Pork chops are versatile meat that is perfect for any season. It can be grilled, baked, fried, or roasted, and it’s always delicious.
When it comes to side dishes, there are so many options to choose from, and it can be overwhelming to decide what to serve with pork chops.
Whether you are going for a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a dinner party, the right-side dish can make all the difference.
In this blog, I will be discussing some quick and amazing dishes that will complement your pork chops perfectly.
These dishes are easy to prepare, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a hit with your family and guests. So, Let’s dig in.
What is pork chops? What do pork chops taste like?
Pork chops are thick, boneless cuts of pork that come from the loin area. They can be grilled, pan-fried, baked or slow-cooked.
The taste of pork chops is slightly sweet and savory, with a mild flavor that is similar to chicken but richer and more juicy.
When properly cooked, pork chops should be tender and juicy with a lightly crisped outer layer.
13 Best sides to serve with pork chops
1. Roasted Vegetables
Roasting vegetables is a simple and perfect way to add flavor and nutrition to your plate.
Some of the best vegetables to pair with pork chops are carrots, Brussels sprouts, zucchini, and bell peppers.
Simply mix them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the cookstove until tender and caramelized. This will give you a colorful and tasty side dish.
2. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are an ideal classic side dish that pairs well with any meat. They are simple to make and can be customized to your liking.
You can add butter, cream, garlic, chives, or cheese to make them more flavorful. The buttery texture of the mashed potatoes will accompany well with the crispy pork chops.
3. Green Beans Almandine
Green beans Almandine is a classic French side dish that is perfect for any occasion.
It is made by blanching the green beans and then tossing them with butter, garlic, lemon juice, and toasted almonds. This dish is light and refreshing and complements the flavor of the pork chops.
4. Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad is a perfectly refreshing and light side dish that accompanies well with pork chops.
It is made by slicing cucumbers and tossing them with a simple dressing made from vinegar, sugar, and salt. You can add sliced onions, tomatoes, or herbs to the salad to make it more flavorful.
5. Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are a hearty and savory side dish that will elevate your pork chops to the next level.
It is made by slicing potatoes and layering them in a baking dish with cream, cheese, and herbs. The dish is baked until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
The creamy texture of the scalloped potatoes pairs well with the crispy pork chops.
6. Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf is a fragrant and flavorful side dish that will complement your pork chops perfectly.
It is made by toasting rice in butter and then simmering it in broth with onions, garlic, and spices.
The dish is finished with toasted almonds or pine nuts and herbs. This is a simple yet elegant side dish that will impress your guests.
7. Braised Red Cabbage
Braised Red Cabbage is a tangy and slightly sweet side dish that pairs well with pork chops.
It is made by braising shredded cabbage in vinegar, sugar, and spices until tender. This dish can be made ready in advance and reheated before serving. (Recipe)
8. Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a perfect staple side dish that is ideal for summer barbecues. It is simple to prepare and can be cooked on the grill or boiled on the stove.
Present it with butter, salt, and pepper, or add some spices and cheese to make it more flavorful.
Discover More: 31 Best Side Dishes to Serve with Corn on the Cob
9. Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is a decadent and rich side dish that pairs well with pork chops.
It is made by sautéing spinach with garlic and cream until the spinach is wilted and the sauce is thickened.
The dish is finished with grated Parmesan cheese and nutmeg. This is a comforting and flavorful side dish that will satisfy your cravings.
10. Roasted Potatoes
Roasted potatoes are another classic side dish that goes well with pork chops.
Simply chop up some potatoes, toss them with olive oil and seasoning, & roast them in the cookstove until they’re crispy and golden brown.
11. Apple and Onion Jam
If you’re looking for something a little more unusual, try serving your pork chops with apple and onion jam.
This sweet and savory condiment is easy to make – simply cook some chopped apples and onions with sugar and cider vinegar until it’s thick and jammy.
12. Fried Rice
Fried rice is a great side dish that adds some Asian flair to your meal.
