If you are wondering what to serve with grilled pork chops, we can definitely help you out! We have found the best 15 side dishes for grilled pork chops out there. They will all complement the juicy, salty, perfectly charred taste of your grilled pork chops. Pork chops have been popular since the 1600’s so some of these sides are true classics but some are fresh and new. What pork chops side dish will you like best? You’ll have to keep reading to find out!
Grilled Pork Chops
Before diving into the world of pork chop sides, it is good to know how we pick what dishes will go best with them. Grilled pork chops are smokey and meaty. They can be quite filling and tend to go best with a side dish that is lighter.
The saltiness of the pork pairs well with a sweet side dish. However, there are many savory options to choose from as well. Pork chops are mainly considered a protein. So, when you’re looking to make a balanced meal, you should opt for a starch or vegetable as a side dish. Now that you have a few “rules” for side dishes for pork chops, let’s take a look at some of our favorites.
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1. Brussels Sprouts
A simple, flavorful brussels sprouts dish always goes well with pork chops. Brussels sprouts are pungent and powerful so they complement the more mild flavor of the pork. This recipe from our site uses coconut oil, red pepper flakes, garlic, and lime juice as seasonings. All taste fantastic with juicy pork. While you can follow the recipe exactly and make the Brussels sprouts in a saute pan, you can also cook them in a grill pan alongside your pork chops.
2. Sweet Potato Fries
Salty pork chops taste delicious with a sweet side dish like crispy sweet potato fries. Sweet potatoes are peeled and sliced into strips. These fries from Cookie and Kate are baked in the oven. They’re incredibly crisp thanks to cornstarch which is brushed over them before baking. Add a touch of cayenne or ground black pepper to the fries to give them a sweet and spicy taste. Sweet potatoes are also considered to be quite healthy as they are loaded with antioxidants and fiber.
Image Source: Cookie and Kate
3. Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash soup has a wonderful, sweet, and nutty flavor that highlights the juicy meat. Our soup recipe is a perfect side dish to enjoy with your pork chops in the fall when squash is in season. Apple, coconut milk, and cinnamon are a few of the ingredients used in this recipe to highlight the sweetness of the butternut squash. Adding a bowl of this amazing soup to the table is a great way to make your pork chops dinner complete!
4. Mac and Cheese
A perfectly seared pork chop will taste fantastic with a side of white cheddar mac and cheese. The creamy, butter-loaded pasta is a nice contrast to the chewy meat. There are many recipes for mac and cheese that will be delicious but we love the white cheddar cheese used in our own recipe. White cheddar has a more powerful taste that will pair well with your pork chop dinner. This recipe is also easy to make so you can have the perfect side ready and on the table in just a matter of minutes.
5. Fresh Tomato Salad
If you are looking for lighter side dishes for your pork chops, a fresh tomato salad should definitely be on your list. This recipe from Spend with Pennies is made with sliced red onion, grape tomatoes, fresh herbs, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. Try adding fresh sliced bell peppers for an extra crunch and more flavor to tantalize your taste buds. This recipe is also very easy to prepare and comes together in just a few minutes.
Image Source: Spend with Pennies
6. French Onion Soup
French onion soup is warm, hearty, and full of peppery onion flavor. This recipe from The Cozy Cook is true soup perfection. Yellow onions and sweet onions are sliced then cooked with butter. Beef broth and chicken broth make up the majority of the soup but the gruyere cheese topping is what really makes it fantastic. The soft onions pair well with pork and make for a wonderful winter meal. You can also use a few red onions in the recipe which will add even more sweetness to the soup.
Image Source: The Cozy Cook
7. Rice Pilaf
Grilled pork chops are perfect to serve on top of a bed of white rice pilaf. This recipe from Life Made Simple is made with just a few spices, chicken broth, white rice, orzo, and butter. It is made in the Instant Pot so the rice will cook in under 30 minutes. Your dinner table will be complete in no time! Try adding a cup of chopped carrots or peas to the recipe to add a healthy veggie to the food. The cooking time for the pilaf will remain the same but your pork chops dinner will be more complete!
