What To Serve With Pork Pies (31+ Perfect Pairings!)

The classic pork pie is a British favourite and a picnic staple, and whether you’re making your own or picking up a readymade variety from the supermarket, it’s such a delicious treat to get stuck into. 

But what should you serve it with? 

Here’s the short answer… 

The best choices for what to serve with pork pies include pickles and chutneys such as Branston and piccalilli, cheeses like stilton and Wensleydale, crusty baguette and sourdough loaf, garden salad, coleslaw, potato salad, and chips. For a sweet treat, try apple slices and grapes. 

Want to explore some more options? Keep reading… 

Classic Accompaniments

When serving pork pies, it’s traditional to pair them with sides that complement their rich, savoury flavour.

Here are some classic options for you to consider.

Pickles and Chutneys

Pairing your pork pie with pickles and chutneys enhances the flavour with a delightful contrast.

You might want to try:

• Branston Pickle: A classic chunky vegetable mix that offers a tangy taste.
• Piccalilli: A bright yellow relish with chunky vegetables and mustard.
• Onion Chutney: Caramelised onions bring a sweet and sour note.
• Ploughman’s Chutney: A rustic blend of fruit, vegetables, and spices.

(By the way, if you love British picnic favourites, you’ll also enjoy what to serve with Scotch eggs!) 

Cheese Selection

A cheese selection provides a creamy counterpoint to the meaty pork pie.

Select from:

• Stilton: An English blue cheese known for its strong aroma and taste.
• Red Leicester: A harder cheese with a mild, nutty flavour.
• Cheddar: A mature cheddar gives a sharp, tangy profile.
• Wensleydale: Often enjoyed with fruit, its crumbly texture partners well with pork pies.

Fresh Bread

Fresh bread is a must-have to round off the meal.

Choose from:

• Crusty Baguette: Ideal for ripping and sharing.
• Sourdough Loaf: Offers a tangy flavour that pairs well with the pie.
• Farmhouse Bread: A soft and hearty option for a satisfying accompaniment.
• Granary Bread: With its nutty texture, it complements both cheese and pork pies.

(Love pies? Take a look at side dishes for corned beef pie for more ideas!) 

Salads and Vegetables

Salads and veggie sides are great options for what to serve with pork pie when you want something a little lighter.

Garden Salad

You can’t go wrong with a classic garden salad.

For a fresh complement, toss together mixed greens, sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and radishes.

Dress it lightly with a vinaigrette to add a zesty note.

Coleslaw

Coleslaw is another perfect side, offering a crunchy texture and a creamy dressing that can be a delightful contrast to the rich taste of the pork pie.

Combine shredded cabbage with carrots and mix with mayonnaise, a dash of mustard, and a pinch of sugar for a slightly sweet touch.

Roasted Vegetables

For something a bit heartier, serve your pork pie with roasted vegetables.

Roast chunks of root vegetables like parsnips, carrots, beets, and potatoes drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with rosemary, salt, and pepper.

They’ll provide a robust and earthy flavour to complement the pie.

Potato Dishes

Pairing your pork pies with the perfect potato dish can elevate your meal.

Here’s a selection of potato side dishes that complement the rich flavours of a classic pork pie.

Potato Salad

Potato salad is a refreshing choice, especially if you’re looking for a cold side dish.

You can dress your potatoes with mayonnaise, mustard, and herbs, or opt for a lighter vinaigrette.

For a touch of colour and added flavour, toss in some finely chopped spring onions or chives.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a hearty and creamy accompaniment.

To make them, boil your potatoes until tender, then mash them with milk, butter, and a bit of salt.

For a smoother texture, add a dollop of cream or crème fraîche. Season with black pepper and a pinch of nutmeg to taste.

Chips

A British classic, thick-cut chips are a satisfying, crunchy side to your pork pie.

You can either fry or bake your chips.

If baking, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with sea salt and rosemary.

Serve them hot and crispy for the best experience.

Fruit Pairings

Pairing your pork pie with fruit can enhance the flavours with a natural sweetness and refreshing contrast.

Apple Slices

You’ll find that tart apple slices can cut through the richness of the pork pie.

For a classic combination, try pairing with a crisp Granny Smith or Braeburn apple.

Fruit Chutney

A good fruit chutney combines sweet, tangy, and spicy notes.

Mango and apricot chutneys are the perfect examples of sweet treats that are fantastic choices for what to serve with pork pies. 

Grapes

Bunches of grapes can act as a juicy and sweet palate cleanser.

Opt for seedless red or green grapes that you can easily pop into your mouth between bites of pork pie.

