Porchetta, a delicious Italian roast made from a deboned pork loin, is one of the most popular dishes in Italy.
It’s an impressive and flavorful salted dish usually seasoned with herbs and spices, stuffed with garlic, rosemary, fennel, or other herbs, and slow-roasted for several hours until it’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside; that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course.
But what should you serve with this delicious dish? Let’s explore the best side dishes to pair with porchetta.
In a hurry, then know What to serve with Porchetta- Carbohydrates, Salads, Cheeses & Charcuterie, Grilled Vegetables, Roasted Potatoes, Wine, Caprese Salad, sauces, Italian Potato Salad, Warm Buttered Asparagus, Zucchini Noodles, sandwich, Sautéed Greens, Garlic Bread, Rice Pilaf, Roasted Root Vegetables, Focaccia Bread, Grilled Eggplant & Tomatoes, Sauteed Mushrooms, Parmesan Risotto, Braised Kale & Sausage, Garlic & Herb Roasted Carrots, Pan-Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Crispy Potatoes, Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Baked Zucchini Fries, Balsamic Roasted Tomatoes, Grilled Corn on the Cob, Warm Kale Salad, Green Beans Almondine, Greek Orzo Salad, Broccolini Charred Lemon, Carnaroli Rice Pilaf, Baked Onion Rings, and Roasted Rosemary Potatoes.
What is porchetta? What does porchetta taste like?
Porchetta is an Italian dish that has become more popular worldwide over the past few years. Garlic, rosemary, fennel, or other herbs may be used as stuffing.
It’s a delicious roast pork loin wrapped in pork belly, and it can be served as either a whole boneless cut of meat or sliced into pieces.
The taste of porchetta is likened to being bold, juicy, and full of flavor. It is suitable to eat hot or cold and is usually accompanied by a variety of side dishes like roasted potatoes.
23 Perfectly Complementing Your Porchetta with the Right Side Dishes in details
1. Carbohydrates
When it comes to carbohydrates on the side, there are a few options that pair well with porchetta.
One of the most traditional sides is polenta, which is a creamy cornmeal dish native to Northern Italy. Polenta goes especially well with porchetta because it has a mild flavor that compliments but doesn’t overpower the taste of the pork.
Other carbohydrate choices include roasted potatoes and roasted vegetables such as carrots, squash, and brussels sprouts. They go exceptionally well when cooked in a skillet together with olive oil and herbs for added flavor. Don’t forget about bread, either! A crusty loaf of Italian bread pairs nicely with this pork roast.
2. Salads
A salad is always a great way to add freshness to your meal and bring contrasting flavors to your plate. You can make a simple green salad by tossing together some greens (like spinach or kale), tomatoes, cucumbers, and other vegetables.
Or, try making an arugula salad seasoned lightly with olive oil and balsamic vinegar or lemon juice. You could also go for something more traditional, like an Italian chopped salad filled with lettuce, tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, and olives dressed in olive oil and red wine vinegar.
Other great options include fennel salads or warm potato salads dressed in balsamic vinaigrette or pesto dressing.
3.Cheeses & Charcuterie
Cheese can be the perfect accompaniment to any meal—and porchetta is no exception! Include cheeses such as pecorino romano (a hard cheese), ricotta salata (a semi-soft cheese), or mozzarella di bufala (a soft cheese).
As for charcuterie options, try prosciutto crudo (Italian cured ham), salami cotto (cooked salami) or pancetta (Italian bacon).
Both cheeses and charcuterie can be served sliced thin on top of crostini for an easy appetizer before dinner or as part of a larger platter alongside pickled vegetables and olives for guests to enjoy during cocktail hour.
4. Grilled Vegetables
Porchetta pairs well with grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, squash, and more.
The strong flavors of porchetta work well with lightly grilled vegetables, as they can add a bit of sweetness and crunch to the meal.
To make these side dishes even better, you can marinate them in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, or herbs before grilling them.
