5 Easy Leftover Pulled Pork Ideas

Have some leftover pulled pork on hand? Well, we’re here to help you use it up. These leftover pulled pork ideas will give you dinner for days!

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If you’re making pulled pork, or ordering it for a meal, it’s always the smart woman’s move to have extra. Not only does it freeze nicely, but you can turn it into a whole lot of tasty extra dishes after the first go-round.

I’ve included 5 simple recipes to entice you to try something new with your pulled pork. Whether you’re reusing Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork, classic Crock Pot Pulled Pork, or BBQ Pulled Pork, you’ll find plenty of ideas below!

bbq pulled pork sliders topped with coleslaw.

Leftover Pulled Pork Recipes

Whether you have leftover pork from a slow cooker or you smoked your pulled pork for hours the day before, you can use that tender meat to make these five amazing recipes. They’re so tasty that you may want to make extra pulled pork anytime you cook just to have the leftovers on hand!

Try all of these pulled pork recipe ideas, or pick your favorite. No matter what, you won’t be disappointed.

1. Pulled Pork Sando

Assuming sandwiches aren’t what you were using that luscious pork for in the first place, try making a Japanese-inspired sando. Quick pickle some sliced cabbage, shredded carrots, and thinly sliced cucumbers in enough seasoned rice wine vinegar just to moisten.

Add a dash of sesame oil and salt, and set aside. Toast some buns and slather with mayo (I like the Kewpie brand). Pile the buns high with warm pork and the drained slaw and serve.

2. Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese

Start by adding your favorite mac and cheese recipe to a casserole dish, and stir in the pulled pork. Top with bacon bits and buttered bread crumbs.

Bake until warm, and the topping is golden. Serve with a nice green salad tossed with a bright and acidic dressing to cut the richness.

3. Polenta and Pulled Pork

Heat up the pulled pork with some sliced roasted red peppers, red onion, and your go-to pasta sauce. Season with some additional garlic powder and dried oregano.

Meanwhile, pan-sear a few slices of your favorite ready-to-eat polenta. When that’s warmed through, serve with the pulled pork and a side of Southern Green Beans or sautéed zucchini.

4. Leftover Pulled Pork Tacos

You knew that was coming. Pulled pork tacos are what dreams are made of. All you have to do is warm up some small corn tortillas and the pork. Then, let your family go to town.

Have small bowls of pico de gallo, crumbled cotija cheese (or feta), chopped cilantro, avocado, lime wedges, minced chile peppers, hot sauce (I like Tapatio here), and some fluffy rice so everyone can have a custom bite.

Quick Tip

The big takeaway from this is that pulled pork is really rich and heady, so it should always have something tart to go with it. Vinegar, lemon, and hot sauce all add that extra perk you’re looking for!

5. Puff Pastry Bites

Unfold two defrosted puff pastry sheets, and cut them into 18 squares. Add a rounded tablespoon of the pulled pork. Fold the opposite corners of each square to create a triangle, and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Poke a fork into the top to create steam ventilation. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Then, brush each pastry with the egg wash.

Bake at 400ºF on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with a drizzle of hot honey, and enjoy!

Bonus Idea! – Charcuterie Board Pulled Pork Spread

Okay, this one is loosely based on the idea of French country pâté or even potted meat. It’s easy and rustic. If you put it in a little dish and add it to your charcuterie board with some crackers, your guests are sure to devour it!

Cook some small chopped onion and garlic with salt and pepper in butter. Add a splash of sherry, wine, or cognac if you have any on hand, then cool.

Meanwhile, mince the pulled pork and add some roughly chopped toasted nuts. Stir together with a splash of heavy cream and the cooked onion. Season with salt and cracked black pepper to taste. Pack into a ramekin and chill until ready to serve.

A Few More Leftover Pulled Pork Ideas

These are all great starting points but don’t hesitate to incorporate pulled pork into lots of other things like a soup, stew, enchiladas, sheet pan nachos, or a scrumptious BBQ pizza topping. Add some pulled pork to your morning omelet or make a pulled pork fritatta. The possibilities are endless!

FAQs

How long is leftover pulled pork good for?

Pulled pork will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or quickly heat it up in a skillet.

How to make leftover pulled pork juicy?

To keep your leftover pork juicy, stir in a little extra sauce before reheating. If you do not have extra sauce, add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter before reheating the pork. This will keep it nice and moist!