Best Side Dishes for Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is the star of any backyard BBQ, but it needs the right side dishes to round things out. Whether you're piling it high on hamburger buns or serving it up on a platter, these sides are tried-and-true favorites. From creamy classics to smoky stunners, these recipes pair perfectly with pulled pork - and they work for everything from casual cookouts and potlucks to making Tuesday night feel like the weekend.

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Now, let’s get into the sides!

Creamy Coleslaw

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The classic for a reason. Crunchy, creamy, and the perfect contrast to rich, smoky pork. Bonus points if you pile it right on your sandwich.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Coleslaw

Smoked Baked Beans

These beans are sweet, smoky, and full of bold BBQ flavor. They’re a classic pulled pork side that works for everything from backyard cookouts to potlucks.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Baked Beans

Smoked Baked Potatoes

Smoked baked potato topped with sour cream. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

These potatoes get crispy skins and fluffy centers right on the smoker. They’re easy to prep and cook alongside the pork.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Baked Potatoes

Smoked Corn on the Cob

Grilled corn is good, but smoked corn brushed with seasoned butter? Even better. It’s quick, easy, and adds sweet, smoky flavor to any BBQ plate.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Corn on the Cob

Homemade Hamburger Buns

Freshly baked hamburger buns on a cookie sheet with parchment paper. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

Perfectly soft with just enough structure to hold all that juicy pulled pork. These are a major upgrade from store-bought buns.

Get the Recipe: Homemade Hamburger Buns

Smoked Mac and Cheese

Smoked mac n cheese in cast iron skillet with a wooden spoon scooping some up. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

Ultra creamy and loaded with smoky flavor, this mac and cheese holds its own next to the main dish. Make it once and you’ll want it at every BBQ.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac and Cheese

Smoked Cheesy Potatoes

A dish of golden, smoky cheesy potatoes fresh off the pellet grill. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

This casserole-style side is creamy, cheesy, and smoky with a golden top. It’s always a hit at BBQs and feeds a crowd with no complaints.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Cheesy Potatoes

Smoked Smashed Potatoes

Crispy smashed potatoes on a sheet pan after being smoked on a pellet grill. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

Crispy edges, creamy middles, and tons of smoky flavor. These are simple to make but feel a little extra fancy.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Smashed Potatoes

Red Skin Potato Salad

A bowl of creamy potato salad with tender potatoes and a rich, tangy dressing, garnished with fresh herbs, served in a white dish on a wooden table. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

This creamy potato salad has just the right amount of tang and texture. It’s perfect served cold next to a hot plate of pulled pork.

Get the Recipe: Red Skin Potato Salad

Broccoli Crunch Salad

This salad balances out rich BBQ flavors and is sweet, savory, and packed with texture. It holds up well, so it’s great for picnics or make-ahead meals.

Get the Recipe: Broccoli Crunch Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Grilled corn kernels mixed with red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, Cotija cheese, and diced avocado, tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing, served in a white bowl. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

This no-mess version of elote has all the flavor of grilled street corn in salad form. It’s creamy, tangy, and full of personality.

Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Pasta, bacon, ranch—enough said. This side is a BBQ staple that disappears fast.

Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

This chilled side is simple, creamy, and surprisingly delicious. It’s a great match for smoky pulled pork and hot summer days.

Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Creamy Cucumber Salad

Cool, crisp, and tossed in a creamy dressing, this salad is the perfect contrast to smoky meat. Fast, refreshing, and always a hit at cookouts.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Cucumber Salad

Watermelon Feta Salad

A bowl of Watermelon Basil Salad with juicy watermelon cubes, fresh basil, and a honey lime glaze, served in a white dish on a white table. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

Sweet watermelon, salty feta, and a splash of lime—this salad tastes like summer. It’s bright, juicy, and perfect for hot weather cookouts.

Get the Recipe: Watermelon Feta Salad

Watermelon Mint Salad

Cubes of watermelon in a white bowl with red grapes and fresh mint leaves. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

Light, refreshing, and so easy to make. The mint brings out the sweetness in the watermelon.

Get the Recipe: Watermelon Mint Salad

Smoked Zucchini

A fresh veggie side that doesn’t skimp on flavor. This smoked zucchini is tender, smoky, and ready in about 30 minutes.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Zucchini

Smoked Asparagus

Simple, smoky, and perfect with BBQ. This one’s a fast, healthy side that adds color and balance to the plate.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Asparagus

Smoked Pineapple

Sticky-sweet with caramelized edges, this side brings a tropical twist to your BBQ spread. It’s especially good next to pork.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Pineapple

Smoked Cauliflower

This easy veggie side gets tender inside with just the right amount of char on the edges. It’s smoky, simple, and surprisingly satisfying next to a pile of pulled pork.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower