Fourth of July Cooking - What should I have as sides with my pulled pork?

[etronsman]

Hey all, it’s been a while since I last posted - definitely a terrible move on my part given the expertise in here!

Today I’m making pulled pork using Meathead’s Memphis dust rub. Going to pickle some red onions as a topping, and other ideas are fresh cornbread and coleslaw.

However! I need some inspiration for another side or two. I love his jalapeño popper recipe but I usually do it using pork leftovers. Any ideas?

Pic of current cooking status 😎

[Mosca]

I’d keep it simple and good. Grilled corn on the cob is reliable, delicious, and easy.

[LA Pork Butt]

Mosca we are doing Mexican Street Corn today. We love it!

[DaveD]

How about a pot o'beans? Simple to prepare and very flexible on cooking time, so that you can accommodate any other Disturbances In The Force more easily - doesn't get much more forgiving than butt & beans! And you can fancy 'em up as much as you have time and bandwidth for. It's still early enough that it would be no prob to get that together in time.

Corn on the cob is another surefire winner. You didn't say how many you intend to be feeding, but with two butts I'm guessing a fair few. That will dictate your cooking method (when it's just me and my lovely bride, we just use the microwave).

Hope it all turns out great!

[HawkerXP]

+1 on the beans.

Stick them in one of those foil pans and catch some drippings!

[Oak Smoke]

I’m a big fan of potato salad with pulled pork especially in hot weather. Something cold and tangy is a good compliment to the pork. I prefer the southern mustard potato salad but my wife likes the mayo based kind. Either way it’s good stuff.

[Oak Smoke]

barelfly Would you share Oma’s recipe? It sounds great!

[barelfly]

Here you go!

https://pitmaster.amazingribs.com/forum/recipes-technique-food-cooking/potato-recipes/1600860-oma%E2%80%99s-german-mustard-potato-salad

[Oak Smoke]

Thank you!

[Donw]

The top hits have already been listed above so I can only repeat what everyone is served when we have guests over for pulled pork this time of year. 1. Fresh corn on the cob since it is in season. 2. Potato Salad (Here always mayo based.). 3. Coleslaw, not only as a side but as a topping on the pulled pork. Most easy to make ahead, the corn cooks quickly right before serving, and this gives you more time enjoying your guests.

[LA Pork Butt]

I was going to give your exact Coleslaw recommendation.

[Oak Smoke]

A pulled pork sandwich just “ain’t right” without coleslaw.

[RonB]

The loaded baked potato salad in the linked video, (@ ~ 9:00), is always a hit. It's a bit dry for my taste though, so I add a bit more mayo. It may work for you as is, so taste before you add more mayo:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xl0TTag8Gks&t=168s

And I used store bought mayo and shredded cheese 'cause that's what I had on hand.

[CRO]

Slaw, i like this recipe. To make it easy, I use the bagged tri-color mix.
And Mac'n Cheese

[BKYDBBQ]

I am a fan of macaroni salad, especially in the summer since it is a cold side.

Here's my Mom's recipe:

• 8 ozs macaroni, cooked and drained
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp celery seed
• 1 cup celery
• 3/4 cup sharp cheese
• 1/2 cup onion
• 1/2 cup green pepper

Steps

• Mix mayonnaise with lemon juice, salt, sugar, and celery seed

• Combine cheese and vegetables with macaroni
• Add Mayonnaise mixture and stir together
• Chill

ETA - Donw reminded me...The type of pasta is flexible. Mom often makes it with either small or medium shells, not sure which. I like the shells better personally...

[synodog]

We do a version that is done with rotini or bow tie pasta.

[Donw]

BKYDBBQ ‘s post reminded me of my wife’s contribution to our get togethers which is a Pasta salad. I love finding leftovers of this in the fridge after the party.

Ingredients:
16 oz box rotini pasta
2 packets dry Italian seasoning
1 bottle Italian dressing
1 package cherry or grape tomatoes
1 can sliced black olives
1 bell pepper, large dice
1 8 oz block pepper jack cheese, cubed

Directions:
Cook pasta per directions
Drain.
Add dry seasoning while warm
Let cool while prepping veg
Add veggies and 1/2 bottled dressing.
Refrigerate at least 1 hour.
Cut cheese into cubes and add.
Let sit in fridge several hours or overnight.
Add dressing to taste and serve

[synodog]

We’ve done bow tie as well but similar to yours too

[Michael_in_TX]

I’m a big fan of potato salad with pulled pork especially in hot weather. Something cold and tangy is a good compliment to the pork. I prefer the southern mustard potato salad but my wife likes the mayo based kind.

Absolutely. I am always doing mustard potato salad with pulled pork. The acidity/tanginess as you say goes perfectly with pork.

[etronsman]

Thanks all! Ended up going with corn on the cob - and my wife had already planned on homemade Mac and cheese too. It’s going to be a great dinner - planning on putting pickled red onions, apple chunks, and sauce on my pulled pork sandwich. Carnita tacos tomorrow night for leftovers 🙌

[Duanessmokedmeats]

Mac and cheese

[Santamarina]

My all time favorite sides are baked beans, potato salad, and coleslaw. Also, slaw makes a great topping on pulled pork sammies!

[etronsman]

Final results! Thanks all - definitely going to come back to this thread later for some of the great ideas and recipes mentioned

[LA Pork Butt]

It has success written al over it!