Pork chops are a tasty main dish, but choosing the right sides can take your meal to the next level.
From veggies to starches, there are many options that pair well with pork.
The best side dishes complement the flavors of pork while adding variety to your plate.
This article will explore over 16 different side dishes you can serve with pork chops. You’ll find ideas for vegetables, potatoes, grains, and more.
Whether you like simple classics or want to try something new, you’ll discover sides to make your pork chop dinner complete.
1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes are a perfect side dish for pork chops. They add creamy, savory goodness to your meal.
To make them, boil peeled potatoes until tender.
Mash the potatoes with butter, milk, and roasted garlic. Add salt and pepper to taste. For extra flavor, mix in some grated Parmesan cheese.
These potatoes complement the rich taste of pork chops well. You can make them ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve. This makes dinner prep easier on busy nights.
2. Honey Glazed Carrots
Honey glazed carrots make a perfect side dish for pork chops. They add a touch of sweetness that pairs well with savory pork.
To make them, you’ll need carrots, honey, butter, and a pinch of salt. Cut the carrots into sticks or rounds, whichever you prefer.
Cook the carrots in a pan with melted butter until they start to soften. Then add honey and let it caramelize, coating the carrots.
The result is a colorful, flavorful side that complements your pork chops beautifully. The natural sweetness of the carrots is enhanced by the honey glaze.
This dish is easy to prepare and can be ready in about 15 minutes. It’s a great way to add both color and flavor to your plate.
3. Lemon Herb Asparagus
Lemon herb asparagus makes a perfect side for pork chops. You can easily roast asparagus with lemon zest, olive oil, and herbs like parsley or dill.
The bright, tangy flavors complement the richness of pork chops nicely. Asparagus cooks quickly, so it’s ready in about the same time as your chops.
For extra flavor, add some minced garlic or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before roasting. The lemon and herbs keep this side light and fresh tasting.
You can cook asparagus right in the same pan as your pork chops to save on dishes. Just add it during the last few minutes of cooking time.
4. Creamy Spinach Gratin
Creamy spinach gratin is a tasty side dish that goes well with pork chops. You can make it with fresh spinach, cream, and cheese. It has a rich flavor and smooth texture.
To prepare, cook spinach with garlic and onions. Mix in cream and cream cheese for extra richness. Top with grated cheese and bake until golden brown.
This side dish adds a touch of elegance to your pork chop meal. The creamy spinach complements the savory meat perfectly. It’s sure to impress your dinner guests.
5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze make a tasty side dish for pork chops. To make this, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
Place trimmed Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss to coat evenly.
Roast the sprouts for about 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. While they cook, prepare a quick balsamic glaze.
Mix balsamic vinegar and brown sugar in a small pan. Simmer it over medium-low heat for 20-30 minutes until it thickens. Drizzle the glaze over your roasted sprouts before serving.
This sweet and savory combo pairs perfectly with juicy pork chops.
6. Maple Bacon Green Beans
Maple bacon green beans are a tasty side dish for pork chops. You can make them easily on your stovetop in about 15 minutes.
Start by cooking some bacon pieces until crispy. Set the bacon aside and use the same pan to cook fresh green beans until tender-crisp.
Add maple syrup, crumbled bacon, and a splash of lemon juice to the beans. Toss everything together to coat the beans in the sweet and savory flavors.
This side dish combines crispy, salty bacon with sweet maple and fresh green beans. The flavors go great with pork chops for a delicious meal.
7. Parmesan Crusted Cauliflower
Parmesan crusted cauliflower is a tasty side dish that pairs well with pork chops. It features tender cauliflower florets coated in a crispy, golden Parmesan cheese crust.
To make this dish, you’ll coat cauliflower pieces in a mixture of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Then bake them until they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
The cheesy crust adds flavor and crunch, while the cauliflower provides a mild, slightly nutty taste. This side dish offers a nice contrast to juicy pork chops.
It’s a great way to add more vegetables to your meal in a delicious form. The crispy texture and savory flavor make it appealing even to picky eaters.
8. Apple Walnut Salad with Vinaigrette
This fresh and crunchy salad pairs perfectly with pork chops. You’ll love the mix of sweet apples, nutty walnuts, and tangy vinaigrette.
Start with a bed of mixed greens like spinach, arugula, and romaine. Add thinly sliced apples – Granny Smith, Gala, or Honeycrisp work great. Toss in some toasted walnuts for crunch.
For extra flavor, include crumbled feta or sharp cheddar cheese. A sprinkle of dried cranberries adds a sweet-tart pop.
Dress the salad with a simple maple balsamic vinaigrette. The sweet-savory dressing ties all the flavors together nicely. This bright salad balances out rich, hearty pork chops.
9. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Cheesy scalloped potatoes are a perfect side dish for pork chops. They add creamy comfort to your meal.
To make them, layer thinly sliced potatoes in a baking dish.
Pour a mixture of melted butter, heavy cream, and seasonings over the potatoes. Sprinkle shredded cheese between layers for extra flavor.
Bake the potatoes at 375°F until tender, about 45 minutes. The top should be golden brown and bubbly. Serve these cheesy potatoes alongside your juicy pork chops for a satisfying dinner.
10. Sautéed Garlic Mushrooms
Sautéed garlic mushrooms make a tasty side dish for pork chops.
To make them, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they start to brown.
Toss in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can add herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor.
