Pork chops are a tasty main dish, but they need the right sides to make a complete meal. The perfect side dishes can take your pork chop dinner from good to great. You’ll find plenty of tasty options to pair with pork, from classic veggie sides to hearty grains and potatoes.
Choosing sides for pork chops doesn’t have to be hard. This list has 15 easy and yummy ideas to try. You’ll get tips on what flavors go well with pork and how to make your meal more filling. With these sides, you can turn simple pork chops into an amazing dinner.
Garlic mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with pork chops. You can easily make this creamy and flavorful side at home.
Start by boiling peeled potatoes until they’re tender. While they cook, sauté minced garlic in butter for a few minutes.
Drain the potatoes and mash them with milk, the garlic butter mixture, salt, and pepper. For extra richness, add some grated Parmesan cheese.
The result is a smooth, garlicky side that complements the savory taste of pork chops. It’s comfort food at its finest and sure to please everyone at your table.
Roasted asparagus is a tasty and healthy side dish for pork chops. It’s easy to make and brings a fresh, green element to your plate.
To prepare, wash and trim the asparagus spears. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Spread the asparagus on a baking sheet and roast in a hot oven for about 10-15 minutes. The tips should be slightly crispy and the stalks tender when done.
You can add extras like lemon zest, garlic, or Parmesan cheese for more flavor. Roasted asparagus complements the richness of pork chops nicely.
Apple coleslaw brings a fresh twist to pork chops. It mixes crisp cabbage with sweet and tart apples for a crunchy side dish. You can use different apple types to vary the flavors.
To make it, shred cabbage and carrots. Chop apples into thin slices. Mix them with a dressing of mayo, vinegar, and a touch of sugar. Add some celery seeds for extra flavor.
This slaw pairs well with sticky or grilled pork chops. The cool, crisp texture balances the meat nicely. It’s an easy way to add fruit and veggies to your meal.
Cornbread is a tasty side dish that goes well with pork chops. Its slightly sweet flavor balances the savory meat.
You can make cornbread from scratch or use a mix. Either way, it’s quick and easy to prepare.
Serve your cornbread warm with a pat of butter on top. For extra flavor, try adding corn kernels, cheese, or jalapeños to the batter before baking.
Cornbread soaks up juices and sauces from the pork chops, making every bite delicious. It’s also great for mopping up any leftover gravy on your plate.
Sautéed spinach is a quick and easy side dish that pairs perfectly with pork chops. You can make it in just a few minutes while your pork chops are resting.
Heat some olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Then toss in fresh spinach leaves.
Cook the spinach, stirring often, until it wilts down. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve your sautéed spinach hot alongside your pork chops for a nutritious and tasty meal.
Creamy polenta is a perfect side dish for pork chops. It’s smooth, rich, and comforting. To make it, cook cornmeal in water or milk until thick and creamy.
Add butter and Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. The soft texture of polenta nicely balances the savory pork chops.
You can customize your polenta by adding herbs or garlic. Serve it hot alongside your pork chops for a satisfying meal. The creamy polenta will soak up the juices from the meat, making every bite delicious.
Green bean almondine is a tasty side dish that pairs well with pork chops. To make it, blanch fresh green beans for 2-3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
In a skillet, toast sliced almonds until golden brown. Set them aside and melt butter in the same pan. Add minced garlic and the blanched green beans.
Sauté the beans for a few minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the top before serving.
This simple yet elegant side brings a nice crunch and nutty flavor that complements pork chops nicely. The green beans add color and nutrition to your plate.
Grilled peaches make a tasty side dish for pork chops. Cut ripe peaches in half and remove the pits. Brush the cut sides with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Place the peaches cut-side down on a hot grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes until grill marks appear. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
For extra flavor, brush the peaches with a mixture of maple syrup and olive oil before grilling. You can also add a sprinkle of brown sugar for sweetness.
Serve the grilled peaches warm alongside your pork chops. The sweet and smoky flavors complement the meat perfectly.
Buttered noodles are a simple yet tasty side dish for pork chops. You can make them quickly in one pan. Cook the noodles in boiling water until tender.
Drain the noodles and return them to the pan. Add butter and stir until melted and evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
For extra flavor, try adding herbs like parsley or chives. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. Buttered noodles complement the savory taste of pork chops nicely.
Brussels sprouts with bacon make a tasty side dish for pork chops. Start by cooking bacon in a skillet until crispy. Set the bacon aside and leave some grease in the pan.
Add Brussels sprouts to the skillet and cook until they turn golden brown. Stir them every few minutes to ensure even cooking.
Once the sprouts are tender, crumble the bacon and mix it in. The bacon adds a salty crunch that complements the sprouts’ flavor.
This side dish is quick to make and pairs well with pork chops. The combination of Brussels sprouts and bacon creates a savory blend that enhances your meal.
Sweet potato fries are a tasty twist on regular fries. They go great with pork chops. Their sweet flavor balances the savory meat nicely.
You can make them in the oven or air fryer for a healthier option. Cut sweet potatoes into thin strips and toss with a bit of oil and seasoning.
Bake until crispy on the outside and soft inside. Salt them right after cooking for extra flavor. Sweet potato fries add color and nutrition to your plate.
Mushroom risotto is a tasty side dish for pork chops. Its creamy texture and earthy flavor go well with the meat.
You can make this rice dish with different mushroom types. Try using button, shiitake, or porcini mushrooms for varied tastes.
The risotto’s richness balances the pork’s lean protein. It adds carbs to round out your meal. The combo gives you a filling and satisfying dinner.
For extra flavor, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top. Parsley or thyme work nicely. You can also add a splash of white wine while cooking the risotto.
Nutritional Benefits of Pork Chops
Pork chops are a nutrient-dense food that can be part of a healthy diet. They offer key nutrients to support your body’s needs.
Protein Content
Pork chops are an excellent source of protein. A 4-ounce serving gives you about 23 grams of protein. This is nearly half the daily protein needs for most adults.
Protein helps build and repair your muscles, bones, and other tissues. It also keeps you feeling full longer after meals.
Pork protein contains all nine essential amino acids your body can’t make on its own. This makes it a “complete” protein source.
Vitamins and Minerals
Pork chops provide many important vitamins and minerals. They’re rich in B vitamins, especially thiamin, niacin, and vitamin B12. These help your body turn food into energy.
You’ll also get good amounts of selenium, zinc, and phosphorus from pork chops. Selenium supports your immune system. Zinc aids in wound healing. Phosphorus works with calcium to build strong bones and teeth.
Pork chops contain some iron too. This mineral helps carry oxygen in your blood. It’s key for energy and brain function.
Pork chops taste great with both sweet and savory sides. Try pairing them with apple sauce or roasted sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness. For savory options, go for garlic mashed potatoes or sautéed green beans with bacon.
You can also mix sweet and savory in one dish. Maple-bacon Brussels sprouts are a perfect example. The maple syrup adds sweetness, while the bacon brings a smoky flavor.
Don’t forget about herbs and spices. Rosemary, thyme, and sage all go well with pork. A sprinkle of these on your sides can tie the whole meal together.
For a refreshing contrast, add a crisp salad. An apple cranberry pecan salad brings crunch and tartness to balance the rich pork chops.
