Pulled Pork Sandwich Recipe with tender BBQ pork, crunchy slaw, and a buttery toasted bun. Simple, stacked, and seriously good!
Author’s Notes
The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Pulled Pork!
There’s nothing like good smoked pork, but if you don’t have a smoker or the time to watch it for 15 to 20 hours, this recipe is your new go-to.
You still get juicy, tender pork with way less effort. Just toss the pork butt into a slow cooker and let it slow cook all day. No monitoring, no pellet refills, no stress.
And trust me, it turns out so flavorful and tender. This pulled pork sandwich recipe is always a hit with the whole family. I make this recipe all the time when we have company because it’s straightforward, it feeds a crowd, and everyone loves it.
If we have leftovers, I use the extra meat in all kinds of meals like BBQ sliders, BBQ pizza, or piled on top of nachos. It’s the best having a stash of satisfying meat ready to go all week.
Pulled Pork Sandwich Recipe: Ingredients
- Yellow onions: Slice them thinly so they cook down nicely in the slow cooker.
- Minced garlic: Chop up some fresh garlic or use pre-minced instead.
- Apple juice: I’ve also tested it with chicken broth and it’s great that way too!
- Bone-in pork butt: Ensure you select one that fits in the slow cooker you’re using.
- Light brown sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the spices. Use soft, fresh sugar.
- Seasonings: a reliable blend! Feel free to adjust salt and pepper to taste.
a reliable Sides for This Pulled Pork Sandwich Recipe
- Baked Beans: My go-to side with BBQ pork: rich, hearty, and full of flavor!
- Mac and Cheese: A creamy side dish, or mix in the leftover pork in this BBQ pork mac.
- Watermelon: Light, juicy, and the easiest refreshing side.
- Potato Salad: Cool, creamy, and the reliable contrast to smoky pork.
- Cornbread: Slightly sweet and reliable for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
Storage
Leftovers?
Once assembled, this pulled pork sandwich recipe is best enjoyed right away.
Store leftover pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Keep the coleslaw in the fridge and the buns in the pantry until ready to serve.
Pop leftovers on top of baked sweet potatoes, nachos, pizza, sliders, tacos, or in a bowl-style meal.
Pulled Pork Sandwich Recipe Tips
- Want a more smoky flavor? Add a splash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika.
- Use the right cut: Bone-in pork shoulder butt roast gives the best flavor and texture.
- Leave the fat on: No need to trim it. It keeps the pork juicy and pulls off easily after cooking.
- Rub in the spices: Coat the pork well with the spice mix before cooking.
- Cook fat-side up: This helps the fat melt into the meat for more flavor.
- Avoid lifting the lid: It slows down cooking and lets out heat.
- Taste the sauce first: Adjust spice and sweetness before mixing it into the pork.
Quick Tip
Adjust the Chipotle BBQ sauce to your liking; chipotles balance its sweetness. Add them gradually to avoid excess spiciness. The bun and coleslaw will also help tame the heat.
Chipotle Amounts:
- Little/no spice: 1-2 tbsp of sauce from canned chipotles.
- Light spice: 2 tbsp sauce, 1 tbsp peppers.
- Medium spice: 2 tbsp sauce, 2 tbsp peppers.
- Spicy: 2 tbsp sauce, 3 tbsp peppers.
