When serving pork chops, it’s essential to have a few delectable side dishes up your sleeve. Pork can sometimes be a bit bland if not cooked just right, and overcooking can make it tough and flavorless. That’s why having some tasty accompaniments to fall back on is crucial. With the perfect side dish, you can elevate your pork chops from average to extraordinary. Our top 13 picks for mouthwatering side dishes are guaranteed to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Vegetable Wrap
When it comes to pairing side dishes with succulent pork chops, one often overlooked option is a flavorful vegetable wrap. This whole grain tortilla is stuffed with a trio of nutrient-dense ingredients: peppery arugula, tender asparagus, and meaty portobello mushroom caps. The real pièce de résistance, however, is the balsamic mayonnaise – a tangy and rich condiment that beautifully complements the natural juices of the pork.
What sets this wrap apart from other healthy options is its impressive nutritional profile. With a low calorie count and generous serving of vegetables, it’s an excellent choice for those looking to fuel their bodies without sacrificing flavor. And let’s not forget the added boost of protein courtesy of the goat cheese and substantial veggie filling – making it an ideal solution for a satisfying lunch or dinner. The best part?
This wrap is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort and time to whip up. So go ahead, give it a try, and experience the perfect harmony of flavors and textures that this pork chop side dish has to offer.
Cheesy Fries
While many people may associate cheesy fries with carnival or state fair treats, our recipe takes a healthier approach. Rather than loading up on cheese and frying oil, we’ve created a nutritious version that’s perfect for accompanying pork chops. The key is to roast the potatoes until crispy, add just the right amount of cheese, and then top it all off with some crunchy bacon and tangy pickled jalapenos.
This simple homemade recipe not only tastes great, but it also keeps total calories in check.
Spicy Potato Skins
Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy pork chop paired with crispy potato skins – it’s a match made in heaven! But why reserve this indulgent combo for special occasions when you can enjoy it as a regular dinner option? The classic trio of potato, cheese, and bacon has taken over menus across the nation, transforming from a simple snack to an all-out caloric invasion.
And yet, despite its high calorie count, this comfort food staple remains a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re grabbing happy hour or settling in for game day. So why not make it a regular occurrence? By opting for a lower-calorie version of this beloved dish, we can indulge without the guilt.
Macaroni And Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved comfort food that never fails to satisfy. Its creamy goodness pairs perfectly with a variety of meats, making it an excellent accompaniment to tender pork chops. This recipe offers a healthier take on the classic dish, as most mac and cheese options can be detrimental to a balanced diet. Comfort foods don’t get much better than this staple, which has undergone countless variations over the years, including additions like chiles, bacon, or non-fat cheese.
Despite these modifications, our go-to recipe remains a béchamel-based sauce with an abundance of Cheddar cheese and a touch of yogurt for the ideal consistency. This variation is remarkably low in calories, clocking in at under 400 per serving.
French Onion Soup
The rich flavor of roasted or grilled pork finds its perfect match in the unexpected yet charming taste of French onion soup (see also ’23 Of The Most Popular American Soups’). When cooking pork next, consider giving this recipe a try and indulging in the tears-of-joy-inducing experience that comes with chopping onions. It’s not about the time it takes to make good French onion soup, but rather the patience required to resist the urge to cry while slicing through five onions.
And let’s be real, wouldn’t you prefer dealing with a few sentimental tears at home than settling for an overpriced and unfulfilling bowl of soup in a restaurant that’s loaded with sodium and saturated fat – equivalent to eight packets of chips? This homemade version, boasting fewer calories and a healthier profile, is the ultimate comfort food.
Butternut Squash Soup
If you’re looking for a new favorite dish to pair with pork chops, this butternut squash soup might be the perfect answer. Its creamy texture sets it apart from traditional broth-based soups. As a seasonal ingredient, butternut squash is best enjoyed during fall and winter months, making it a great addition to your supper meal plans. Not only does it offer an unparalleled taste experience, but it’s also a nutritional powerhouse packed with vitamins A, fiber, and omega-3s.
With its impressive health benefits and delicious flavor, butternut squash soup truly stands out as the best vegetable soup option.
Veggie Fried Rice
Preparing vegetarian rice and eggs as a side dish for pork chops has never been more motivating than knowing that you can easily recreate the flavors of your favorite Asian restaurant – complete with crispy pork strips. The best part? This recipe is incredibly low-maintenance, requiring only a few simple steps to achieve a delicious outcome.
The key to making healthy fried rice is to load up on vegetables and make them the stars of the show.
Simply chop any hard veggies you have on hand into uniform pieces so they cook evenly, then get creative with your combination.
Unlike traditional scrambled eggs, which can sometimes become overpowered by soy and grains in the dish, this veggie fried rice shines when topped with a single, freshly cracked egg – allowing you to savor that rich yolk to its fullest extent. So go ahead, get cooking, and enjoy every bite of this satisfying side dish.
