Pulled pork is an American dish that’s made from shredding pork shoulders after it’s been cooked – typically barbecued, but the pork can be prepared in other ways as well (seared then put into an oven with liquid, or made in a slow-cooked or an instant pot). It’s a comfort food for so many people.
It’s a delicious recipe that can last a long time, but it can also take a while to make, so making a huge batch and saving some for later can make cooking it worthwhile.
Because of its versatility, you can easily use leftover pulled pork to make other dishes as well. It’s such an easy ingredient to incorporate into lots of different dishes, and it can take any simple dish to the next level.
So in this post, I’m sharing a roundup of recipes that you can make with your leftover pulled pork.
Overall, mostly none of them allow meat and poultry. As far as eggs, fish, and dairy products go, that’s where the biggest differences are. Some allow some of those, some don’t allow any, and we have different variations.
Leftover Pulled Pork Recipes
As I mentioned, pulled pork is an insanely versatile ingredient, and it can be incorporated into so many different dishes. It pairs so well with carbs, cheese, and veggies, so it can work in anything from pulled pork sandwiches to pulled pork chili.
The reason why I love it so much, and why I’m sure you will too, is because it cuts down cooking in half. Whatever dish you’re making, you already have your protein ready! That’s why I love preparing pulled pork and having leftovers on hand when I know I’m busy and I want to be able to quickly prepare a delicious meal for me and my family.
While pulled pork is often used in some not-so-healthy dishes, it can also be used in nutritious meals. In this post, I’ll share both types of dishes, so you have options for whatever you feel like eating that day. Whichever dish you choose, your family will love it, and so will you.
What To Do With Leftover Pulled Pork
Pulled Pork Nachos
We’re starting off with a classic. Pulled pork nachos are such a common way to use leftover pork, and for a good reason. It’s delicious, and suuuper quick to make. All you need is to layer chips, pulled pork, cheese, pico de gallo, sour cream, and guac, and broil it so the cheese gets melted. Of course, nachos are great because you can customize them to your liking. You can also add black beans, corn, jalapenos, pickled onions, and anything else you like.
Find the full recipe here.
Pulled Pork Chili
If you’re looking for a hearty, cozy, and comforting meal, then this Tex-Mex pulled pork chili is just the thing you need to make.
As this recipe consists of you making the pulled pork from scratch, this can be the way you make your pulled pork, and then take some out, put it in the fridge, and use it as leftovers another day.
But if you’re looking for a homemade meal that’s perfect for a cold day, you don’t want to skip this recipe.
Pulled Pork Sandwich
We can’t skip this classic. Pulled pork sandwich is a favorite in the US and for a good reason. The pork is such a delicious protein to add to a sandwich to take it to the next level, and the shredded texture really makes it extra special.
It’s usually paired with a slaw of your choosing, and possibly some cheese and a sauce, all put together on a bun.
The beauty in it is that you can make it any way you like – you can choose your own bread, cheese, salad, sauce, everything.
If you want to follow a specific recipe, here’s a great one.
Pulled Pork Hash
Who says pulled pork is only for lunch and dinner? This delicious recipe utilized leftover pulled pork in a breakfast! If you combine potatoes, leftover pulled pork, eggs, onion, bell peppers, cheese, and some seasonings and extra ingredients, you get the most delicious pulled pork hash that’s going to make you look forward to making and eating your breakfast.
This is such a filling and tasty breakfast, and it has it all – pork and eggs for protein, potatoes for carbs, and veggies for vitamins.
You can also try making it with sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes if you want a different flavor combo.
Pulled Pork Salad
I said this list would include both healthy and not-super-healthy options, so here comes the healthy one! While the thought of leftover pulled pork usually screams nachos or sandwiches, you can definitely utilize it in a healthy and nutritious way, too.
That’s where this salad comes in.
The salad perfectly balances the hearty pulled pork, and it adds the freshness it needs. For the salad component, this recipe calls for romaine lettuce, shredded cabbage, cherry tomatoes, and avocado. The veggies get topped with your leftover pulled pork, cotija cheese, cilantro, and an insanely delicious homemade jalapeno ranch dressing.
Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese
Okay, now to balance it out, here’s a not-so-healthy but so, so delicious recipe using pulled pork. This barbeque pulled pork mac & cheese is creamy, cheesy, cozy, and so tasty.
It calls for three kinds of cheeses (which already makes this recipe amazing), flour, oil, milk, barbeque sauce, and your leftover pulled pork.
You start off by making a classic mac and cheese, but you take it to the next level with the barbeque sauce and your leftover pulled pork.
Pulled Pork Qesadillas
If you’re in the mood for another super easy and quick Mexican-style dish, this pulled pork quesadilla is just what you need.
What I love about pulled pork quesadillas is that they’re super customizable, and you’re able to tailor them to your specific liking.
Of course, to make the pulled pork quesadilla, you need leftover pulled pork and some kind of cheese, but everything else is very customizable. You can even choose the cheese you want, and all other ingredients. You have the option to leave it very simple and only use the meat and the cheese (plus a tortilla, of course), or you can elevate it by adding some grilled veggies, sauce or salsa on top, possibly some sour cream or guac, or even black beans and corn inside the quesadilla.
The options are endless, which is what makes this recipe so amazing for a busy weeknight dinner.
Pulled Pork Vegetable Soup
If pulled pork isn’t the first thing that pops into your mind when you hear a leftover pulled pork recipe, I get it. It’s not the most common dish out there. With that being said, it’s one of the most delicious soups you’ll ever make, and if you don’t try this recipe, you’ll definitely be sorry.
It takes about 30 minutes to make, which makes it an easy and quick dinner, but that’s not what makes it so amazing. The flavor is next level! It’s so cozy, nourishing, and comforting.
You need pulled pork (obviously), frozen mixed veggies, creamed corn, tomatoes, brown rice, and some seasonings. When you combine all of that, you get the most delicious soup you’ve ever tried, trust me.
Creamy Pulled Pork Pasta
Okay, I already gave you a recipe for pulled pork mac and cheese, but this is a different kind of pulled pork pasta, and both are equally delicious.
While pulled pork is usually served in barbeque sauce and the dish it’s put in has a BBQ flavor, this recipe is a bit different. For this recipe, you actually combine your pulled pork with caramelized onions, mushrooms, and arugula. The fancy dish will blow you away, and it will become a regular meal whenever you have any pulled pork left.
Pulled Pork Sliders
Another classic – pulled pork sliders. If you prefer sliders rather than sandwiches, or you’re feeding a crowd and this better suits your needs, this delicious recipe will definitely blow everyone away. While it’s very simple and classic, it really packs a lot of flavor!
Pulled Pork Enchiladas
Here’s yet another tortilla recipe with pulled pork, but it’s no less delicious than the rest of the recipes from this list. Enchiladas are delicious no matter what the star ingredient is, but when that ingredient is leftover pulled pork, it takes them to the next level.
If you love utilizing leftovers, I have lots more leftover recipes for you! If you want to find out what to do with leftover spaghetti sauce, or what to do with Thanksgiving leftovers, you can find those recipes on my blog.