5. Porchetta with roasted vegetables
Roasted potatoes are another great option when it comes to pairing side dishes with porchetta. You can use any type of potato (such as red potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes) and toss them with your favorite herbs and spices before roasting them in the oven.
Whether you opt for squash, carrots, or peppers, adding roasted vegetables brings flavor and texture to pair with the juicy porchetta.
Incorporate herbs such as rosemary to really enhance the flavor of both components of the meal.
6. Wine
A good way to bring out the robust flavors of Porchetta is to pair it with wine; there are a variety of options that work well – from a bold Cabernet Sauvignon that enhances the juicy pork or a buttery Chardonnay for its subtle oak character.
With their contrasting tastes, wines can bring new dimensions to any porchetta dish. Not only does wine provide a balanced flavor pairing for porchetta, but it also makes for the perfect celebratory companion when sharing the dish with friends and family.
7. Caprese Salad
Caprese Salad is an Italian classic, and I’m pretty sure as a perfect pairing for porchetta. The fresh, vibrant ingredients of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil perfectly complement the herbed flavors and tender texture of the porchetta.
This salad comes together quickly using pantry staples; it’s perfect for serving with a meal like porchetta that is flavorful enough to stand on its own without needing a lot of fuss or additional accompaniments.
While porchetta can be enjoyed on its own, Caprese Salad adds a distinct brightness to this already delicious dish.
8. Enjoy Porchetta with Sauces
The succulent flavor is best finished with the perfect sauce to enhance it even further. Fortunately, there are several delicious sauces that would make the ideal companion for porchetta.
These include Aioli, which adds a garlicky and creamy twist; salsa verde, for a tangy addition; or tomato chutney, for a sweet and spicy bite. Turn your porchetta up to 11 by selecting any one of these wonderful sauces – you won’t regret it!
9. Italian Potato Salad
Porchetta makes an incredibly flavorful and juicy main course, and Italian Potato Salad provides the perfect accompaniment.
The zesty dressing in the potato salad is a delicious contrast to the robust flavors of the porchetta, creating a truly memorable meal.
With potatoes boiled until just tender, mixed with red onion, and seasoned with oregano, garlic, and balsamic vinegar, the hearty salad is an excellent example of simple Italian cooking at its best.
When served together with porchetta, these two dishes create an unforgettable dining experience that will leave everyone wanting more.
10. Warm Buttered Asparagus
A hint of lemon, fennel, and garlic tantalizes the palate and is roasted to perfection for maximum flavor. The bright color and crisp texture of the asparagus complement the succulent taste of the pork wonderfully – making this an unbeatable flavor combination.
Moreover, it is so easy to prepare these dishes at home that the entire meal is sure to be a hit – no matter how experienced or amateur a cook one may be.
11. Zucchini Noodles
Have Zucchini noodles with an Italian-themed meal, Porchetta, offering an inventive and delicious twist on this classic entrée.
Zucchini noodles are a nutritious and low-calorie alternative to other types of pasta like linguine or ravioli. The crunchy texture from the zucchini noodles pairs nicely with the succulent and savory flavors of the pork for a balanced meal that both looks and tastes amazing.
Whether you choose to serve them separately or toss them together just before serving, zucchini noodles make an excellent side for porchetta.
12. Sandwich- Simple; Still Classy
Porchetta is also wonderful served cold in a sandwich. Toast some crusty Italian bread and spread on a layer of tangy mustard before layering it with the sliced porchetta, some pickles, and crunchy iceberg lettuce for an irresistible sandwich that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
The bright acidity of the pickles and lemon juice creates an interesting balance between the fat and richness of the porchetta.
13. Sautéed Greens
A simple yet delicious side dish to go with porchetta, sautéed greens are cooked quickly in a pan with garlic and oil.
For added flavor, you can also add some fresh herbs or spices like oregano and red pepper flakes to the mix. Once cooked, serve alongside your porchetta for a comfortable way to get more greens into your diet.
14. Garlic Bread
Garlic perfectly blends with the saltiness of porchetta. The carb-filled side dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table, garlic bread, is always a safe bet!