Image Source: Life Made Simple
8. Skillet Green Beans
It’s nice to have a crisp, fresh vegetable next to a big, meaty pork chop. This recipe from Healthy Seasonal Recipes for simple skillet green beans adds the perfect amount of color and flavor to your grilled pork dinner. Be sure to use fresh green beans rather than frozen to get the most crunchy veggie possible. Swap out the olive oil for butter to add a creamy coating, making delicious butter beans instead. Sometimes the simple recipes make the most incredible pork chop sides!
Image Source: Healthy Seasonal Recipes
9. Grilled Corn on The Cob
While you are grilling your chops, you should also make some grilled corn. Corn can be cooked right inside the husk to keep the veggie tender as it cooks. This recipe from Spend with Pennies shows tips on how to soak the cob first thereby locking in the moisture and keeping that great, sweet flavor. It is one of the secrets to making perfect grilled corn! Corn and pork chops are a wonderful pairing.
Image Source: Spend with Pennies
10. Potato Salad
Creamy potato salad is one of the best side dishes for pork chops. We love this potato salad from A Spicy Perspective. Mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, paprika, and celery seed are a few of the ingredients that make this recipe perfect. Sprinkle in some shredded cheddar cheese for a whole new take on potato salad. You can also add a scoop of sour cream for a tangy version. Make your salad a day in advance to really let the flavors blend together well and to help soften the potatoes.
Image Source: A Spicy Perspective
11. Homemade Applesauce
Homemade applesauce may be a delicious side dish to pair with your pork chops but it is also an amazing spread on top of the grilled pork. In fact, the acidity of the apple aids in the digestion of fatty pork. It’s delicious and scientific! This applesauce recipe from Cook Fast, Eat Well uses brown sugar to make the apple sauce and tastes wonderful with salty pork chops. The subtle taste of cinnamon will add a more warm, spicy taste as well. You will definitely be a fan of this recipe! In addition to being a great side, it is also a perfect dessert or snack so be sure to make some extra.
Image Source: Cook Fast, Eat Well
12. Corn Pudding
While your pork grills, you can bake a tender, fluffy corn pudding to serve with your dinner. This recipe from Bare Feet in The Kitchen starts with canned creamed corn rather than fresh corn. This makes it a great, year-round recipe. There is also a gluten-free ingredient option written into the recipe so that everyone can enjoy pudding and pork. Dice a few jalapenos and add them to the recipe to give the pudding a little bit of a kick. Dishes that you can customize to suit your tastes are always the best!
Image Source: Bare Feet in The Kitchen
13. Caesar Salad
Caesar salad is one of the most simple dishes that you can make to go with pork chops. Crisp lettuce and creamy dressing taste delicious next to a tender pork chop. There are thousands of caesar recipes out there but we like this recipe from Once Upon a Chef which shows you how to make a homemade dressing. Garlic, anchovy paste, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and mayonnaise are mixed together to create a perfect blend of flavors.
Image Source: Once Upon a Chef
14. Vegetable Fried Rice
This recipe is a perfect way to combine a starch and a vegetable, making a complete meal when served alongside your pork chops. Fried rice is a classic Asian dish that will taste great with a soy sauce marinated pork chop. Carrots, onions, peas, garlic, and scrambled eggs are the main components in this delicious dish from Gimme Some Oven. Feel free to skip one of the veggies if you prefer. More carrots and fewer peas will still be great!
Image Source: Gimme Some Oven
15. Cheddar Cheese Buttermilk Biscuits
Cheesy biscuits are one of the best side dishes for pork. The rich cheese and buttery biscuit will complement the juicy pork. While this side dish is great served next to pork, you can also opt to slice the biscuits in half and make pork chop sandwiches! Your pork chop feast will be complete with this recipe from Jo Cooks.
Image Source: Jo Cooks
There are so many amazing ideas and recipes that you can try when you make your next pork chop meal. From potatoes to simple salads, there are recipes that everyone will love. So pick a few of these side dishes, give a new recipe a try and go have some fun in the kitchen as you test out which you like best. You now have a few new food options to choose from when you are thinking about the best dishes and sides to serve with your pork meal. Let us know which food is your favorite and which recipe you enjoyed the most with your pork chop meals. Enjoy!
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