These mushrooms pair well with pan-seared or grilled pork chops. The savory, garlicky flavor complements the meat nicely. Serve the mushrooms on top of or alongside your pork chops for a simple but delicious meal.
11. Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is a tasty side dish that goes well with pork chops.
You can make it by layering sliced sweet potatoes in a baking dish.
Season the sweet potatoes with salt and pepper. Add some sliced onions and fresh thyme for extra flavor.
Place your pork chops on top of the sweet potato layers. Pour a mixture of apple juice and maple syrup over everything.
Bake the casserole in the oven until the pork is cooked and the sweet potatoes are tender. The sweet and savory flavors blend nicely in this simple one-pan meal.
12. Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Brown sugar glazed carrots make a tasty side dish for pork chops. They add a touch of sweetness to your meal. The carrots become soft and glistening with a caramelized coating.
To make them, you’ll need baby carrots, butter, light brown sugar, and honey. Cook the carrots until tender, then add the sweet ingredients to create a glaze. The result is carrots with a melt-in-your-mouth quality.
This side dish is quick to prepare and goes well with many pork chop recipes. The sweetness of the carrots complements the savory pork nicely. You can easily adjust the sweetness to your liking by changing the amount of brown sugar.
13. Balsamic Roasted Vegetables
Balsamic roasted vegetables make a tasty side dish for pork chops. This combo brings out rich flavors that complement the meat perfectly.
To make them, chop up your favorite veggies like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and bell peppers. Toss them with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Spread the veggies on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes. Stir halfway through cooking.
The balsamic vinegar caramelizes as it cooks, giving the vegetables a sweet and tangy taste. The roasting process brings out their natural sweetness too.
This colorful and flavorful side dish pairs well with any pork chop recipe. It’s an easy way to add more veggies to your meal.
14. Cranberry Almond Coleslaw
Cranberry almond coleslaw adds a tasty twist to the classic side dish. It pairs perfectly with pork chops, adding crunch and bright flavors to your meal.
To make it, mix shredded cabbage with dried cranberries and sliced almonds. Toss with a creamy dressing made from mayo, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of sugar.
The sweetness of the cranberries balances the tangy dressing. The almonds give a nice crunch. This colorful slaw brings freshness to rich pork chops.
You can prepare this slaw ahead of time. The flavors blend as it chills in the fridge. Serve it cold for a refreshing contrast to hot pork chops.
15. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob is a perfect side for pork chops. Its sweet flavor balances the savory pork nicely.
Grilling adds a smoky taste that complements the meat. It’s easy to make too. Just brush the corn with butter and grill until lightly charred.
You can keep it simple with salt and pepper. Or try sprinkling on some chili powder for extra flavor.
Corn is great for summer meals. It’s fun to eat and pairs well with outdoor cooking. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults enjoy.
16. Wild Rice Pilaf
Wild rice pilaf is a tasty side dish for pork chops. It adds a nutty flavor and interesting texture to your meal.
You can make wild rice pilaf in the same skillet as your pork chops. This saves time and dishes. Cook the chops first, then set them aside while you prepare the rice.
Add butter and mushrooms to the pan for extra flavor. The mushrooms will brown nicely in the leftover pork juices.
Wild rice takes longer to cook than white rice. Plan for about 45-50 minutes of cooking time. The nutty taste of the wild rice complements the savory pork chops well.
Nutritional Considerations
Picking the right sides for pork chops can boost your meal’s nutrition. Good choices give you more vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Balancing Flavors and Textures
Pick sides that complement pork chops’ rich flavor. Acidic foods like apple slaw or roasted tomatoes cut through the fat.
Crunchy veggies like green beans or broccoli add texture. Whole grains like quinoa or brown rice give fiber and B vitamins.
Try this mix:
- 1/2 plate non-starchy veggies
- 1/4 plate whole grains
- 1/4 plate pork chop
This balance gives you a full range of nutrients.
Health Benefits of Variety
Eating different sides with pork chops ups your nutrient intake. Colorful veggies have antioxidants that fight disease.
Leafy greens give you iron and calcium. Sweet potatoes add vitamin A for eye health.
Some healthy pairings:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts (vitamin C, fiber)
- Baked sweet potato (vitamin A, potassium)
- Sautéed spinach (iron, folate)
Mix it up each time you eat pork chops. You’ll get more nutrients and enjoy new flavors.
Cooking Techniques for Side Dishes
Mastering different cooking methods will help you create tasty sides for pork chops. These techniques bring out unique flavors and textures in your dishes.
Roasting and Grilling
Roasting veggies in the oven brings out their natural sweetness. Cut veggies into even-sized pieces for uniform cooking.
Toss them with oil, salt, and pepper before spreading on a baking sheet.
Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Grilling adds a smoky flavor to sides. Use a grill basket for smaller items like green beans or carrots.
Brush veggies with oil and season before grilling.
Cook over medium-high heat, turning often. Grilling time varies, but most veggies are done in 5-10 minutes.
Steaming and Sautéing
Steaming keeps nutrients intact and produces crisp-tender veggies. Use a steamer basket or colander over simmering water, but don’t let the water touch the food.
Steam times vary. Broccoli takes 5-7 minutes, while denser veggies like carrots need 10-12 minutes. Test with a fork for doneness.
Sautéing is quick and adds flavor. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat, then add veggies and stir often.
Cook tender veggies like zucchini for 3-5 minutes. Firmer ones like bell peppers need 5-7 minutes. Add garlic or herbs at the end to avoid burning.