Condiments and Sauces

Enhancing the flavour of your pork pie can easily be achieved through carefully selected condiments and sauces.

These accompaniments bring out the rich taste of the meat, complementing its texture and seasoning.

Mustard

Mustard is a quintessential partner for pork pies. Its sharp tang contrasts beautifully with the savoury filling.

For a classic twist, select a robust English mustard.

If you prefer a milder kick, try wholegrain mustard with its subtle heat and crunchy texture.

• English Mustard: Strong and pungent, ideal for those who favour a fiery compliment.
• Wholegrain Mustard: Milder with texture, it’s perfect if you enjoy a more nuanced flavour.

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce isn’t just for your Christmas turkey!

Its sweet and tart profile makes it a strong contender for what to serve with pork pies. 

It cuts through the richness and adds a festive touch to your dish.

• Smooth Cranberry Sauce: Gives a sweet, sharp glaze.
• Whole-Berry Cranberry Sauce: Offers a fruity burst with each bite.

Horseradish

For a potent punch that stands up to the pork pie’s robustness, horseradish is your go-to.

Its creamy texture and fiery spice break through the dense pastry and meat, creating an invigorating balance.

• Creamed Horseradish: A velvety sauce with a strong kick.
• Freshly Grated Horseradish: Offers intense heat and zest for the daring palate.

Beverage Pairings

The drinks choices below pair well with the savoury flavours of a traditional pork pie.

Ale and Beer

• Real Ale: A classic British real ale with its robust flavours complements the rich meatiness of pork pies. Look for ales with a balance of malt and hops.
• Stout: A dark stout, such as a Guinness, can bring out the umami flavours in the pork pie, though its heavy nature is best for those who enjoy a contrast in flavour profiles.

Cider

• Dry Cider: A glass of dry cider offers a refreshing and crisp counterpoint to the dense and savoury pork pie. The acidity helps cut through the fat.
• Sweet Cider: If you have a sweet tooth, a cold bottle of sweet cider will pair nicely, balancing the salty pork with a fruity sweetness.

Wine

• Pinot Noir: A light-bodied red such as Pinot Noir works well with pork pies, offering notes of red berries that don’t overpower the dish.
• Chardonnay: A buttery Chardonnay, either oaked or unoaked, provides a creamy complement to the flaky pastry and savoury filling.

Dessert Ideas

After savouring the rich flavours of a pork pie, treat yourself to a delectable dessert.

Here are a few sweet options that pair wonderfully:

• Seasonal Fruit Salad: A refreshing choice, especially in the summer. Combine an assortment of berries, sliced peaches, and a drizzle of honey for a light and fresh finish.
  

  Fruit	Suggestion
  Berries	Add variety like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries.
  Peaches	Slice them for easy eating.
  Honey	Drizzle lightly for a touch of sweetness.

• Eton Mess: Indulge in this classic British dessert with crushed meringues, strawberries, and whipped cream. The sweet, crunchy, and creamy textures are a delightful contrast to the meaty pie.
• Lemon Posset: Enjoy the creamy simplicity of lemon posset, whose citrusy zing cuts through the savouriness of pork pie. Garnish with a sprig of mint or a few raspberries for extra elegance.
• Sticky Toffee Pudding: If you’re in the mood for something warm and comforting, a portion of sticky toffee pudding with a dollop of clotted cream will hit the spot. Its deep, caramel flavour is a hearty end to your meal.

Serving Tips

When serving pork pies, you’ve got a delightful array of options that complement their rich flavour.

Below are some ideal pairings:

• Pickles and Chutneys: A spoonful of Branston pickle or a dollop of piccalilli adds a tangy contrast to the savoury pie.
• Salads: Refresh your palate with a crisp rocket salad mixed with a sharp vinaigrette dressing.
• Cheese: Mild cheeses like Red Leicester or a creamy Wensleydale create a scrumptious balance of taste.

Here is a quick reference table for your convenience:

Accompaniment	Suggestion	Note
Pickles/Chutneys	Branston pickle, Piccalilli	Ideal for a tangy kick.
Salads	Rocket salad with vinaigrette	Offers a fresh, zesty contrast to the hearty pie.
Cheese	Red Leicester, Wensleydale	Select mild cheeses for a creamy complement.
Mustards	Wholegrain mustard	A small amount lends a spicy complexity.
Beverages	Real ale or a cup of strong tea	These drinks can cut through the richness of the pork pie.
Side Dishes	New potatoes, minted peas	For a more substantial meal.

Remember to serve these items fresh and in proportions that suit your taste.

What’s your favourite choice for what to serve with pork pies? 

Leave a comment below sharing your thoughts!