Pork belly is the ultimate comfort food—crispy on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside, and packed with rich, savory flavor. Whether it’s roasted, braised, or fried, this juicy cut is basically bacon’s bolder, more indulgent cousin.
But what should you serve with pork belly to make it a full meal? No worries! We’ve rounded up 13 delicious side dishes that will take your pork belly feast to the next level. From fresh and zesty to creamy and indulgent, these sides are the perfect match for this flavorful cut of meat. Let’s dig in!

1.Salad
Looking for a fresh side that pairs perfectly with any main dish? This refreshing salad is the answer!
The crunch of fresh veggies beautifully contrasts with the tender pork belly, creating a perfectly balanced dish that sits nicely alongside your main course.
Plus, it’s mild enough not to steal the spotlight, so your entrée remains the star. Feel free to get creative with this versatile salad.
Try adding some caramelized pork belly right on top for a delicious twist.
Imagine the sweet tang of apples, the satisfying crunch of caramelized walnuts, and the savory richness of pork belly all coming together in one bowl. For the best flavor, keep the dressing light and tangy.
A balsamic vinaigrette or a sweet Asian-style dressing works beautifully, allowing the pork belly to shine without being overpowered. This salad is more than just a side–it’s a flavorful way to elevate your meal!

2.Sweet Corn Fritters
Why settle for the usual corn on the cob when you can treat your guests to something extra special–corn fritters!
Picture this: loads of sweet corn kernels coated in a light batter, then deep-fried to a golden, crispy perfection.
These bite-sized treats are irresistibly delicious, with a crunchy exterior giving way to a fluffy, slightly sweet interior. Who can resist the charm of a warm, golden corn fritter?

3.Mac & Cheese
Macaroni and cheese meets BBQ in this ultimate creamy side dish. Imagine tender BBQ pork belly paired with a rich, cheesy mac that’s nothing short of perfection.
It’s creamy, it’s cheesy, and it just might be the best side dish you’ve ever tasted.

4.Brussels Sprouts
Give Brussels sprouts another shot! These little greens often get a bad rep because of their strong smell and bitter taste, but that’s usually just because they weren’t cooked right.
The secret to making them irresistible? Don’t overdo it. Toss them in olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast until tender and caramelized. When done just right, they’re sweet and nutty–almost like candy.
You might just find yourself sneaking them straight from the pan!

5.Hushpuppies
These fried cornbread balls are a real treat–crispy on the outside and soft, tender on the inside. They’re so good, you’ll want to make a big batch because they’ll be gone in no time!
Grab a big bowl and mix away; trust us, you won’t regret it.

6.Cornbread
Cornbread is a crowd-pleasing side that’s perfect for big gatherings. With its sweet, tender crumbs and perfect balance of soft and crunchy texture, it’s sure to be a hit.
You can go classic with a sweet, buttery flavor or mix things up by adding cheddar and jalapeño for a savory twist. Either way, it’s a delicious match for pork belly.
Whip it up, and it’s ready to impress!

7.Red Cabbage Coleslaw
This colorful slaw is a vibrant mix of red cabbage, sweet carrots, and golden raisins, all tossed in a zesty garlicky lemon dressing. Add some crunch by topping it with toasted seeds for extra texture.
With its mild, refreshing flavors, this slaw pairs perfectly with the rich, savory goodness of pork belly. Imagine it alongside BBQ pork belly and baked beans–a match made in cookout heaven!

8.Roasted Red Potatoes
Looking for a potato dish that’s a step up from the usual mashed potatoes? Roasted red potatoes are a fantastic alternative!
These spuds come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, offering a texture that perfectly complements your main dish–like pork belly.
It’s a match made in flavor heaven, and it’s just as satisfying as it sounds.

9.Corn Pudding
Looking for a sweet side dish to serve alongside your savory pork belly? Look no further than this delicious corn pudding! Creamy, rich, and perfectly sweet, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.
It’s packed with juicy corn kernels, milk, cheese, and eggs, creating a texture that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Whether you’re entertaining guests or just need a tasty side, this corn pudding hits the spot every time.

10.Baked Beans With Brown Sugar
Baked beans with brown sugar strike the perfect balance between sweet and smoky, creating a flavor that pairs beautifully with the richness of pork belly.
These hearty beans team up with tender pork belly to make a meal that’s as satisfying as it gets. Each bite leaves you feeling cozy and content, with your taste buds doing a happy dance.

11.Macaroni Salad
Looking for a lighter side to pair with your pork belly? Macaroni salad is a fantastic alternative to rich mac & cheese.
It’s just as satisfying but offers a more delicate flavor that won’t overpower your dish. This creamy, starchy side complements the pork belly beautifully without being overwhelming.
It’s the perfect match when you want a balanced meal that still feels hearty and delicious.

12.Baked Sweet Potatoes
Looking for a simple side dish that can make any meal feel extra special? This is it! A little butter can turn this into a dish that feels like royalty.
The natural sweetness pairs perfectly with the rich, savory flavors of pork belly. The soft, velvety texture contrasts beautifully with the satisfying crunch of the pork belly’s skin.
Plus, being a starchy crop, it makes the meal incredibly filling. What more could you want?

13.Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, and for good reason–they’re creamy, buttery, and totally irresistible. This classic side dish pairs perfectly with just about anything, especially the rich, savory goodness of pork belly.
It’s a match made in comfort food heaven!
What to Serve with Pork Belly: 13 Savory Side Dishes
Course: Side DishesCuisine: AsianDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalPork belly is the ultimate comfort food—crispy on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside, and packed with rich, savory flavor. Whether it’s roasted, braised, or fried, this juicy cut is basically bacon’s bolder, more indulgent cousin.
But what should you serve with pork belly to make it a full meal? No worries! We’ve rounded up 13 delicious side dishes that will take your pork belly feast to the next level. From fresh and zesty to creamy and indulgent, these sides are the perfect match for this flavorful cut of meat. Let’s dig in!
Ingredients
Salad
Sweet Corn Fritters
Mac & Cheese
Brussels Sprouts
Hushpuppies
Cornbread
Red Cabbage Coleslaw
Roasted Red Potatoes
Corn Pudding
Baked Beans With Brown Sugar
Macaroni Salad
Baked Sweet Potatoes
Mashed Potatoes
Directions
- Select your favorite recipe.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prep a delicious recipe in 30 minutes or less!