Pork
What Goes With Pork Chops?
Pork chops pair well with apple-based sides (applesauce, apple slaw), roasted sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple pan sauce. Apple and pork is a classic flavour combination.
Best Pairings for Pork Chops
Applesauce
sauceThe most classic pork pairing — sweet, slightly tart apple cuts through pork's fattiness. A centuries-old match.
Mashed Potatoes
starchCreamy mashed potatoes provide a neutral, comforting base for the pork and any pan sauce.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
starchThe sweetness of sweet potato mirrors the natural sweetness of pork. A modern, slightly healthier version of the classic pairing.
Green Beans
vegetableSimple steamed or sautéed green beans with garlic provide a fresh contrast to the rich pork.
Apple & Cabbage Slaw
saladA Dijon-dressed slaw with apple slices bridges the apple-pork affinity in a fresh, crunchy side.
Mushroom Pan Sauce
sauceMake a quick pan sauce from the pork drippings with mushrooms, shallots, and white wine — ties the whole dish together.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
vegetableThe slight bitterness of sprouts and their caramelised edges are an earthy, full-flavoured partner for pork.
White Wine (neutral Riesling / Viognier)
drinkOff-dry Riesling is the classic German pairing with pork — subtly sweet, acidic, and complementary.
Serving Tips
- 1Make a pan sauce after cooking — deglaze the pan with white wine or apple cider, add stock and a knob of butter. Ready in 2 minutes, transforms the dish.
- 2Pork and apple is one of the oldest culinary pairings — sweet-sour apple cuts through pork fat. Even a small jar of applesauce elevates a simple cook.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sides go with pork chops?
Mashed potatoes, applesauce, roasted sweet potatoes, green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, and apple-cabbage slaw are all excellent. The applesauce-pork tradition spans German, British, and American cooking.
What sauce goes with pork chops?
Applesauce (classic), mushroom pan sauce, Dijon mustard cream sauce, and simple pan drippings reduced with apple cider or white wine. Pan sauce using the drippings is the quickest and most flavourful option.
What vegetable goes with pork chops?
Green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, braised red cabbage (with apple), roasted sweet potatoes, and sautéed mushrooms are all natural pork partners. Braised red cabbage with apple is particularly wonderful in autumn.
What wine goes with pork chops?
Off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer for the classic German pork pairing. Chardonnay or Pinot Gris for a French-style preparation. Light Pinot Noir if you prefer red — it has enough fruit without being too heavy.