40 Delicious Side Dishes That Pair Perfectly with Pork Roast
Pork loin roast, with its golden, tender crust and moist, supple center, might be the smartest meal to serve when you’re feeding a crowd. If you like pork chops or pork tenderloin, this large mild-mannered cut will be right up your alley. Though it calls for a longer cook time, pork loin is simple enough to cook on a weeknight and more economical than beef tenderloin or prime rib.
How to Buy Pork Loin
If you’re buying a pork loin roast for the first time, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. Loin roasts are typically between two and four pounds, and you’ll want to plan on about 8 ounces of meat per person. You may also see it labeled as center cut pork loin roast (a boneless cut), center cut pork roast, or center cut rib roast (a bone-in cut).
The Best Ways to Cook Pork Loin
When looking up recipes, it’s important to remember that pork loin is different than pork tenderloin, which is thinner and smaller. Pork loin roasts are larger and lend themselves to slow-roasting in the oven or being cooked in the slow cooker, rather than over high heat.
Plan your side dishes. The next challenge in serving a pork loin roast is what to serve on the side. Never fear! We’ve got 40 of our favorite side dishes that are not only easy to make, but also taste delicious alongside your perfectly cooked pork loin roast.
Best Potato Side Dishes for Pork Loin
What is pork loin except an excuse to make and eat mashed, roasted, or creamed potatoes? Sweet potatoes are no exception, and neither is a dish of crowd-pleasing scalloped potatoes.
Hearty Sides for Pork Loin
If a hearty, starchy side is where you’re leaning, remember that potatoes are not the only game in town. Creamy mashed cauliflower, hearty baked mac and cheese, or even a lush ladle of buttery grits will pair well.
Vegetables and Greens That Go with Pork Loin
Remember the roast is the star of the table, and sometimes it’s best to keeps the sides simple. You can’t go wrong with something fresh and vibrant, like broccolini (broccoli’s longer, slimmer cousin), crispy glazed Brussels sprouts, or a pan of punchy wilted kale.
Salads and Slaws for Pork Loin
If you want something green, but are looking to switch up your usual steamed- or roasted-veggie side dish lineup, may I suggest a salad or slaw? Try a warm salad with wilted greens and bacon (bonus points for a duo of pork!), a sweet and savory couscous salad, or perhaps a crunchy slaw featuring broccoli, cabbage, or Brussels sprouts. All of these options expertly balance out the juicy pork and rich potatoes on the plate.