Porchetta is a mouthwatering Italian roast pork dish, known for its tender meat and crispy, flavorful skin.

It's a succulent and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed on its own or with a delicious side dish.

To help you create the perfect dining experience, we have compiled a list of 20 delicious side dishes that pair wonderfully with porchetta.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with porchetta are roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, polenta, mashed sweet potatoes, crispy green beans, stuffed shells, Caprese salad, blistered tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, risotto, glazed carrots, garlic bread and caramelized onions.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Roasted Potatoes

Roasted potatoes are a classic and comforting side dish that goes great with porchetta. The crispy, golden potatoes complement the pork's flavors and textures, adding a satisfying and hearty element to your meal. Their simple yet delicious taste makes them a must-try pairing.

2. Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables are a healthy and flavorful option that pairs well with porchetta. Zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, seasoned with olive oil and herbs, add a smoky flavor and a variety of textures to your plate. They're a light and vibrant option that complements the richness of porchetta.

3. Crispy Green Beans

Crispy green beans are a simple and tasty side dish that pairs well with porchetta. Roasted or fried until golden and crisp, these green beans offer a crunchy texture and a fresh taste that complements the rich pork. They're a light and versatile option that adds a pop of color to your plate.

4. Stuffed Shells

Stuffed shells are a satisfying and flavorful Italian pasta dish that goes wonderfully with porchetta. Filled with a blend of cheeses, spinach, or meat, these large pasta shells provide a comforting and indulgent element to your meal. The combination of flavors and textures creates a delicious and well-rounded dining experience.

5. Polenta

Polenta is a creamy and versatile Italian dish made from cornmeal that goes wonderfully with porchetta. Its smooth texture and subtle flavor balance the savory and crispy elements of the pork. Polenta can be served creamy or allowed to set and then grilled or fried for added texture.

6. Caprese Salad

Caprese salad is a light and refreshing side dish that pairs beautifully with porchetta. Made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, this salad adds a burst of freshness and color to your plate. The combination of flavors and textures creates a delightful contrast to the rich pork.

7. Garlic Bread

There's something about garlic bread that makes it the perfect partner for porchetta. The key is to get a nice crusty loaf, slice it, and slather it with a mix of butter, minced garlic, and herbs. Toast it in the oven until it's golden and crispy. The garlic's punch and the butter's richness complement the porchetta's flavors beautifully, and the bread is just right for mopping up any delicious juices on your plate.

8. Cauliflower Steaks

Cauliflower steaks are an awesome way to add a veggie twist to your meal. They're thick slices of cauliflower, seasoned with your favorite herbs and spices. I like to add a bit of smoked paprika for a subtle, smoky flavor. Roast or grill them until they're caramelized and tender. They offer a satisfying texture and a mild taste that balances the richness of porchetta.

9. Zucchini Boats

Zucchini boats are fun and flavorful. You hollow out zucchinis and stuff them with a mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs, then bake until everything is bubbly and browned. They're light yet satisfying, and the zucchini's freshness pairs nicely with the savory porchetta. Plus, they look really impressive on the plate!

10. Blistered Tomatoes

Blistered tomatoes are incredibly easy to make but pack a ton of flavor. Just toss cherry tomatoes in a hot pan with a bit of oil until they start to burst. Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. The tomatoes become sweet and slightly charred, offering a juicy pop in each bite that's a delightful contrast to the porchetta's richness.

11. Sautéed Mushrooms

Mushrooms sautéed in butter and garlic are a simple yet elegant side. The earthiness of the mushrooms complements the meaty porchetta. I like to add a splash of white wine while sautéing for an extra layer of flavor. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley for freshness.

12. Potato Rosti

Think of it as a giant, crispy hash brown. Grate some potatoes, squeeze out the excess moisture, season them, and then fry in a pan until they're crispy on the outside and tender inside. It's a bit like a savory pancake made entirely of potatoes. The rosti's crunchy texture and golden crust offer a wonderful contrast to the tender, flavorful porchetta.

13. Glazed Carrots

Carrots glazed in a little butter, honey, and a pinch of cinnamon make for a sweet and savory side. The natural sweetness of the carrots is enhanced by the honey, and the cinnamon adds a warm, spicy note. They're tender, glossy, and a bit luxurious – perfect alongside the star of the show, porchetta.

14. Risotto

Risotto is a creamy and indulgent Italian rice dish that goes great with porchetta. The rich, velvety texture of the risotto complements the tender and crispy pork, creating a luxurious and satisfying meal. It can be flavored with a variety of ingredients, such as mushrooms, cheese, or herbs.

15. Caramelized Onions

Caramelized onions are a game-changer with porchetta. Slowly cooking onions in a bit of olive oil or butter brings out their natural sweetness. This process takes some time, but it's worth it. The onions turn wonderfully sweet, rich, and soft, almost like a savory jam. They can be spooned over the porchetta or served on the side, adding a delightful sweetness that complements the savory, herbed flavors of the porchetta beautifully.

16. Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Mashed sweet potatoes are a delicious and comforting side dish that goes great with porchetta. Their natural sweetness and creamy texture create a delightful contrast to the savory pork. The vibrant color and unique flavor make them an exciting and satisfying addition to your meal.

17. Lentil Salad

Warm lentil salad is a hearty and healthy side dish that pairs nicely with porchetta. Made with tender lentils, vegetables, and a simple vinaigrette, this salad adds a nutritious and flavorful touch to your plate. The earthy taste of the lentils balances the rich and savory flavors of the pork.

18. Bruschetta

Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer that can also be served as a side dish with porchetta. Topped with a mixture of tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil, the crispy bread adds a crunchy and fresh element to your meal. The vibrant flavors complement the rich and tender porchetta.

19. Rice Pilaf

Rice pilaf is an excellent choice for a more substantial side. It's not just plain rice; it's cooked in broth, often with onions, garlic, and a mix of herbs. The rice absorbs all these flavors, becoming aromatic and flavorful. It's a great base that pairs well with porchetta, soaking up all the juices and flavors, and it's a nice change from the usual potatoes or bread. Plus, it's a great option if you're feeding a crowd, as it's easy to make in large quantities.

20. Sautéed Kale

Sautéed kale brings a lovely, leafy green element to your plate. Cook it in a bit of olive oil with garlic until it's just wilted. It's a nutritious side that adds a nice color contrast and a slightly bitter counterpoint to the rich, fatty porchetta.

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