Easy Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Barbecue Sauce

🔥 KITCHEN FINDS

3 Clever Kitchen Gadgets Worth Checking Out

These handy little gadgets make cooking easier — and they're actually pretty cool.

This Kitchen Gadget Sprays AND Pours Oil

One bottle for spraying, pouring and keeping cooking oil close at hand.

Check It Out on Amazon →

This Weird Little Tool Slices Watermelon for You

Slice, cube and grab watermelon with one ridiculously simple little gadget.

Check It Out on Amazon →

Mix & Pour Pancake Batter Without the Mess

Mix the batter right in the bottle, then squeeze it straight onto the griddle.

Check It Out on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

If you’re in the mood for a comforting meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare, these Easy Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Barbecue Sauce are just what you need. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers tender, flavorful pork piled high on a soft sesame seed bun, topped with cheese and your favorite fixings. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings the taste of barbecue right to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pulled pork sandwich recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. The slow-cooked pork is infused with smoky barbecue goodness, and the combination of toppings allows you to customize each sandwich to your liking. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a family or entertaining friends.

• Simple ingredients you probably already have.
• Perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.
• Customizable with your favorite toppings.
• Delicious leftovers for sandwiches or salads.
• Great for any occasion, from casual dinners to game day.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup barbecue sauce, plus extra for serving
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 sesame seed burger buns
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Pickles, for topping
• Lettuce, for topping
• Tomato slices, for topping

How to Make Pulled Pork Sandwich

1. Start by seasoning the pork shoulder. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the pork shoulder.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Transfer the seared pork to a slow cooker. Add ½ cup of barbecue sauce and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
4. Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, mixing it with the remaining barbecue sauce.
5. To assemble the sandwiches, toast the sesame seed buns lightly. Pile the shredded pork onto the bottom half of each bun, then top with shredded cheddar cheese, pickles, lettuce, and tomato slices. Add the top bun and serve immediately with extra barbecue sauce on the side.

Tips for the Best Results

• For even more flavor, let the pork marinate with the spice rub in the fridge overnight before cooking.
• If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can cook the pork in a Dutch oven at 300°F for about 4 hours, adding a little water or broth to keep it moist.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of barbecue sauce based on your personal preference for sweetness and smokiness.

Easy Variations

• Swap out the cheddar cheese for pepper jack for a spicy kick.
• Add coleslaw on top of the pork for a crunchy texture.
• Try using different types of buns, like brioche or whole wheat, for variety.
• For a healthier option, serve the pulled pork over a salad instead of in a bun.

What to Serve With It

• Sweet potato fries or regular fries for a classic pairing.
• A refreshing coleslaw to balance the richness of the sandwich.
• Baked beans for a hearty side.
• Corn on the cob for a perfect summer meal.
• Potato chips for a crunchy side option.

Storage and Reheating

📚 RECIPE LOVER FINDS

Love Trying New Recipes? Check These Out

Save your favorites, discover something different, or make meal planning a whole lot easier.

❤️ Love This Recipe? Save Your Favorites

Keep all those recipes you actually want to make again together in your own recipe book.

See It on Amazon →

🔥 Yep, Snoop Dogg Has a Cookbook

From Crook to Cook brings Snoop's spin to comfort food, classics and seriously fun recipes.

Check It Out on Amazon →

🥗 100+ Meals You Can Make Ahead

Simple make-ahead recipes and quick-assembly meals for making the week way easier.

See It on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Leftover pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of barbecue sauce to keep it moist. You can also freeze the pulled pork for up to 3 months; just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recipe Card