Do you need inspiration for what sides to serve with your pork chops? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Having a delicious side dish can truly elevate a meal and make it a memorable one. From classic favorites like mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables to unique options like roasted apples and jalapeno-cornbread stuffing, there are so many dishes that pair perfectly with pork chops.
In this article, I will share my favorite side dishes to serve with pork chops. I will also include helpful tips on how to choose the right sides for your meal, as well as how to prepare them. By the end of this article, you will have plenty of ideas on what sides to serve with pork chops.
Pork chops go great with a variety of vegetables such as roasted Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, sautéed mushrooms and peppers, sweet potatoes, and steamed green beans.
Side Dishes to Serve with Pork Chops
Pork chops are a great main dish, but you may be wondering what side dishes go well with them. From comforting mashed potatoes to light salads, there are many sides that pair deliciously with pork chops. Here are some of the best options:
Mashed Potatoes
Nothing goes better with pork chops than a big scoop of mashed potatoes. This classic side dish is comforting and delicious and can be dressed up in many different ways. Try adding garlic, chives, or even bacon bits for an extra flavor boost.
Roasted Vegetables
For a healthy option, try roasting some vegetables to serve alongside your pork chops. Carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes all pair nicely with the flavor of the meat. Season the veggies with some salt and pepper or your favorite blend of herbs and spices for maximum flavor.
Salad
A light salad is always a great option when serving pork chops. Try combining crunchy lettuce leaves with juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado slices, and sharp red onions for an easy side that won’t overpower the main dish. Add a simple vinaigrette dressing for added flavor.
Baked Beans
Baked beans are another classic side dish that goes perfectly with pork chops. Look for canned beans in your local grocery store or make your own from scratch using dried beans and your favorite seasonings. Baked beans are hearty enough to stand up to the meat but still light enough not to overpower it.
Grains
Grains like rice or quinoa can also make great sides for pork chops. Cook up some brown or wild rice on the stovetop or in the microwave and add some herbs or roasted vegetables for extra flavor. Quinoa can also be cooked up quickly and pairs nicely with a variety of flavors.
What Are The Best Potatoes To Serve With Pork Chops?
When it comes to pairing potatoes with pork chops, there are a few varieties that stand out. Roasted potatoes are a classic accompaniment, and can be made in a variety of ways. Fingerlings, baby potatoes and Yukon Golds all work well in this application. Another great option is mashed potatoes. Mashed potatoes are especially flavorful when they are loaded with butter and herbs like rosemary and thyme.
A more unique alternative is potato gratin. Potato gratin is made with thinly sliced potatoes that are layered with cheese and cream before being baked in the oven until golden and crispy on top. The richness of the cheese and cream really complements the pork chops for a truly decadent meal.
If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, then roasted sweet potato wedges or cubes make an excellent side dish for pork chops as well. Sweet potatoes have a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory flavor of pork chops. They also can be roasted in the oven or cooked on the stovetop with some olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper for an easy yet tasty side dish.
For an even simpler side dish, boiled red or white skinned potatoes make a great accompaniment to pork chops too. Boiling them allows them to absorb more of the flavors from any sauces or seasonings you serve with your pork chop dish making them even more delicious!
No matter which type of potato you choose to serve with your pork chops, they will surely make your meal complete!
Side Dishes to Serve with Baked Pork Chops
Pork chops are a delicious and convenient meal option that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Baking them is a great way to keep them juicy while still giving them a nice crispy exterior. The key to making any meal complete is having the right side dishes to accompany it. Here are some great ideas for side dishes that work perfectly with baked pork chops.
Veggies: Roasted or steamed vegetables are always a great choice for pairing with pork chops. Roasting vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, and potatoes in the oven adds an extra layer of flavor that works really well with baked pork chops. If you’re looking for something a little lighter, steaming your favorite veggies like broccoli or green beans is also an excellent choice.
Grains: Grains can help round out any meal and make it more filling. Consider serving your baked pork chops with rice, quinoa, or couscous as the base of your meal. You can also try adding some whole-wheat pasta as well for a heartier dish.
Salads: Salads are always a great way to add freshness and flavor to any meal. For lighter fare, try making a simple salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers. If you’re looking for something more substantial, adding proteins like grilled chicken or tuna will take your salad up another notch.
Soups: Soups are another great option for pairing with your baked pork chops. Hearty soups like vegetable beef stew or minestrone work especially well since they are packed with flavors that pair nicely with pork chops. For something even heartier, try adding potatoes or pasta shells to make it even more filling.
Breads: Breads are also great options for rounding out any meal. Try serving dinner rolls alongside your pork chops so everyone can make their own sandwiches or just enjoy the rolls on their own! Another great option would be cornbread which pairs perfectly with the flavors of roasted vegetables.<
Salads That Go Well With Pork Chops
Pork chops are a beloved classic dish that never goes out of style, and they’re perfect for a hearty meal. To add some freshness to the plate, serve up a side salad. Salads are an easy way to add texture and variety to the meal, and to make it even more interesting, you can use seasonal ingredients. Here are some delicious salads that pair perfectly with pork chops:
- Coleslaw: This classic salad is made from fresh cabbage and carrots, tossed in a creamy dressing. Add some diced apple for sweetness or diced jalapeno for some heat.
