18 Sides for Pork Chops That Will Make It a Meal

Whether you pull thin-cut ones out of your freezer or procure gorgeous, marbled ones from the farmers’ market, pork chops always make a delectable main course. And they can be a no-brainer, too—grill them up, do a quick stovetop version or effortlessly cook them any number of other ways. So let’s keep things going on that easy train. Here, we have all the tried-and-true sides that have always felt just right alongside a pork chop, so all you have to do is select one to round out your meal.

There’s so much going on in this pilaf, in a good way, that alternating bites between it and a pork chop will truly stay interesting and satisfying until the last. Kardea Brown assembles a pleasing mixture of bell peppers, almonds, dried cranberries and fresh parsley for a veritable taste and texture symphony.

These pancakes have everything that’s wonderful about a latke, but with a welcome sour vegetal crunch that’s akin to another favorite of ours, kimchi pancakes. Molly Yeh has an innate sense of blending the best of several cultures together, and these pancakes are no exception.

We’ve been eating applesauce with pork since the dawn of time, and we might have even been known to set out those little foil-topped cups from the grocery store during a pork dinner when time is tight (no judgement, please). Let’s add an element of sophistication here, with an all-grown-up version, a chunky, lightly spiced sauce with alluring notes of pear along with the apple.

And what if you’re just in the mood for some gravy? This mushroom gravy really brings the umami, and is insanely good over mashed potatoes or polenta and an instant hit with any plain meat.