Simply cook some rice, then fry it up with some diced vegetables, scrambled eggs, and your favorite seasonings.
Explore More: 18 Perfect Complement to Spanish Rice: Top Side Dishes for Your Next Meal
13. Roasted Asparagus
Roasted asparagus is an absolutely simple and elegant side dish that accompanies well with pork chops.
Simply toss some asparagus with olive oil and seasoning, then roast in the oven until it’s tender and slightly charred.
What are the best flavors to go with pork chops?
When it comes to pork chops, one of the best flavors to pair it with is a juicy apple. Apples can help to sweeten the dish and bring out the flavor of the pork.
Additionally, spices such as oregano, rosemary, thyme and garlic are all excellent choices for flavoring your pork chops.
Try incorporating a bit of paprika or chili powder to give your dish an extra kick.
For a more savory flavor profile, consider trying something like sage or marjoram.
An acidic portion like lemon juice or vinegar can also be used to brighten up pork chops and make them even tastier.
Finally, don’t forget about sweetness – try adding honey for a hint of sweetness to your dish. All of these flavors combine beautifully with pork chops for an unforgettable meal!
How do you jazz up pork chops?
One way to jazz up pork chops is to marinate them in a mixture of oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices. This will give the pork chops great flavor and tenderness.
You can also pan-sear the pork chops in butter or olive oil to create a caramelized crust.
Another option is to slice up vegetables like onions or bell peppers and add them to the pan for a delicious stir-fry dish.
Finally, you could top your pork chops with a flavorful sauce like bbq or honey mustard for an extra kick of flavor!
Learn More: 13 World’s Best Pasta Side Dish for Pork Tenderloin
How do you display pork chops on a platter?
Serving pork chops on a platter is an easy and stylish way to present them.
For the best presentation, start by arranging the chops in a circular pattern on a large plate or round serving platter.
Place the leanest cut of meat at 12 o’clock, and then arrange the other pieces around it in a clockwise fashion.
To add color and texture, scatter colorful vegetables such as carrots, onions, potatoes, and peppers around the pork chops.
Decorate with sprigs of herbs like rosemary or thyme for an elegant touch.
Finally, drizzle some freshly squeezed lemon juice over the entire dish to bring out its juicy flavors. Serve immediately for a stunningly delicious meal your guests will love!
healthy sides for pork chops
Pork chops are absolutely a great source of protein and make for a delicious, hearty meal. To add more flavor to your pork chop dinner and balance out the flavors, here are seven healthy sides that pair perfectly with pork chops:
1. Roasted Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts are an excellent side dish for pork chops because their savory flavor adds a delicious complement to the richness of the pork.
Try roasting Brussels sprouts with garlic, olive oil, and sea salt for optimum flavor.
2. Sweet potato mash
Instead of mashed potatoes, try mashing sweet potatoes as a side for your pork chops.
Sweet potatoes offer a unique sweetness that pairs well with savory dishes such as pork chops. Add some grated nutmeg or cinnamon to give it an extra kick of flavor.
3. Sautéed green beans
If you’re looking for something light, sautéed green beans are a great option to pair with pork chops.
The bright green color provides a nice contrast against the golden-brown hue of the meat, while its mild taste adds enough flavor without overpowering the dish.
4. Squash medley
Create a colorful medley of squash varieties, such as butternut and acorn squash, for an eye-catching dish that’s both tasty and nutritious! (Recipe)
Squash is also high in vitamins A and C, which makes it a great addition to any dinner plate.
5. Sautéed mushrooms
Mushrooms add earthy tones to any dish they’re added to – especially when paired with pork!
Sauté mushrooms in butter or olive oil until they become golden brown; then, season with salt, pepper, thyme, or parsley for maximum flavor potential!
6. Roasted cauliflower
Cauliflower can be quite bland on its own, but when roasted in the oven, it becomes tender yet crunchy at the same time — perfect as an accompaniment to any entrée!
