork. It’s a fun, layered presentation that’s both visually appealing and incredibly satisfying, offering a complete flavor experience in every spoonful.
Kale and Apple Potato Salad
For varied tastes and textures, a savory meat entrée like pulled pork truly benefits from a fresh, vibrant salad. This potluck-friendly Kale and Apple Potato Salad is both fresh and sweet, with a satisfying savory undertone. The crisp apples and tender potatoes add a delightful crunch, providing a wonderful textural contrast. Miracle Whip, a staple in my kitchen for salads, dips, and sandwiches, adds a light creaminess that perfectly binds all the delicious components together, making it a refreshing counterpoint to the rich pork.
Orzo Pasta Salad
This exquisite Orzo Pasta Salad with Bacon & Parmesan Vinaigrette is an absolute gem, perfect for summer dinners, delightful picnics, or truly any occasion when you desire a delicious, easy-to-make salad. Its light yet flavorful profile, combined with the savory notes of bacon and Parmesan, makes it a fantastic, refreshing contrast to rich pulled pork, adding a touch of elegance and freshness to your meal.
Spinach Bacon Pasta
What more could you ask for in a delicious and versatile recipe than spinach, bacon, and pasta? This Spinach Bacon Pasta is a hearty and flavorful side dish that complements pulled pork beautifully. Its savory depth and satisfying texture make it a fantastic pairing, offering substance alongside the tender meat. Plus, its flexibility means it can be served either warm or chilled, making it ideal for any season or occasion.
Jiffy Cornbread With Sour Cream
Sour cream imparts the ideal amount of moisture and a subtle tang to this Jiffy Cornbread, which comes together in just over half an hour thanks to Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix. While often paired with hearty chili, its sweet and savory balance makes it equally delicious with a robust entrée like pulled pork. For an extra layer of indulgence, drizzle it with honey or spread a generous layer of butter while it’s still warm. Alternatively, for a hands-off approach, try our convenient Crockpot Cornbread recipe.
Pineapple Stuffing
This indulgent Pineapple Stuffing is a delightful culinary cross between a classic side dish and a sweet bread pudding. While not a traditional pairing for pulled pork, it’s a frequent accompaniment to ham in Hawaiian cuisine, making it an adventurous and surprisingly complementary choice. Any white bread works well in this recipe, but we highly recommend using sweeter Hawaiian bread slices to infuse even more of the spirit of Aloha into your mealtime experience, creating a unique sweet and savory dynamic.
Cranberry Orange Relish
A large-batch dish like pulled pork often yields delicious leftovers, and one of the quickest ways to reinvent this flavorful meat is by serving it on buns as sliders or sandwiches. This festive and zesty homemade Cranberry Orange Relish will breathe new life into your holiday leftovers, offering a vibrant burst of flavor that cuts through the richness of the pork. It’s also a beautiful and flavorful addition to any charcuterie board, adding a touch of brightness and tang.
Broccoli Slaw
Coleslaw is a natural and beloved accompaniment to pulled pork, so why not refresh this classic by swapping traditional cabbage for shredded broccoli stalks? This vibrant Broccoli Slaw features a delightful mix of shredded slaw veggies, delicate slivered almonds, crisp apple bites, pungent onions, and crumbled blue cheese, all tossed in a sweet and slightly acidic homemade dressing. The crunchy texture and tangy-sweet dressing provide an excellent contrast to the tender, savory pulled pork. Use a large mixing bowl to ensure you have ample space to thoroughly toss your salad for even coating.
Bourbon Baked Beans
Our Crockpot Bourbon Baked Beans are simply delicious and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family barbecue, a relaxed summer dinner, or just a casual weeknight meal. These slow cooker baked beans are incredibly easy to prepare; they require only a few minutes of hands-on prep, after which your Crock Pot takes over, doing all the work to create a rich, savory, and slightly sweet side dish that pairs wonderfully with pulled pork. Their comforting depth of flavor makes them a true crowd-pleaser.
