10 Perfect Appetizers to Pair with Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is a quintessential BBQ meal. When slow-smoked and shredded into tender, juicy meat, pork shoulder transforms into the ultimate sandwich filler or taco topping. But before digging into a mountain of pork, the right appetizers can kick your meal off on the perfect note.

Choosing appetizers to go with pulled pork depends on factors like the general flavor profile, spices used and what sides you’ll be having. The goal is to complement the savory tangy pork without overwhelming it.

Here are 10 of the best appetizer ideas to serve before pulled pork

1. Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a southern classic that makes an ideal lead-in to pulled pork sandwiches or tacos. The creamy egg yolk filling provides richness to contrast the unctuous pork. Sprinkling paprika or cayenne on top ties back to BBQ seasonings.

Tip: Swap some of the mayo in the filling for tangy mustard or hot sauce to better match pork flavors.

2. Baked Brie with Fruit Compote

Warm, melty brie cheese with a sweet yet tart fruit compote is a match made in heaven. The mild creaminess of the brie balances the acidity of berry compotes. And the buttery brie mirrors the mouthfeel of supple pulled pork.

3. Stuffed Mushrooms

Earthy stuffed mushrooms are very complementary to smoky, savory pork. Use a mix of sausage, cheese, breadcrumbs and seasonings for the filling. The mushrooms offer a fresh, vegetal crunch before the rich main event.

4. Smoked Salmon Crostinis

Smoked salmon makes an elegant appetizer with a similar flavor profile to smoked pork shoulder. Top crostini slices with cream cheese, smoked salmon, diced red onion, capers and dill. The briny capers cut through fatty pork beautifully.

5. Jalapeño Poppers

Bacon-wrapped, cheese-stuffed jalapeño poppers are tailor-made for serving with pulled pork. The kick of spicy jalapeños, smokiness of bacon, and cooling cream cheese enhance similar flavors in BBQ pork.

6. Caprese Skewers

Alternating sweet cherry tomatoes, milky mozzarella, and fragrant basil makes for refreshing caprese skewers. The freshness preps your palate before rich, hearty pulled pork sandwiches. Balsamic reduction drizzled over the skewers pulls the flavors together.

7. Pimento Cheese Spread

A pimento cheese spread or dip never goes out of style in the south. The sharp cheddar and mayo or cream cheese base pairs flawlessly with smoky pulled pork. Serve with crackers, chips or celery sticks for easy scooping.

8. Guacamole and Chips

Creamy, cool guacamole provides delicious contrast to hot and spicy pulled pork. Allow guests to assemble their own guac using fresh avocado, tomato, onion, cilantro and lime. Serve with tortilla chips for dipping.

9. Quesadillas

It doesn’t get more Tex Mex than quesadillas, making them a natural pairing with BBQ pork. Fill flour or corn tortillas with melted cheese, peppers, onions and seasoning. The light acidity cuts through the richness of pork.

10. Pickle Spears

Don’t overlook a simple pickle platter either. Classic dill pickle spears or jalapeño pickle chips served with pulled pork sandwiches provide a tangy crunch and palate cleanser between bites of unctuous pork and soft rolls.

Choosing the Right Pulled Pork Appetizers

When selecting appetizers for pulled pork meals, keep these guidelines in mind:

• Acidity – Tart elements like pickles, compotes, tomatoes or citrus help cut through fatty pork.

• Crunch – Incorporate crispy components like chips, crackers, crostini or skewers. This contrasts tender shredded meat.

• Cooling – Fruits, veggies and cream-based dips offer respite from the heat of spicy BBQ pork.

• Richness – Embrace decadence with cheese, crostinis and fatty foods that mirror pork’s indulgent nature.

• Smoky – Opt for charred, grilled or smoked appetizers that complement the flavors of barbecued pork.

With the right appetizers, you can build up anticipation and excitement before the main pulled pork event. Guests will leave happy and satisfied after nibbling their way through a thoughtful progression of dishes featuring your mouthwatering smoked pork.