What to Serve with Pork Shoulder – 15 Best Side Dishes
If you’ve found yourself standing in front of a glorious pork shoulder, contemplating the magic that’s about to happen, you’re in the right place. Because let’s be real – while the pork shoulder takes center stage, knowing what to eat with pork shoulder is what really makes the meal a masterpiece!
Whether you’re slow-cooking pulled pork in a crock pot, using a pressure cooker, roasting, or grilling that pork shoulder to perfection, the question remains: What on earth do you serve with it?
We have a world of flavor combinations, textures, and delicious side dishes that will complement your pork shoulder so you can complete your pork dinner and find some new favorite sides that take your meals to the next level!
1. Coleslaw
Imagine the crispiness of fresh cabbage meeting a tangy dressing. This slaw brings a refreshing kick to your savory slow-cook pork butt, creating a perfect balance. Coleslaw is a good side dish if you want to keep the meal low calorie as well.
2. Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole
Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole is a delicious mix of velvety mashed sweet potatoes, rich butter, a crunchy pecan and oat topping, kissed with a drizzle of maple syrup. The sweet, nutty goodness of the sweet potatoes and brown sugar gives you a perfect contrast to the savory notes of your succulent tender pork shoulder.
3. Grilled Pineapple
Get tropical with a zesty grilled pineapple. The sweetness of the pineapple complements the savory pork, while the hint of char adds a smoky depth to the dish. This easy recipe can top your slow-roasted pork shoulder or be a side.
4. Cornbread with Honey Butter
Nothing beats the comforting combo of cornbread and pork. This cornbread, served with a dollop of honey butter, elevates the meal to Southern comfort food heaven. This is a great side dish for pork shoulder covered in barbecue sauce!
5. Brown Sugar Glazed Brussel Sprouts
Turn the haters into lovers with these brown sugar-glazed Brussels sprouts. Caramelized to perfection with crumbled bacon, they offer a sweet and tangy twist that makes the perfect pairing with the hearty pork with minimal effort.
6. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are the perfect side dish choice especially when serving up your pork shoulder as pulled pork sandwiches. Crispy fries are both sweet and salty, making them a great complement to a roast boston butt.
7. Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread
Jalapeño cheddar cornbread is a great way to spice things up a little! The heat from the jalapeños and the cheesy goodness take this classic side to a whole new level of yum.
8. Mango Avocado Salsa
Kick the flavor up a notch with a tropical mango avocado salsa. The sweetness of mango and the creaminess of avocado create a mouthwatering dance of flavors that are perfect for a summer BBQ, especially if you’re looking for healthy sides. These flavors will be great topping the pork recipe or make a great light side dish too.
9. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Roasted broccoli gets a makeover with a garlic parmesan twist. It’s crispy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious – the perfect partner for your succulent pork shoulder.
10. Cauliflower Mash with Brown Butter
Swap out the traditional mashed potatoes for a low-carb alternative. Creamy cauliflower mash with a drizzle of brown butter brings a velvety texture and a nutty richness to the table. Make this in the slow cooker while your pork shoulder is cooking for the ultimate easy and delicious meal!
11. Southern Collard Greens
Slow-cooked collards are a classic Southern side dish for pork roast. This is one of the best side dishes for pork shoulder in our own humble opinion!
12. Watermelon Feta Salad
Keep it light and refreshing with a watermelon feta cheese salad. The juicy watermelon and salty feta create a palate-pleasing contrast that cuts through the richness of pork shoulder recipes.
13. Maple Syrup Glazed Carrots
Transform simple carrots into a sweet and tangy delight. The maple syrup glaze adds a touch of elegance to this humble vegetable, making it a stellar side for your pork shoulder. Sweet carrots are one of my favorite side dishes for pork recipes!
14. Smashed Baby Potatoes
Smashed baby potatoes are a classic, but why not take them up a notch? Load them with cheese, bacon, and green onions for a decadent side that perfectly complements your main dish. Serve these with a side of sour cream or dipping sauce for even more flavor! The best part about these potatoes is that they’re a great option to make the meal heartier and more satisfying.
15. Pomegranate Arugula Salad
Wrap up your pork shoulder feast with a refreshing pomegranate arugula salad. The peppery arugula and burst of pomegranate seeds provide a lively finish to your meal. The delicious flavor of this light side dish is perfect for a summer barbecue!