Simply slice a loaf of Italian bread, brush on some garlic butter, then bake in the oven until golden brown. Serve up with porchetta for a comforting and delicious meal that’s sure to be a hit.
15. Carnaroli Rice Pilaf
For an easy side dish that goes great with porchetta, try This creamy Italian-style rice pilaf that is slowly simmered in chicken stock making it incredibly flavorful as well as comforting at mealtime!
Begin by rinsing one cup of Carnaroli rice several times under cold running water; place it into a saucepan along with 2 ½ cups chicken broth plus 1 tablespoon butter; bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low while stirring occasionally.
Cover pot tightly with a lid, then simmer gently for 20 -25 minutes – remove from heat once all liquid has been absorbed but do not open the lid yet so steam can finish cooking rice properly inside the pot; fluff finished pilaf gently using a fork before serving warm alongside porchetta slices!
16. Focaccia Bread
A must-have side dish to serve alongside porchetta is focaccia bread. Perfectly crisp on the outer side and soft on the inner side, this Italian-style flatbread pairs perfectly with pork dishes like porchetta.
Try making your own focaccia at home or buy pre-made from your local bakery for an easy way to add some extra flavor to your meal!
17. Grilled Eggplant & Tomatoes
Slice eggplant and tomatoes into thin slices and sprinkle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill them for about 10 minutes or until cooked through.
18. Sauteed Mushrooms
Heat a pan over moderate to high heat and add an appropriate amount of butter before adding mushrooms to the pan.
Cook, occasionally stirring, until they are lightly browned and cooked through – about 5 minutes.
19. Parmesan Risotto
Heat chicken stock in a pot to simmer, then gradually add to the risotto, stirring constantly. Add 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese and stir until creamy.
20. Braised Kale & Sausage
Heat a large saucepan over medium heat and add sausage links until they’re cooked through – about 10 minutes.
Remove from pan, then add kale along with garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and chicken stock; lid it and simmer for 15 minutes or until kale is tender.
21. Garlic & Herb Roasted Carrots
Preheat oven to 375°F. Toss carrots in a large bowl with olive oil, garlic, and herbs before spreading them on a baking sheet.
Roast for 30 minutes or until they are golden brown and soft when pierced with a fork.
22. Crispy Potatoes
Peel potatoes before cutting them into small cubes; toss in a bowl with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Heat the pan over moderate to high heat and add oil before adding potatoes to the pan; cook, occasionally stirring, until golden brown and crispy – 10 minutes or so.
23. Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Preheat oven to 375°F and mix together all ingredients in a bowl before spreading it into an 8×8 inch baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
24. Baked Zucchini Fries
Preheat oven to 425°F and cut zucchinis into thin strips. Mix together panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, in a shallow bowl before dipping each strip of zucchini into it, making sure to coat both sides. Place the strips on a baking sheet and bake them for at least 15 minutes or until golden brown.
25. Balsamic Roasted Tomatoes
Preheat oven to 375°F and toss halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper before roasting in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until lightly caramelized around the edges.
26. Warm Kale Salad
This healthy salad makes busy weeknight dinners easier to manage while providing an abundance of vitamins and minerals to round out your meal.
Start by massaging chopped kale leaves with salt until they soften, then add in cooked quinoa or farro along with diced apple slices or other seasonal fruits, roasted nuts or seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower, shredded cheese, and balsamic vinegar for dressing.
Toss everything together until evenly mixed before serving!
27. Green Beans Almondine
Green beans almondine adds a classic French flair to any meal and takes just minutes to prepare!
Blanch green beans in boiling salted water for 3-5 minutes until bright green and slightly tender; drain well, then sauté in butter with slivered almonds until lightly browned around the edges.
Finish off this simple side dish by adding freshly squeezed lemon juice over the top right before serving!
28. Greek Orzo Salad
The easiest Mediterranean-style salad combines two pantry staples – orzo pasta and canned chickpeas – into one flavorful side dish that complements porchetta perfectly!
