# Here’s a Bounty of Pork Side Dishes You’ll Swear By All Your Life URL: https://tastessence.com/meat/pork-side-dishes Category: Meat Published: 2010-04-26T02:02:00 Updated: 2026-08-05T17:32:32 Side dishes are important aspects of a meal, because they not only balance out the flavor aspect of a meal, but also the nutritional aspect of the meal. Depending on the pork cut used and the type of cooking method and preparation, various side dishes can be served along with the pork. Pork is one of the widely eaten meats across the globe. It is mainly because of the variations that can be made to the pork recipes, as well as the unique taste offered by different portions or cuts of pork. Grill it, roast it, or bake it! Cook it in whichever way you like, it is sure to leave you licking your fingers! However, pork is never served by itself, and is always served along with various side dishes. Side dishes are essential to complete and complement the meal. Pork tenderloin is the most tender and succulent cut of pork, that simply satiates one’s taste buds. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, and can be roasted or grilled depending on your preference, however, overcooking is a major issue with this cut. Besides the lovely glaze for the pork, you will also need some lovely side dishes for pork tenderloin. Since pork tenderloin partners well with many food items, the list is long. Some interesting side dishes are: **Greens** Marinated asparagus Green beans Drunken collard greens **Veggies** Grilled vegetables Vegetable skewers Braised cabbage Butternut squash Cheddar broccoli soufflé Sautéed garlic asparagus **Fruity Sides** Roasted cherries Applesauce and cheesy potatoes Scalloped apples **Salads** Tomato salad Green olive salad Green apple salad **Starchy Sides** Mustard mashed potatoes Roasted garlic mashed potatoes Corn casserole Baked potatoes Sweet potatoes Potato galette Wild rice/dirty rice Quinoa pilaf Although it is a traditional dish from North Carolina, pulled pork is enjoyed by people in many parts of the world. It is made from the pork shoulder, smoked on the grill over a hardwood fire. Pulled pork sandwiches are also quite common and serve as a great dish for a large crowd. Pulled pork is generally served with soft rolls/cornbread, coleslaw, pickles and barbecue sauce. Here are some other ideas for pulled pork side dishes. **Greens** Brussels sprouts Fried green tomatoes **Veggie Delight** Baked beans Grilled vegetables Steamed vegetables Fruity Fun Diced watermelon Sliced fruit **Salads** Pasta salad Black eyed pea salad Cold broccoli salad Succotash **Starchy Sides** Corn on the Cob Cheese potatoes Roasted garlic mustard potatoes Rosemary potato wedges Baked macaroni and cheese Sweet potato wedges There are so many ways to prepare pork chops! Whether they are stuffed, barbecued or breaded, pork chops (pork loin/boneless pork) will require lovely side dishes to complete the meal. **Greens** Blanched green beans Roasted asparagus Green bean casserole Garlic roasted Brussels sprouts Broccoli Sautéed Swish chard **Veggies** Baked beans Sauerkraut Red cabbage Chayote black beans Fried plantains **Sauces** Homemade applesauce Cranberry sauce Apple chutney Red currant sauce **Fruity Sides** Braised/fried apples Cherry Couscous **Salads** Pineapple salsa Mango mint salsa Tomato cucumber salad Orange and fennel salad **Starchy Sides** Potato gratin/potato casserole Scalloped potatoes Fries Baked sweet potatoes Macaroni and cheese Wild rice Egg noodles Creamed corn/corn casserole Polenta Pork roast is a common dish prepared for special occasions like family gatherings, festivals, etc. The tender and succulent pork roast is enough to satisfy several hungry stomachs! **Greens** Green bean casserole Roasted Brussels sprouts Garlic roasted asparagus Buttered string beans **Veggie Delight** Roasted butternut squash Oven-roasted green beans Fried cabbage Curried green tomatoes Sweet and sour cabbage Glazed carrots **Sauces** Homemade applesauce Cranberry relish Roasted apples and onions Brandied cranberry sauce **Salads** Pomegranate salad Green salad Sweet potato salad **Starchy Sides** Scalloped potatoes Cheesy corn casserole Sweet potato fries Potato gratin ## Pork Side Dish Recipes **Ingredients**: Apples, peeled, cored and quartered, 3 lbs Lemon peel, 3 strips Lemon juice, 3 tbsp. Cinnamon stick, 3 inch-long Salt, ½ teaspoon Dark brown sugar, ¼ cup White sugar, ¼ cup **Preparation Procedure** Mix all the above ingredients in a large pot and add 1 cup of water to it. Cover and bring to boil. Allow it to simmer on low heat for 20 to 30 minutes. Remove the pot from heat and remove the lemon peel and cinnamon stick. Serve hot! **Ingredients**: Sugar, 1½ cup Fresh or frozen cranberries, 1 can Brandy, ½ cup Shredded orange zest, 2 tbsp. **Preparation Procedure** In a square baking dish, mix together, cranberries, sugar, brandy and orange zest. Bake uncovered, in a preheated oven at 325° F, for about an hour or so, until most of the liquid gets evaporated, stirring occasionally. It is one of the best side dishes with pork. **Ingredients**: Fresh corn in their husks Butter **Preparation Procedure** Place the corn in their husks on the hot grill, charcoal or gas, at about 550° F. Turn the corn occasionally until the husks are charred evenly on all sides. This may take about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the grill and let it stand for 5 minutes. Remove the charred husks and silk from the corn using a hand towel. Serve hot with butter! The above pork side dish recipes can go with any pork dish and can fetch you loads of compliments! So go ahead! Enjoy the complete pork meal!