Pulled pork is one of the most popular BBQ items in the history of BBQ, and the number one thing to make with pulled pork is pulled pork sandwiches. It’s a simple sandwich, but when you really dive into the details, this simple pulled pork sandwich might take upwards of 8-10 hours to make after you figure in the time it took to smoke the pork. Think about that next time you order one at your favorite BBQ joint.
My pulled pork sandwich is very simple, with only a few ingredients. The star is definitely the smoked pulled pork. I prefer a toasted brioche bun, homemade BBQ sauce, coleslaw, and three dill pickle slices. You can let your imagination take it from here and add whatever you like to your sandwich, but mine has always been made this specific way.
Preparation
Pulled Pork
I like to use a bone-in pork butt when I am making pulled pork, but boneless or pork shoulder will also work. For this pulled pork sandwich recipe, I am assuming that you have already smoked your pork butt and shredded the pork like in the photo below. Click the link if you need a recipe for smoked pork butt; we have an excellent one. Be prepared to smoke and rest this smoked pork for 8-10 hours.
BBQ Sauce & Coleslaw
For this pulled pork recipe, I assume you have already made your homemade BBQ sauce or have your favorite sauce ready, and you have coleslaw chilled and ready.
Pulled Pork Sandwich Ingredients
- 1/3 pound pulled pork
- 1 Brioche bun
- 1 tbsp BBQ sauce
- 1/8 cup coleslaw
- 3 dill pickle slices
Hot Tips
Make sure to toast the bun. It will help keep its integrity when you pile it high with pulled pork and slather it in BBQ sauce. No one likes a soggy bun.
Equipment Needed
- Toaster or grill for the bun
- Tongs for assembly
How to Make the Perfect Pulled Pork Sandwich
- Ensure your pulled pork is properly warmed to 165°F. Fresh off the smoker is the best, but you can heat it in the oven or stovetop.
- Toast the brioche bun until golden brown. I like to use a little butter to get a nice crust inside the bun.
- Have coleslaw chilled and ready.
- Have the dill pickle slices ready.
Assembling The Pulled Pork Sandwich
Layer the Pulled Pork Ingredients
- Pile the warm pulled pork on the bottom bun.
- Drizzle with the BBQ sauce.
- Top with chilled coleslaw.
- Arrange three pickle slices.
- Place top bun and serve immediately.
What to Serve With
- Classic potato salad
- Baked beans
- Smoked mac and cheese
- Wedge salad
- Corn on the cob
- French fries
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover pulled pork? Yes, just ensure it’s properly reheated to 165°F and still moist. Add a splash of apple juice when reheating to maintain moisture.
Why only three pickle slices? There’s no reason, really. I am just weird and always have to put 3 pickle slices on my pulled pork sandwich. You can go wild here and put as many pickles as you want on your own sandwich.
Can I make this ahead of time? For sure, you can make the pulled pork in advance. You can keep it warm in a crock pot or just reheat it when you are ready for sandwiches. I recommend assembling the sandwich just before serving. Pre-assembled sandwiches don’t store well and will become soggy.
Storing and Reheating
Store components separately:
- Pulled pork refrigerated in an airtight container (up to 4 days).
- Pulled pork vacuum-sealed in the freezer for 3 months.
- Coleslaw is refrigerated separately (up to 2 days).
- Toast buns fresh when serving.
- BBQ Sauce can be refrigerated.
To reheat pulled pork:
- Bake or use the stovetop with a splash of apple juice
- Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Mix occasionally to ensure even heating
Scaling the Recipe
For Four People:
- 1.3 pounds of pulled pork.
- 4 brioche buns.
- 4 tablespoons BBQ sauce.
- 1/2 cup coleslaw.
- 12 pickle slices.
More BBQ Recipes You Might Enjoy
Pulled Pork Sandwich
Equipment
- Toaster or grill for the bun
- Tongs for assembly
Ingredients
- 1/3 lbs Pulled Pork (I used my Smoked Pork Butt Recipe)
- 1 Brioche Bun
- 1 tbsp BBQ Sauce
- 1/8 cup Coleslaw
- 3 Slices Dill Pickle
Instructions
- Pulled Pork: I like to use a bone-in pork butt when I am making pulled pork, but boneless or pork shoulder will also work. For this pulled pork sandwich recipe, I am assuming that you have already smoked your pork butt and shredded the pork like in the photo below. Click the link if you need a recipe for smoked pork butt; we have an excellent one. Be prepared to smoke and rest this smoked pork for 8-10 hours.
- BBQ Sauce: For this pulled pork recipe, I am assuming you have already made your homemade BBQ sauce or have your favorite sauce ready and your coleslaw is ready to go.
How to Make the Perfect Pulled Pork Sandwich
- Ensure your pulled pork is properly warmed to 165°F. Fresh off the smoker is the best, but you can heat it in the oven or stovetop.
- Toast the brioche bun until golden brown. I like to use a little butter to get a nice crust inside the bun.
- Layer the Pulled Pork Ingredients. Pile the warm pulled pork on the bottom bun.
- Drizzle with the BBQ sauce. Top with chilled coleslaw. Arrange three pickle slices.
- Place top bun and serve immediately.
