What to Serve with Smoked Pork Tenderloin – 20 Tasty Sides

Smoked pork tenderloin pairs well with a wide variety of side dishes. Some of the most popular side dishes include mashed potatoes, roasted corn, macaroni and cheese, and broccoli.

Smoked pork tenderloin is the perfect protein to pair with these delectable sides.

We’re all too familiar with the classic dish of smoked pork tenderloin, but did you know that there’s more to it than just that?

It’s the tenderloin’s lean and fatty cuts that make it special. And while we can easily consume those in moderation, it’s the other parts of the tenderloin, especially the ribs and belly, that make it so delicious.

And I’m not the only one who thinks so. According to recent studies, people actually like the extra lean cut better than the other two!

So today, I’m sharing with you 20 delectable sides that can be served with smoked pork tenderloin.

Read Also:

• Smoked Pork Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Smoked Pork
• Pork Tenderloin Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Pork Tenderloin

What to Serve with Smoked Pork Tenderloin – 20 Tasty Sides

There are many great side dishes that go with smoked pork tenderloin, but a popular pairing is potato salad. The smoky flavor of the pork goes well with the tangy taste of the potato salad, and the combination is delicious.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Smoked pork tenderloin is a favorite dinner option among my friends. And the reason is simple – they’re delicious! When it comes to side dishes, roasted brussels sprouts are the obvious choice.

It’s an extremely versatile side, as it goes well with most kinds of meat, including pork tenderloin. I like to pair them with smoked pork tenderloin because they have a wonderful umami flavor. The sweetness and richness of the brussels sprouts pairs excellently with the smokiness of the pork.

Butternut Squash Gratin

This is another crowd-pleaser for parties and potlucks. Gratin means “casserole with cheese on top” in French, so it’s definitely one of those cheesy dishes that everyone loves. I love the contrast it offers to roasted brussels sprouts, but I can’t say I’ve ever tried it with smoked pork tenderloin. Maybe next time!

Cheesy Grits Casserole

Grits are a Southern staple! In fact, my first memory of eating grits was when I was 10 years old. I remember my mom taking me out for a picnic, and she made a creamy grits casserole. It’s such a classic dish that people still make it to this day.

The basic recipe is pretty straightforward – grits, milk, cheese, and butter. It’s really a no-brainer dish that everyone knows how to make.

But my favorite version of this side dish is the one made with smoked pork tenderloin. It’s a decadent yet elegant way to serve grits. And it’s sure to impress your guests with its wonderful smoky flavor.

Cherry Chipotle Salad

When it comes to side dishes, I always look for flavor and crunch. When you pair a hearty meat with a salad that offers both, you’re bound to have a truly satisfying meal. It’s true that most people go for the meat, and the salad is just there for the sake of being there. But in my mind, the salad shouldn’t just be a place to throw in veggies.

It should also be a place to add in a variety of flavors and textures. That’s where cherry chipotle dressing comes into play! It adds a kick of flavor to your salad, while also providing some sweetness. This pairing makes the salad more interesting and exciting!

Roasted Cauliflower

As much as I love salads, I’m not the biggest fan of the cauliflower. I find it has a very bland taste, but it’s absolutely perfect in this dish. When you roast it, it’s covered with smokey spices and a delicious herb sauce. It transforms what was once an insipid vegetable into something that’s incredibly savory. You’ll fall in love with this side dish too.

Cornbread

Cornbread is so versatile! You can serve it as a side dish, or you can make it into a dessert. When I pair cornbread with smoked pork tenderloin, I create a true smoky and savory meal. It may look simple on the surface, but the flavors and textures come together so beautifully. I’m sure your guests will be thrilled to see you serve them this side dish.

Sweet Corn Fritters

If you’re having guests over, these are the perfect side dish to go with smoked pork tenderloin. They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with flavor. They pair well with the sweetness of corn and the smokiness of the pork.

Honey Butter Biscuits

These sweet and buttery biscuits can be served plain or topped with honey butter. The honey is a bit of a secret ingredient, so you won’t know you’re tasting it until you take your first bite. So yummy!

Spicy Collard Greens

A great way to get your collard greens fix without having to make them from scratch. These collard green chips are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of spicy flavors.

Coleslaw

You can also use your collard greens as a side dish for your smoked pork tenderloin. Add some red onions and vinegar to your greens, and top with bacon bits. You won’t be able to stop eating it.

Onion and Tomato Curtido Salad

Another great way to incorporate your smoked pork into your meal. It’s a great accompaniment to the coleslaw, so you can keep your collard greens on the side. It’s also a perfect accompaniment to the sweet corn fritters!