- Fruit Salad: For a sweet-tart flavor combination, try mixing together seasonal fruits like apples, oranges, grapes and strawberries. Dress it up with a splash of citrus juice or honey.
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with mixed greens is always a great option. Add your favorite toppings like nuts or cheese for extra flavor.
- Pasta Salad: A pasta salad is another fantastic option that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Use any type of small pasta shape along with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers and bell peppers.
- Potato Salad: Potato salad is always popular at summer barbecues and potlucks. You can make it creamy or vinegar-based depending on your preference.
These salads are all wonderful options to serve alongside pork chops. Just choose your favorite ingredients and dressings and create the perfect side dish for your meal!
Sauces To Serve With Grilled Pork Chops
Grilled pork chops are a classic dish, and what makes them even better is a delicious sauce. There are many different sauces you can serve with grilled pork chops, each offering a unique flavor. Here are some of the most popular sauces for grilled pork chops:
Barbecue Sauce: One of the most popular sauces for grilled pork chops is barbecue sauce. Barbecue sauce can be either sweet or spicy and adds just the right amount of flavor to grilled pork chops. It also pairs well with other sides such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and baked beans.
Mustard Sauce: Mustard sauce is perfect for those who like a little bit of tangy flavor in their food. It goes great with grilled pork chops, and it also pairs well with other sides such as macaroni and cheese or potato salad.
Honey-Mustard Sauce: This is a great way to add some sweetness to your grilled pork chops. Honey-mustard sauce is a great combination of sweet and tangy flavors that will make your meal even more delicious. It also goes well with other sides such as baked beans or cornbread.
Teriyaki Sauce: Teriyaki sauce is another great option for grilled pork chops. The combination of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger creates an amazing flavor that goes perfectly with grilled pork chops. It also pairs well with sides such as fried rice or roasted vegetables.
Mole Sauce: Mole sauce is a Mexican-style sauce made from various ingredients including chiles, nuts, seeds, chocolate, and spices. This unique combination of flavors creates an amazing flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled pork chops. It also goes well with other sides such as refried beans or Mexican rice.
Rice Dishes That Pair Well With Pork Chops
Pork chops are a classic and versatile dish that can be cooked in many different ways, and there are lots of delicious rice dishes that pair wonderfully with it. From simple fried rice to a more complex pilaf, there are plenty of options for creating a delicious meal. Here are some of the top rice dishes that pair well with pork chops:
- Fried Rice: Fried rice is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with pork chops. It’s easy to make and you can use whatever ingredients you have on hand. Try adding some vegetables, like carrots, peas, or zucchini, for added flavor and nutrition.
- Risotto: Risotto is an Italian-style dish made with arborio rice cooked in broth until creamy. It’s best served alongside pan-seared or grilled pork chops for a flavorful combination.
- Jasmine Rice: Jasmine rice is a fragrant type of long-grain white rice that has a slightly sweet flavor. It goes great with grilled or baked pork chops as it absorbs all the flavors from the cooking process.
- Pilaf: Pilaf is a Middle Eastern-style dish made by combining cooked grains like quinoa or bulgur wheat with spices and herbs. It’s a great way to add texture and flavor to your pork chop meals.
- Coconut Rice: Coconut rice is another flavorful dish that goes well with pork chops. This type of rice is created by simmering white or brown rice in coconut milk which adds sweetness and nutty flavor.
- Wild Rice:. Wild rice is an earthy grain that pairs well with juicy pork chops. Try adding some vegetables like mushrooms or onions to the wild rice for added flavor.
No matter which type of rice you choose, it’s sure to be delicious when paired with succulent pork chops!
Vegetarian Side Dishes to Serve With Pork Chops
Pork chops are an excellent source of protein, but when it comes to serving them with a vegetarian side dish, there are many delicious options. From roasted vegetables and grains to salads and pasta dishes, there are so many ways to enjoy the flavor of pork chops without compromising on your dietary preferences. Here are some delicious vegetarian side dishes that pair perfectly with pork chops.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables make a great accompaniment for pork chops. Try roasting sweet potatoes, carrots, zucchini, bell peppers and other vegetables for an easy and flavorful side dish. You can also add some herbs and spices for extra flavor.
Grains: Grains like quinoa, bulgur wheat or couscous make for excellent side dishes when served with pork chops. They can be cooked simply in boiling water or lightly sautéed in oil and onions for added flavor.
Salads: Salads are a perfect way to add some freshness and crunch to your meal. Try making a simple green salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and other fresh vegetables or opt for something heartier like a grain-based salad or bean salad.
Pasta Dishes: Pasta dishes like lasagna or stuffed shells are great vegetarian options when served with pork chops. You can also make a simple pasta dish by sautéing garlic in olive oil then adding cooked pasta and your favorite vegetables for a quick yet delicious meal.
Conclusion
When it comes to sides, there is a wide range of options that pair perfectly with pork chops. You can go with traditional dishes like mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and roasted vegetables. Or you can try something new, like a sweet potato gratin or a quinoa salad. The possibilities are endless! No matter which sides you choose for your pork chops, make sure they are cooked thoroughly and seasoned to perfection. That way, your meal will be sure to please everyone around the dinner table.
Above all else, have fun with your meal planning and enjoy the deliciousness that comes from cooking pork chops with sides. Bon appétit!