The Best Chip Pairings for Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Pulled pork sandwiches are a classic barbecue staple. The tender, saucy pork is piled high on a bun and makes for a satisfying meal. But what chips can you serve alongside to make it even better? With so many flavorful options, it can be hard to choose the perfect chip pairing that will complement pulled pork sandwiches without overpowering them

Chips add crunch and texture to balance out the softness of the bun and meat. They also provide a vessel to add even more flavor to each bite. The key is finding chips that enhance the sandwich experience rather than compete with it. Here are some of the best chip pairings to consider for your next pulled pork sandwich meal.

Classic Potato Chips

Sometimes simple is best A basic potato chip with a little salt brings out the flavors of a pulled pork sandwich without masking them Potato chips have enough heft to stand up to the meat but remain light enough not to weigh down the meal. Their high salt content contrasts nicely with tangy or sweet barbecue sauces.

Go for kettle-style chips rather than thin, uniform potato chips. Their uneven shapes and surface add more texture. Or opt for a rippled style. Wavy ridges catch more sauce and pork pieces for finger-licking goodness.

Barbecue Flavored Potato Chips

If you want to double down on smoky, barbecue flavor, choose barbecue-seasoned chips. The additional kick of spices like garlic, paprika, onion and vinegar enhance any sauce on your sandwich. It’s pulled pork flavor to the max!

Barbecue chips also bridge the gap between the sauce on your meat and any sauce-free bites. Their seasoning evens out and balances the entire sandwich experience. Plus, barbecue chips are engineered to pair well with meaty fare.

Corn Chips

Corn chips offer a great crispy base for pulled pork sandwiches. Their corn flavor provides contrast against the meat and pairs nicely with sweeter sauces. Yellow corn chips also remind you of other classic barbecue side dishes like cornbread, corn on the cob, or corn muffins.

For bolder flavor, go for a spicy chili lime or jalapeño variety. The heat and acidity cut through the richness of the pork. Or choose a corn chip with a queso coating for a melty, cheese companion to the meaty main event.

Puffed Corn Snacks

For lighter crunch, puffed corn snacks are a smart choice with pulled pork sandwiches. Options like Fritos or Cheetos have a crispy, airy texture that won’t fill you up. Their sweet corn taste echoes barbecue’s corn-heavy side dishes without overwhelming the sandwiches.

The puffed shape allows you to crush the chips and sprinkle over your sandwich for a fun topping. Kids will love this playful way to add crunch to their meal. Adults may enjoy it just as much!

Ruffled Potato Chips

Ruffled potato chips offer hearty ridges and grooves that are perfect for scooping up extra sauce and meat. Their wavy shape also gives you more surface area for crunch in each bite. Brands like Ruffles have a sturdy texture that won’t get soggy underneath saucy pork.

Go for sour cream and onion or cheddar and sour cream flavors to complement the sweet and tangy pulled pork flavors. The creamy, cheesy taste enhances the sandwich experience. The additional salt and acidity from these chip varieties also balances the meat’s richness.

Fried Pork Rinds

For the ultimate protein pairing, grab some fried pork rinds to eat alongside your pulled pork sandwich. Their crispy, salty crunch mimics the fried crust on the pork shoulder exterior. You get the satisfaction of that outer crackling built right into each chip.

Pork rinds have a similar mouthfeel to chicharrones, another common barbecue side dish. So they feel right at home next to a saucy, tender pulled pork sandwich. Just beware of overdoing it on the salt content with this very savory snack.

The Bottom Line

Chips make great companions for pulled pork sandwiches by adding crunch and flavor contrast. Classic potato chips, barbecue chips, corn chips, puffed snacks, ruffled chips, and pork rinds are all excellent options. Consider the pork’s sauce and your own tastes when selecting the perfect chip pairing. Then dig in and enjoy your saucy sandwich even more!

With the right chip sidekick, your pulled pork sandwich experience goes from great to spectacular. Crunchy, salty chips balance and enhance the flavors of the meat. They provide textural contrast against the soft bun and tender pork. Not to mention, chips are easy to grab alongside sandwiches for casual barbecue meals.

Some pairings to consider include:

• Sea salt or rippled potato chips – For hearty crunch and grooves that catch sauce and meat. Kettle-style chips provide uneven surfaces.

• Barbecue flavored potato chips – To complement and boost smoky, sweet, or tangy barbecue sauce flavors.

• Corn chips or puffed corn snacks – For a corn flavor that echoes classic barbecue sides. Chili lime or cheese varieties add spicy kick or creamy contrast.

• Ruffled sour cream and onion potato chips – Ridged textures grab sauce. Creamy seasoning enhances pork’s richness.

• Fried pork rinds – Mimic the fried exterior of pulled pork with ultimate protein pairing.

Think about how chips can bring new flavors and textures that take your pulled pork sandwich to the next level. Crunch on this pairing insight before your next barbecue meal and enjoy!