25+ Satisfying Sides to Serve with Pork Chops
Like chicken breasts, pork chops are an easy, crowd-pleasing weeknight staple that you can really never go wrong with. My favorite pork chops are cooked up in the oven, with nothing but a quick brine and a sprinkle of salt and pepper (although there’s no shortage of ways to cook pork chops, including on the grill or in the slow cooker, Instant Pot, and air fryer). Cooking them is often the easy part, but deciding on the best sides for pork chops is the trickier part of the dinner equation.
The good news, however, is that since pork chops are a lean meat with a mild taste, they can be paired with just about any side. From roasted potatoes to a skillet of sautéed kale to fluffy mint-infused rice, here are some of our favorite sides that we turn to every time we’re making pork chops.
Try One of Our Favorite Pork Chops Recipes
Vegetables
Meaty pork chops feel more like a well-rounded dinner when they are paired with a cooked vegetable — whether it’s roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed spinach. Any of these sides will balance out the plate.
Salads
Or opt for something even lighter and brighter by serving pork chops with a salad. These iterations are interesting enough that might steal some attention away from the meat.
Potatoes
Pork chops and potatoes are commonly served together, and it’s easy to understand why. Whether you crave white spuds or sweet potatoes, these recipes want to buddy up with your chops.
Rice and Pasta
Simple pasta and grain sides also pair well with pork chops. Instead of cooking up just a plain pot of rice, however, try something with a bit more spunk, like an orzo salad filled with roasted veggies, couscous infused with smoked paprika, or barley flecked with sage.