Honey Roast Carrots
Roasting honey-roasted carrots requires minimal effort and only five ingredients. This simplicity makes it an excellent option for those who prefer uncomplicated dishes. The natural sweetness of the carrots is released during the roasting process, much like with roast beef. In fact, roasted vegetables can be more enjoyable to eat than raw ones. As the vegetable’s water evaporates, its sugars become concentrated, resulting in a sweeter and more delectable taste.
Bacon And Cheese Baked Potatoes
Meats such as beef, grilled or roasted chicken, and pork chops pair surprisingly well with baked potatoes. Twice-baked potatoes often imply a dish loaded with rich ingredients like butter, cream, and empty calories. In this recipe, we’re flipping the script by using milk and yogurt to add moisture and flavor, while still incorporating essential elements like crispy bacon and cheese.
Vegetables With Melted Brie
In this indulgent delight, slices of warm bread are lavishly topped with melted brie, paired with thin slivers of pear and a medley of fresh veggies. A perfect pairing can be achieved by serving two of these bites alongside a sweet and savory pork chop glazed with balsamic or honey. As Americans, we have a deep affinity for the rich flavor of melted cheese, but we’re not ones to overdo it – no soggy, greasy cheese sticks here!
Instead, let’s give our star – the sublime brie – the support it deserves. The sautéed veggies bring a welcome depth and texture to this recipe, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
Stuffed Tomatoes
Imagine indulging in a visually stunning dish that pairs perfectly with pork chops – enter goat cheese-stuffed tomatoes, an unforgettable culinary experience. However, it’s crucial not to overlook the often-overlooked preparation time, which can easily double or even triple the initial estimated cooking time. In reality, you may spend up to 40 minutes on prep work before even starting the actual cooking process.
Fortunately, this vegetarian-friendly recipe is designed to revolutionize ordinary tomatoes into a sweet, creamy, and crispy delight infused with fresh basil and garlic in just 2 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time. This quick and easy preparation makes it an ideal option for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
Not only does this dish taste incredible, but it’s also incredibly versatile – serve it with a variety of main courses to suit everyone’s tastes.
For an added touch of sophistication, try wrapping each tomato with prosciutto and baking until crispy for an elevated culinary experience.
Butternut Squash
Butternut squash brings a burst of color and sweetness to any dish, its earthy flavor elevated by the subtle tang of sage leaves. This versatile veggie is a true delight when roasted, its natural sweetness almost making it feel like a guilty pleasure. But beneath its delectable taste lies an impressive array of health benefits. Rich in top-tier nutrients such as beta-carotene, butternut squash has been shown to reduce inflammation, strengthen the eyes, and lower cholesterol levels.
When roasted, the veggie’s inherent flavors are amplified, drawing out the natural sweetness and making it a truly irresistible treat. By combining the roasted squash with a drizzle of high-quality syrup and a sprinkle of fresh sage leaves, we create a dish that balances sweet and savory notes. This harmonious blend is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
For the best results, seek out locally sourced ingredients from farmers’ markets, where added sugars are minimized and the focus remains on showcasing the natural flavors of each component.
Smashed Potatoes
These itsy-bitsy spuds may look cute, but they’re also begging to be gently pressed with the heel of your hand once they’ve cooled. And here’s the surprise: this technique can actually help reduce stress! Give it a try and you’ll see what we mean.
But let’s get real for a second – most popular potato recipes are far from healthy or gluten-free, thanks to rich sauces and indulgent add-ins.
And don’t even get us started on the grease factor: diner and fast food joints often deep-fry their potatoes in copious amounts of oil and butter before serving.
That’s why we’re shaking things up with this vegan-friendly mashed potato recipe that skips those calorie pitfalls altogether. Instead, we’re smashing – not mashing – our spuds to create a chunky, satisfying side dish that’s perfect for both breakfast and dinner. And the best part?
It makes a great substitute for fatty French fries and calorie-dense hash browns.
Made-At-Home Stuffing
In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a delicious homemade stuffing that’s tailored to your personal taste preferences. What’s more, this recipe is designed to be low in sodium compared to store-bought mixtures. And the best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment – your microwave will do all the work.
Hearty Spinach With Bacon Dressing
Indulge in this satisfying spinach with bacon salad at your next meal. A subtle nod to comfort comes from the addition of celery seed, which adds a unique dimension to the rich dressing. The perfect blend of flavors and textures awaits you – click the link below to get started.
Final Thoughts
While pork chops can be a delightful centerpiece for any meal, deciding on the perfect accompaniments can be a daunting task. In fact, it’s often the most challenging part of planning a dinner that also features these savory cuts. Nevertheless, with this article serving as your guide, you’ll be well-equipped to create a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience that showcases the star of the show – pork chops.