Garlic Bread

I love a good piece of garlic bread. Who doesn’t? So, I would definitely recommend this as a side dish to go with the pork. It will be one of your new favorites.

Mashed Cauliflower

You can use your leftovers for mashed cauliflower, too. It’s a great alternative to mashed potatoes, since it has the same texture. Just make sure to drain out any excess liquid.

Waffle Fries

I love waffle fries! This classic side dish can be enjoyed on it’s own or paired with your favorite entrée. I always enjoy it with my smoked pork tenderloin. The crunchy outside and the soft inside are so great together.

Fig and Arugula Salad

This salad is so light, fresh, and delicious. It’s got a lot of flavor, but it’s not too heavy. In fact, I often have this alongside my smoked pork tenderloin for dinner.

It’s also a perfect side dish for Thanksgiving. You can even use arugula as a substitute for the iceberg lettuce.

Polenta

This is my go-to side dish when I’m cooking for guests. It’s super easy to make. Just boil some water and add polenta in. Stir the polenta occasionally to avoid sticking. Cook until tender, about 15 minutes.

You can also use brown rice instead of polenta, and you can switch out the arugula for spinach or kale.

Roasted Garlic Cauliflower

I love garlic roasted cauliflower. The garlic is just so flavorful and the cauliflower is so buttery. This is a great side dish to serve alongside your smoked pork tenderloin.

Butternut Farro Salad with Blood Orange Vinaigrette

I love this side dish because it is so versatile. You can eat it as a salad, pasta, or on pizza. The flavors are so good together, and the salad is so light. I often make it as a pasta dish as well.

Lemon Pea Salad

This salad is very light and refreshing. It’s got a lot of flavor, but it’s not overpowering. I love to eat it in the summertime with my smoked pork tenderloin.

Heirloom Tomato Salad with Rosemary

This salad has fresh heirloom tomatoes with rosemary. The combination is so flavorful, and it goes perfectly with any entrée. It’s so simple to make, too! Just cut the tomatoes into bite-sized chunks and combine them with rosemary, a little olive oil, and salt.

FAQ

What should I serve with smoked pork tenderloin?

Smoked pork tenderloin is a hearty dish, so pair it with a side dish that can stand up to the meat’s rich flavors. A simple side like steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes or coleslaw is a good choice.

What veggies go with smoked pork?

When pairing smoked pork with a side dish, you want something that will complement the smokey flavor. You can opt for vegetables like green beans, asparagus, and squash. These are great because they are mild and won’t overpower the flavor of the meat.

Does smoked pork tenderloin need to be cooked?

Yes, you will want to cook the pork tenderloin until it reaches a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. That way, the meat stays moist and is not tough. This is also a great time to make the sauce if you are using one. You can use the same method for cooking the pork tenderloin.

How long should a pork loin be smoked?

The length of time the pork loin is smoked depends on what kind of smoker you use. A charcoal grill smoker can smoke a pork loin in about 1 hour, while a water smoker will take about 2 to 3 hours. It is best to check on the meat every 30 minutes or so to make sure it doesn’t burn.

What’s a good pork tenderloin dinner party menu?

For a classic dinner party menu, try serving pork tenderloin with one or two sides like mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, green beans, baked potatoes, and garlic bread. If you’re looking for a more contemporary take, opt for roasted brussels sprouts with bacon and blue cheese dressing.

The best pork tenderloin dinners are usually prepared for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. For this reason, you’ll want to create a menu that is more elaborate than just a simple pork tenderloin.

The menu should include a selection of appetizers, entrees, sides and desserts. It’s important that your guests have plenty of time to enjoy your meal. You’ll also want to make sure you provide a starter, an entrée, a main course, a salad, a side dish, and a dessert.

You can opt to make your pork tenderloin dinner a buffet-style event. This way, you won’t have to worry about keeping track of your food.

What to serve with pork steaks?

Pork steaks are usually served with a salad or potato salad, but there are also many other side dishes that go well with them. Choosing a side dish that is not too spicy will help to balance out the rich flavor of the pork steak. Examples of such side dishes include mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, coleslaw, and grilled vegetables.

What to serve with roast pork sandwiches?

A simple potato salad or coleslaw is a great pairing for roast pork sandwiches. This is because both the sandwiches and the salads are typically served at room temperature, so they’re great partners.

If you want to make a more substantial dish to accompany a roast pork sandwich, try a potato gratin. It’s a delicious side dish that is often served with roast pork. You can use either a sweet potato or a russet potato for this dish.