Texas Roadhouse Loaded Sweet Potato
Experience the epic flavors of a Texas Roadhouse Loaded Sweet Potato with this amazing copycat recipe! This side dish is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, combining tender baked sweet potato with creamy Texas Roadhouse Butter, luscious caramel, and fluffy marshmallows. It’s a decadent and comforting side that offers a delightful sweet contrast to the savory richness of pulled pork, making every bite an unforgettable treat.
Macaroni Salad
This Fresh Macaroni Salad Recipe is the quintessential spring and summer side dish – delightfully easy to make and incredibly delicious! This classic, creamy salad is a beloved staple for barbecues and potlucks, offering a refreshing and cooling contrast to the warmth and richness of pulled pork. Its familiar flavors and satisfying texture make it a perfect companion, ensuring a well-rounded and enjoyable meal for everyone.
Sweet Potato Fries
Quick and easy Air Fried Sweet Potato Fries are the perfect versatile side dish, offering a touch of sweetness and a satisfying crispness that pairs wonderfully with savory pulled pork. If sweet potato fries aren’t your preference, you can also use your air fryer to make classic French Fries, achieving similar crispy results. Both options provide a delightful textural contrast and are incredibly simple to prepare, making them a go-to choice for any meal.
Other beloved pulled pork side dishes include Southern collard greens, crispy corn fritters, sweet honey butter biscuits, fresh corn on the cob, juicy watermelon, aromatic rice pilaf, and classic potato chips. These diverse options offer a range of flavors and textures to perfectly complement your delicious pulled pork.
For a truly unexpected and fun surprise that will delight your guests, consider serving Kool-Aid Pickles! Their unique sweet and tangy profile is surprisingly addictive and adds a whimsical touch to your barbecue spread.
Refreshing Salads to Serve with Pulled Pork
When serving a rich and savory dish like pulled pork, incorporating fresh, crisp salads can provide a delightful balance. These lighter options offer a refreshing contrast in both flavor and texture, ensuring a well-rounded meal.
BLT Pasta Salad
This Easy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe is a fantastic choice that comes together in minutes. You’ll adore the classic combination of crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and tender pasta, all enveloped in a creamy mayonnaise dressing. Its light yet satisfying profile offers a wonderful counterpoint to the richness of pulled pork, making it an ideal side for any casual gathering or barbecue.
Hawaiian Mac Salad
Transport your taste buds to the islands with this Delicious Hawaiian Mac Salad Recipe! This creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet salad is incredibly easy to make and tastes amazing, offering a refreshing and exotic twist to your meal. The best part? It can be prepared the day before you plan to serve it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and making your meal prep stress-free. It’s a perfect, cooling complement to rich pulled pork.
Sauerkraut Salad
This Sauerkraut Salad offers a unique tangy and savory kick that pairs surprisingly well with the richness of pulled pork. Since it utilizes pre-made sauerkraut, the most challenging part is simply prepping the fresh vegetables. Unlike most salads, this make-ahead dish actually tastes better with time; we recommend letting it chill for a few hours (or even overnight) before serving, allowing the vibrant flavors to thoroughly mix and mingle. It’s perfectly suited for summer barbecues, warm-weather events, and even Oktoberfest celebrations!
Grape Salad
Our nephew’s recipe for this delightful Southern Grape Salad is a truly unique and refreshing side. It’s essentially a luscious combination of sweet grapes folded into a creamy mixture of softened cream cheese, tangy sour cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and a hint of brown sugar. To create an appealing visual contrast, use equal amounts of both red and green grapes. We also suggest using a hand mixer to ensure the cream cheese and sour cream mixture is wonderfully smooth and free of any lumps. As a bonus, leftovers refrigerate beautifully and make for a surprisingly yummy breakfast treat!
Pear Salad
This incredibly easy-peasy Southern classic was lovingly introduced to me through my husband’s family from Alabama. This delightful Pear Salad requires only four simple ingredients: canned pears, creamy mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, and vibrant maraschino cherries. Since all components are simply assembled, no cooking is involved, making it a quick and effortless side for pulled pork. For an extra boost of protein and a different texture, consider swapping the mayonnaise for cottage cheese, offering a fresh take on this traditional dish.
