Pork chops are a tasty and versatile main dish. They can be cooked in many ways, from grilling to pan-frying.

But to make a full meal, you need good side dishes to go with them.

The right sides can turn pork chops into a complete and satisfying dinner. This article will show you 15 delicious options to serve with your pork chops.

You’ll find ideas for veggies, starches, and other tasty sides that pair well with pork.

1. Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy garlic mashed potatoes are a perfect side for pork chops. You can make them easily at home with just a few ingredients.

Start by boiling peeled potatoes until tender. Drain and mash them with butter, milk, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream. Whip the potatoes until smooth and fluffy.

The garlic flavor pairs well with pork and adds a savory kick. These mashed potatoes are comforting and filling, making them great for a hearty meal.

2. Apple and Cranberry Coleslaw

This tangy and sweet coleslaw is a perfect match for pork chops. It combines crisp apples and tart cranberries with crunchy cabbage.

To make it, shred green and red cabbage. Add julienned apples and dried cranberries. Mix in some finely chopped red onion for extra flavor.

For the dressing, whisk together mayo, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of honey. Pour it over the slaw and toss well. Let it chill for an hour before serving.

This refreshing side adds a burst of flavor and texture to your pork chop meal. The sweetness of the apples balances nicely with the savory chops.

3. Parmesan Roasted Asparagus

Parmesan roasted asparagus is a tasty side dish for pork chops. It’s easy to make and adds a nice crunch to your meal.

To prepare it, toss asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Roast the asparagus in a hot oven until tender and the cheese is melted. The tips will get crispy, and the stalks will stay juicy.

This side dish cooks quickly, so you can make it while your pork chops rest. It’s a simple way to add green veggies to your plate.

4. Maple Glazed Carrots

Maple glazed carrots make a sweet and savory side dish for pork chops. You can easily prepare them while your pork chops cook.

Start by peeling and slicing carrots into sticks. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast the carrots in the oven until they’re tender.

In a small pan, mix maple syrup with a touch of butter. Heat this mixture until it bubbles. Pour the glaze over your roasted carrots and toss to coat evenly.

The result is a colorful side dish with a perfect balance of sweetness from the maple and earthiness from the carrots. It pairs wonderfully with savory pork chops.

5. Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Balsamic Brussels sprouts make a tasty side dish for pork chops.

To prepare them, toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast in a hot oven until tender and crispy.

Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the sprouts during the last few minutes of cooking. This adds a tangy sweetness that complements the pork chops nicely.

You can roast the Brussels sprouts on the same pan as your pork chops for easy cleanup. Just add them to the pan about 15-20 minutes before the pork is done. The result is a flavorful veggie side that pairs perfectly with your main dish.

6. Cheddar and Chive Biscuits

Cheddar and chive biscuits are a tasty side for pork chops. These savory treats add a nice contrast to the meat.

The biscuits are easy to make. You can whip them up while your pork chops cook. They’re best served warm from the oven.

The sharp cheddar cheese gives a rich flavor. Fresh chives add a mild onion taste. Together, they create a perfect match for pork.

These biscuits are soft inside with a slightly crisp outside. Their buttery taste goes well with the juicy pork chops.

You can make extra biscuits to use for breakfast the next day. They’re great on their own or split and filled with eggs or bacon.

7. Honey Butter Cornbread

Honey butter cornbread is a sweet and savory treat that pairs perfectly with pork chops. This golden bread adds a touch of sweetness to your meal.

To make it, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add eggs, milk, and melted butter. Pour the batter into a baking dish and bake until golden brown.

While it’s still warm, spread a mixture of honey and softened butter on top. The honey butter melts into the bread, making it extra moist and flavorful.

This cornbread is great for soaking up any juices from your pork chops. You’ll love the combination of sweet and salty flavors in every bite.

8. Garlic Parmesan Green Beans

Garlic Parmesan green beans make a tasty side dish for pork chops. You can prepare them quickly and easily.

Start by washing and trimming fresh green beans. Blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until they’re bright green and crisp-tender.

In a pan, sauté minced garlic in butter or olive oil. Add the blanched green beans and toss to coat. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the beans and stir until melted.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice or some red pepper flakes. Serve hot alongside your pork chops for a delicious meal.

9. Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole is a tasty side dish that pairs well with pork chops. It combines soft, creamy sweet potatoes with a crunchy topping.

To make it, mash cooked sweet potatoes with butter, milk, and spices. Spread the mixture in a baking dish. Top it with a mix of brown sugar, flour, butter, and chopped pecans.

Bake the casserole until the topping is golden and crispy. The contrast between the smooth potatoes and crunchy topping is delicious.

This side dish adds a touch of sweetness to balance savory pork chops. It’s perfect for fall dinners or holiday meals.

10. Zesty Lemon Broccoli

Zesty lemon broccoli is a tasty and bright side dish for pork chops. Steam fresh broccoli florets until crisp-tender.