For more complexity in taste and texture, try adding diced red onions or bell peppers before roasting them in the oven with garlic and olive oil!
7. Baked apples
Give your dinner plate some sweet notes by baking apple slices in the oven mixed with cranberries and cinnamon.
This dessert-like side will provide just enough sweetness needed after enjoying such rich flavors from your pork chops!
Find Out More: 20 Creative Side Dishes to Serve with Teriyaki Pineapple Meatballs
Wrap Up on what to serve with pork chops.
Pork chops are delicious and versatile meat that can be paired with a variety of sides. The key to a great pork chop meal is to choose sides that complement the flavor and texture of the meat.
The 13 quick and amazing dishes that I shared in this blog post are easy to prepare, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a hit with your family and guests.
Whether you prefer roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or braised red cabbage, there is a side dish on this list that will satisfy your cravings.
So, next time you are wondering what to serve with pork chops, try one of these side dishes and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.
FAQs
How many pork chops per person?
It depends on the size of the pork chops and how much food your guests will eat.
Generally, a good rule of thumb is to plan for 1/2 pound of pork chops per person.
If you are serving large bone-in pork chops, this would be 1 chop per person. But if you are using boneless or thin-cut pork chops, plan for 2-3 chops per person.
For an 8-person gathering, it’s generally a good idea to prepare 16-24 total pork chops.
What to eat with pork chops for dinner?
Pork chops make for an incredibly versatile and delicious dinner option.
They can be cooked in multiple ways, from grilling to baking or pan-frying. And they go great with a variety of sides and sauces that will really bring out the flavor of the pork.
Consider pairing your pork chops with roasted potatoes and a light vinaigrette or creamy garlic sauce.
You could also combine it with seasonal vegetables like carrots and green beans to make a flavorful, hearty meal.
If you’re looking for something with a little more kick, try serving your pork chops with sweet potato fries and a spicy honey mustard sauce or chimichurri sauce for added flavor.
What vegetables go well with pork chops?
Pork chops are a delicious and versatile protein that goes well with many vegetables.
Roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, turnips, and sweet potatoes make an ideal accompaniment to pork chops, as they take on the flavor of the meat while adding additional texture and nutrients to the dish.
Sautéed greens like kale or spinach also pair nicely with pork chops, especially when cooked with savory aromatics like garlic or onions.
Other types of vegetables that go well with pork chops include squash (such as butternut or delicata), mushrooms (like shiitake or portobello), and bell peppers.
These ingredients can be roasted together in one pan for an easy sheet-pan dinner, sautéed on the stovetop for a quick weeknight dinner, or grilled alongside your pork chops for extra smoky flavor.
By combining flavorful herbs and spices, you can create a variety of dishes to enjoy with your pork chops that use whatever fresh produce is available in your area.
Best wine pair with pork chops
When it comes to pairing wines with pork chops, there are a few varieties that work especially well.
Here are five of the best wines to pair with your pork chops:
1. Merlot
Merlot is a full-bodied red wine that is the perfect companion for pork chops because of its smoothness and subtle fruit flavor.
The richness of Merlot pairs nicely with the savory flavors of the pork.
2. Chardonnay
A classic white wine choice that works exceptionally well with pork dishes, Chardonnay has a creamy texture and subtle oak flavors that elevate the flavors in your pork chops.
3. Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a medium-bodied red wine has earthy notes combined with tart berry flavors, making it a great complement to the succulence of pork chops.
4. Sauvignon Blanc
If you’re looking for a crisp white wine to enjoy alongside your pork chops, this is the one for you!
With its bright acidity and herbal complexity, Sauvignon Blanc adds a layer of sophistication to any meal involving pork dishes.
5. Zinfandel
Zinfandel is a bold and flavorful red wine that is ideal when paired with grilled or seared pork chops due to its spicy notes and mouth-watering depth of flavor.
The juicy tannins in Zinfandel are sure to bring out all the deliciousness in those delicious slabs of meat!