Black Eyed Pea Salad
Black-eyed peas are traditionally enjoyed on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day, symbolizing good fortune, health, and prosperity for the coming year. This filling yet economical Black Eyed Pea Salad comes together in just twelve minutes, using staples you likely already have in your pantry. Its robust flavors and hearty texture make it a wonderful, savory side to pulled pork. My husband, John, loves to add a spicy kick with a few dashes of his favorite hot sauce, making it even more dynamic.
Watermelon Salad
Our Easy, Refreshing Watermelon Salad is the quintessential party salad or dinner side, perfect any time of the year! With just a couple of simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and vibrant Watermelon Salad Recipe that offers a crisp, sweet, and cooling contrast to the savory richness of pulled pork. Its light and juicy nature makes it a palate cleanser and a delightful addition to any barbecue spread, ensuring a refreshing experience.
Strawberry Fluff Salad
This Easy Strawberry Fluff Salad Recipe is incredibly versatile, ideal for a casual family dinner or an elegant holiday event. This quick and simple Jello Salad takes mere minutes to prepare and boasts an amazing, light, and fruity flavor. Its sweet and creamy texture provides a delightful contrast to the savory notes of pulled pork, making it a refreshing and satisfying dessert-like side dish that appeals to all ages.
Irresistible Desserts to Serve with Pulled Pork
To perfectly conclude your pulled pork feast, a sweet dessert offers a delightful balance to the savory main course. Here are some of our favorite desserts that provide that essential sweet counterpoint, leaving everyone completely satisfied.
Pig Pickin’ Cake: The name alone makes this cake seem tailor-made for pulled pork, but its incredible citrusy and moist flavor truly makes it a star. It’s a Southern classic that will impress.
Lemon Jello Cake: A wonderfully light and easy cake, featuring a vibrant, fresh lemon glaze that provides a refreshing and tangy finish to your meal.
Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding: Simply divine! This iconic banana pudding can be prepared ahead of time, allowing its epic flavors to intensify, offering a creamy, sweet, and comforting end to your barbecue.
Butterfinger Poke Cake: Indulge in the rich combination of moist chocolate cake and crunchy Butterfinger candy bars. Yes, please!
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake: As its name suggests, this cake is decadent, rich, and wonderfully buttery. Don’t let its luxurious taste fool you; it’s surprisingly easy to make and delivers an amazing flavor experience.
Refreshing Drinks to Serve with Pulled Pork
Pairing the right beverages with pulled pork can significantly enhance the dining experience. Here are some refreshing drink options that perfectly complement the rich flavors of the meat.
Chick-fil-A Lemonade: You only need three simple ingredients to create this beloved Copycat Chick-fil-A Lemonade at home! It’s perfectly tart and sweet, offering a clean, crisp palate cleanser.
Strawberry Freckled Lemonade: The delightful combination of sweet strawberries and zesty lemonade creates an amazing and incredibly refreshing drink, ideal for cutting through the richness of pulled pork.
Frosted Lemonade: Planning to serve pulled pork on a hot summer day? Enjoy a cool, blended frosted lemonade to help everyone cool off and enjoy a creamy, refreshing treat.
Kool-Aid Slushies: Both kids and adults will adore this vibrant frozen drink! We love making it in a bright blue hue for a fun, eye-catching, and deliciously icy refreshment.
Essential Recipe Tips for Your Pulled Pork Meal
For detailed, step-by-step instructions for each dish mentioned, printable recipe cards are conveniently available on their individual blog posts. These cards often include precise measurements, preparation times, and specific cooking guidelines.
Please note that nutritional information, including calories, protein, calcium, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin C, potassium, cholesterol, sodium, trans fat, monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, and more, can vary significantly. These values depend heavily on the specific brands and products you choose to use in your cooking. For accurate dietary information, we recommend consulting reliable nutritional calculators based on your exact ingredients.
Do you have a passion for discovering new and exciting recipes? Be sure to explore our extensive collection of copycat recipes, indulge in our delightful dessert recipes, and discover the convenience of our amazing Crock Pot Recipes.
Stay updated with all our latest recipe posts and culinary inspiration by following Tammilee Tips on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Join our community of food lovers and never miss out on delicious ideas!