Toss the cooked broccoli with olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic. Add salt and pepper to taste.

This side brings a fresh, citrusy flavor that pairs well with savory pork chops. The lemon adds a nice zing without overpowering the meal.

You can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. This quick and easy side dish takes just minutes to prepare.

11. Rosemary Roasted Potatoes

Rosemary roasted potatoes make a perfect side dish for pork chops.

Cut Yukon gold potatoes into 1-inch pieces for even cooking. Toss them with olive oil, crushed dried rosemary, garlic-pepper blend, and paprika.

Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F. They’ll need about 30-35 minutes total. Flip them halfway through for even browning.

The result is crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside potatoes with a savory rosemary flavor. They complement the pork chops beautifully. For extra flavor, you can add some Dijon mustard to the seasoning mix.

12. Savory Herb Rice Pilaf

Rice pilaf makes a tasty side for pork chops. You can make it easily using a packet of savory herb soup mix. This adds lots of flavor without much effort.

To cook the pilaf, start by sautéing the rice in butter. This gives it a nice golden color and nutty taste. Then add water and the soup mix.

For extra flavor, try adding some fresh herbs like parsley or dill. You can also toss in some veggies like peas or diced carrots.

The pilaf’s herby, savory notes complement pork chops perfectly. It’s a simple but delicious pairing for your meal.

13. Tangy Red Cabbage Slaw

Tangy red cabbage slaw is a tasty side dish for your pork chops. You’ll love the mix of crunchy cabbage and sweet carrots. The dressing adds a nice zing with vinegar, sugar, and honey.

This slaw is easy to make and adds color to your plate. It balances the richness of pork chops with its fresh, crisp texture. The sweet and sour flavors complement the meat well.

You can prepare this slaw ahead of time. It tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a bit. Serve it cold for a refreshing contrast to hot pork chops.

14. Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Maple bacon Brussels sprouts are a tasty side dish for pork chops. You can make them easily at home.

Start by cooking chopped bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove the bacon but keep the grease in the pan.

Add halved Brussels sprouts to the bacon grease. Cook them until they start to brown.

Mix in some maple syrup and brown sugar for sweetness. Stir in salt and pepper to taste.

Cook the sprouts for 8-10 minutes until soft. Add the crispy bacon back in during the last couple minutes.

This side dish combines sweet, salty, and smoky flavors that go great with pork chops.

15. Classic Caesar Salad

A classic Caesar salad is a great side for pork chops. The crisp romaine lettuce and tangy dressing complement the rich meat.

To make it, toss romaine with Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese. The creamy dressing has a zesty flavor from anchovies, garlic, and lemon juice.

You can add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a heartier meal. For a twist, try using kale instead of romaine or adding bacon bits.

Serve your Caesar salad cold alongside hot pork chops for a tasty contrast of temperatures and textures.

Pairing Pork Chops with Sides

Picking the right sides can take your pork chop dinner to the next level. The key is finding complementary flavors and textures that enhance the pork without overpowering it.

Balancing Flavors

Choose sides that balance the rich, savory taste of pork chops. Acidic or sweet flavors work well to cut through the fat. Try pairing your chops with:

• Tangy apple slaw
• Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Grilled peaches

For a zesty kick, serve pork chops with a side of pickled vegetables or a vinegar-based potato salad. Creamy sides like mac and cheese or risotto also pair nicely by adding richness.

Considering Seasonality

Match your sides to the season for the freshest flavors.

In summer, opt for:

• Grilled corn on the cob
• Tomato and cucumber salad
• Steamed green beans

For fall and winter, try:

• Roasted root vegetables
• Butternut squash soup
• Braised red cabbage

Spring calls for lighter sides like asparagus, peas, or a mixed green salad. Using seasonal produce ensures your sides are at peak flavor and nutritional value.

Nutritional Considerations

Choosing the right sides can help balance your pork chop meal. Some options boost protein, while others keep carbs low.

High Protein Pairings

Beans make a great protein-rich side for pork chops. Try black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas. They add fiber too.

Greek yogurt is another protein powerhouse. Use it as a base for dips or sauces. Mix in herbs for extra flavor.

Quinoa packs a protein punch. It’s a good swap for rice or pasta. Cook it in broth for more taste.

Lentils are cheap and full of protein. They cook fast and go well with pork. Add spices like cumin or paprika.

Low-Carb Options

Roasted veggies are tasty and low in carbs. Try broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts.

Toss with olive oil and garlic before cooking.

Zucchini noodles replace pasta for fewer carbs. Top with a light sauce or just olive oil and herbs.

Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb sub for regular rice. It soaks up flavors well.

Season it like you would normal rice.

A simple green salad is always a good low-carb choice. Add nuts or seeds for crunch.

Use a light dressing to keep carbs down.