The Best Chip and Pulled Pork Pairings for Your Next Barbecue

Pulled pork sandwiches are a classic barbecue staple The tender, smokey pork is so versatile and pairs well with many different flavors But what chips can elevate your pulled pork sandwich from ordinary to extraordinary? The search for the perfect chip and pork pairing can be overwhelming with the seemingly endless salty, crunchy options available today. As both a pulled pork enthusiast and self-proclaimed chip connoisseur, I’ve experimented extensively to find the most complementary and craveable chip and pulled pork combinations. Read on for my picks of the best chips to serve alongside juicy, saucy pulled pork sandwiches.

Consider the Pork

Before diving into chip choices let’s look at some of the key qualities of pulled pork that impact what chips pair best

• Smokey flavor – Most pulled pork is smoked or barbecued in some way, giving it a robust, smoky flavor. Chips with some smokiness or barbecue seasonings complement this well.

• Richness – Pulled pork can have a rich, fatty quality from the pork shoulder. Potato chips in particular help cut through some of this richness.

• Sweetness – Pork shoulder is naturally fairly sweet. Many barbecue sauces also add sweet molasses honey, brown sugar or other sweeteners. Chips with some sweetness balance this nicely.

• Acidity – Barbecue sauces often contain vinegar, mustard, tomatoes or other acidic ingredients. Salt and vinegar chips are a natural pairing to cut the acidity.

• Spiciness – Pulled pork can vary from mild to very spicy depending on dry rubs or barbecue sauce. The right chips should match the heat level.

The Contenders: 13 Chips for Pulled Pork Perfection

Taking these factors into account, here are my 13 top recommendations for chips that complement pulled pork sandwiches perfectly:

1. Classic Lay’s Potato Chips

The simple crunch and saltiness of Lay’s original potato chips is the perfect crunchy base for any sandwich. They cut through the richness of pulled pork well. Feel free to spice them up with some extra barbecue seasoning for even more synergy.

2. Ruffles Cheddar and Sour Cream Potato Chips

The combination of cheddar cheese and sour cream flavors gives these Ruffles an added creaminess and tang that stands up well to tangy, saucy pulled pork. The hearty ridged chip also holds toppings nicely.

3. Kettle Brand Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper Potato Chips

The blend of salt and cracked pepper seasoning on these kettle chips pairs perfectly with classic smoked pulled pork flavor. The chips have a great sturdy crunch to contrast the tender pork texture.

4. Zapp’s Voodoo Potato Chips

With a sweet and spicy blend of barbecue, honey, and jalapeño seasonings, these potato chips from Zapp’s are a flavor bomb companion for pulled pork. They can handle both sweet and spicy sauces.

5. Cape Cod Sweet Mesquite Barbecue Potato Chips

It’s hard to go wrong pairing barbecue chips with barbecue pork. The sweet mesquite seasoning on Cape Cod chips mirrors most barbecue sauces.

6. Hawaiian Sweet Maui Onion Potato Chips

These rippled chips offer a tropical twist with a touch of sweetness from onion and pineapple flavor. They provide an unexpected but tasty pairing for pork that will transport your tastebuds.

7. Herr’s Sour Cream and Onion Flavored Potato Chips

The creamy, tangy sour cream and onion flavor counters the barbecue sauce nicely. Herr’s makes some of the crunchiest chips around to stand up to the soft shredded pork.

8. Deep River Snacks Sweet Maui Onion Kettle Chips

Another option for onion lovers, these Deep River kettle chips combine sweet onions with a robust potato crunch. Their sturdy texture alongside the onion flavor is a winner.

9. Snyder’s of Hanover Pretzel Pieces

For a change of pace from potato chips, snackable pretzel pieces bring a hearty crunch and salty flavor. Snyder’s unique rounded shape holds toppings well too.

10. Fritos Original Corn Chips

With their crispy crunch, salty corn flavor, and scoop-ability, Fritos are a crowdpleasing pairing for loaded pulled pork sandwiches. The simplicity lets the pork shine.

11. Takis Fuego Tortilla Chips

If you like some heat with your pulled pork, these small rolled tortilla chips pack a fiery punch of chili powder and lime. They can handle spicy sauces.

12. Food Should Taste Good Multigrain Tortilla Chips

A healthier pared-down option, these multigrain chips still have lots of crunch and a light natural flavor to enjoy with pulled pork.

13. Stacy’s Simply Naked Pita Chips

For a lighter, gluten-free crunch, try these pita chips from Stacy’s. Their airy crispness and touch of sea salt won’t overpower the pork.

More Tantalizing Pairings

Beyond chips, a few other side options pair perfectly with pulled pork sandwiches:

• Coleslaw – Cool, creamy coleslaw balances the heat and richness of the pork.

• Potato salad – Soft, tangy potato salad complements the texture and flavor of pulled pork.

• Baked beans – Sweet, saucy baked beans and barbecue pork are a match made in heaven.

• Corn on the cob – The sweetness of grilled corn is a nice contrast to smoky pork.

• Mac and cheese – Cheesy, creamy comfort food plus pork? Yes please!

• Collard greens – Earthy, hearty collards stand up well to bold pork.

Mix and Match for Perfect Pulled Pork Meals

I hope these suggestions get your mouth watering for your next pulled pork and chips experience! Don’t be afraid to mix and match different chips, sides and sauces until you find your ultimate combination. Just be sure to have plenty of napkins on hand once the chip crunching commences. The pork gods favor those willing to embark on the quest to construct the perfect pulled pork sandwich meal. I wish you luck! Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go whip up a batch of smoky pulled pork and crack open a fresh bag of chips for a little taste testing.