Start by cooking the orzo according to package instructions; drain well, then mix it together with cooked chickpeas, chopped parsley, diced cucumbers & tomatoes (or any seasonal veggies you have on hand), feta cheese crumbles, kalamata olives (optional), red onion slices, olive oil & fresh lemon juice dressing – toss everything together for an instant burst of flavor!
29. Broccolini Charred Lemon
One of our favorite sides is broccolini charred lemon which gives this classic vegetable an extra boost of flavor from charring it over high heat on the stovetop!
Heat up some olive oil in a large skillet until very hot, then add broccolini florets (or cut broccoli) along with thinly sliced shallots; season generously with salt & pepper before cooking for about 5-7 minutes until crisp-tender and lightly charred around the edges – frequently stir, so vegetables don’t burn.
Finally, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top right before serving!
30. Baked Onion Rings
Who doesn’t love onion rings? This oven-baked version eliminates all unnecessary fat from deep frying without sacrificing any of its deliciousness whatsoever!
Peel 3 large sweet onions, then slice each one lengthwise into ½-inch thick rings; separate rings carefully, then place them into a shallow baking dish; mix together 1 cup of breadcrumbs, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, plus ¼ teaspoon of smoked paprika in a small bowl before sprinkling evenly over top of onion rings; finish off by drizzling 3 tablespoons of melted butter or olive oil over the entire dish – bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes until golden brown & crispy! Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
31. Roasted Rosemary Potatoes
An excellent pairing to porchetta is roasted rosemary potatoes!
Start by preheating the pan to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, then tossing quartered red potatoes with some olive oil, finely chopped fresh rosemary, salt & pepper on a large baking sheet; spread out across the pan and roast for a few minutes.
What is the best way to serve porchetta?
Serving porchetta is a great way to dazzle and impress your dinner guests. The best way to serve it is by breaking down the large piece into individual slices.
Remove the skin of the porchetta, then slice off one side, followed by thin cross-sections of the remaining meat. This results in individual medallions that are incredibly tender and packed with flavor.
When grilling, let each side cook until there is an even brown color before flipping over. Serve with a zesty Italian salsa verde or a crunchy slaw for an unforgettable meal!
FAQs
Is porchetta served hot or cold?
Porchetta is a traditional Italian dish composed of whole pork that has been deboned, seasoned with herbs and spices, then rolled, spit-roasted, and served.
Traditionally, porchetta is served hot, but it can also be eaten cold as part of a pasta or salad dish. As the meat has already been properly cooked and seasoned during the roasting process, its flavor remains whether it’s enjoyed hot or cold.
The delicious combination of flavors across the pork loin, belly, herbs, and spices make this a truly delectable dish, no matter its temperature.
Why is my porchetta not crispy?
Porchetta is a delicious Italian dish made from pork; however, sometimes, when trying to make it, one may find that their porchetta isn’t as crispy as they would like. This could be due to several factors.
Porchetta should be cooked on an open fire or in an oven at high heat – around 450 degrees F. If cooked too low or not on an open fire, then the pork won’t crisp up sufficiently.
Secondly, if the fat of the pork has not been properly removed, then it will also inhibit proper crisping.
Lastly, if excessive moisture is present prior to cooking, then this can lead to soggy porchetta because the moisture essentially steams off during the cooking process and prevents crisping of the exterior layer.
If encountering this issue, reviewing these points should help in making perfect and crispy porchetta!
How do you wrap porchetta?
Wrapping porchetta correctly is an important step to make sure the flavors of the pork, herbs, and spices remain locked in during cooking.
To achieve this, start by laying out a sheet of aluminum foil twice as large as your roast. Place a double layer of wax paper over the foil and add a layer, of course, salt, over it.
Add your porchetta on top of the salt and fold in the wax paper to cover it completely, then wrap it tightly in the aluminum foil to ensure even cooking throughout the meat. This wrapping technique should be followed when cooking porchetta in an oven or smoking it on a smoker or BBQ pit to ensure juicy goodness with every bite!