11 Creative Ways to Use Leftover Pulled Pork

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
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Updated on 01/21/23
Pulled pork in a dish
The Spruce / Diana Rattray

You can look at leftover pulled pork made with budget-friendly pork roasts like money in the bank. If you usually pass right by the shoulders and Boston butts at the grocery store because you think the cuts are too large for your family, consider the many shredded pork recipes just waiting for your leftovers. You needn't resign yourself to eating sandwiches for days; pulled pork freezes beautifully. Defrost it in the refrigerator and enjoy it in beans, sandwiches, soups, casseroles, and more.

For more versatility in the second (or third or fourth) act, cook the pork and set some aside before you add barbecue or other sauce. Shredded pork makes a fabulous addition to omelets, salads, and burritos. Add some saucy pulled pork to a grilled cheese sandwich, use it to fill tacos, or stir it into baked beans.

If you don't feel like cooking a pork shoulder, pick up a package of your favorite brand of prepared pulled pork and try a recipe (or two).

  • 01 of 11

    Macaroni and Cheese With Pulled Pork

    Macaroni and Cheese With Pulled Pork

    The Sprue / Diana Rattray

    Macaroni and cheese, the quintessential comfort food, reaches a new level when you combine it with pulled pork. Serve this easy pulled pork macaroni and cheese casserole with homemade coleslaw and biscuits or soft rolls for weeknight stress release or a cozy Sunday supper.

  • 02 of 11

    Pulled Pork Egg Rolls

    Pulled Pork Egg Rolls Baked or Fried

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    Fusion cuisine for the home kitchen, pulled pork egg rolls use packaged or homemade egg roll wrappers and can be baked or deep-fried. Serve them as an easy-to-prepare snack or appetizer, or pair them with hot rice or Asian-style noodles for a delicious takeout-style meal.

  • 03 of 11

    Pulled Pork Tamales

    Pulled Pork Tamales

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    Tamales are most often associated with Latin American cuisines, but they're also a Mississippi Delta specialty. Pulled pork shoulder pairs beautifully with the cornmeal dough in these tamales, which are easier to make than you might think. You can freeze pulled pork tamales and reheat them when you're ready to feast.

  • 04 of 11

    Pulled Pork Barbecue Empanadas

    Pulled Pork Empanadas

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    The flaky, delicious crust on these pulled pork barbecue empanadas turns them into handheld pies for effortless serving. Make them lunch size or bite size and pair them with some homemade coleslaw and barbecue sauce for dipping.

    Continue to 5 of 11 below
  • 05 of 11

    Pulled Pork Arepas

    Arepas With Pulled Pork

     Fernando Fernandez Balina / Getty Images

    In this recipe, slow-cooked pulled pork fills Venezuelan-style arepas, a griddle-fried corn cake. A tasty lemon or lime, cilantro garlic aioli goes well with these South American sandwiches.

  • 06 of 11

    Cemita: A Pueblan-Style Mexican Pulled Pork Sandwich

    Cemita Mexican Pulled Pork Sandwich recipe

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

    This Pueblan-style Mexican pulled pork sandwich layers pulled pork with peppers, avocado, sliced tomato, and cheese. The recipe calls for rich Mexican cemita buns, but brioche buns or other slightly sweet breads work as a substitute.

  • 07 of 11

    Pulled Pork Sliders

    Pulled Pork Sliders

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    You can scale this party hit for a smaller meal at home. Use standard slider buns or make mini buns for these pulled pork sandwiches. Top them with a simple coleslaw or pickle slices and serve them with barbecue sauce on the side.

  • 08 of 11

    Pulled Pork Barbecue Biscuit Cups

    Pulled Pork Barbecue Biscuit Cups

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    Try these pulled pork barbecue biscuit cupswhen you need a hearty snack. This recipe combines leftover pulled pork with barbecue sauce and a can of refrigerated biscuits for a savory treat that will be appreciated on its own or as the star of a backyard or living room picnic with creamy coleslaw and fries or chips.

    Continue to 9 of 11 below
  • 09 of 11

    Brunswick Stew With Pork and Chicken

    Brunswick Stew with Pork and Chicken

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    This hearty Brunswick stew with pork and chicken uses leftover pulled pork and cooked shredded or chopped chicken thighs. Serve Brunswick stew with cornbread, pickles, and coleslaw or a salad on the side. 

  • 10 of 11

    Pork Ragu

    Ragu made with shredded pork on pasta

    The Spruce / Jennifer Perillo

    Use your leftover shredded pork shoulder to make this fabulous Italian-style pork ragu. Serve it over your favorite pasta with a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.

  • 11 of 11

    Easy Mini Pork Quiches

    Mini Shredded Pork Quiche

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    These easy mini quiches with pulled pork — a snap to prepare — make great little one-bite snacks. Use leftover roasted or braised pork shoulder for the filling. Round dumpling wraps or wonton wrappers line mini muffin cups to make the crust.