Leftover Pulled Pork Recipes: 6 Easy Ways to Use It Up

The best ways to use leftover pulled pork are pizza, enchiladas, loaded baked potatoes, mac and cheese, Hawaiian sliders and crispy carnitas. 

Start with a batch of fork-tender pulled pork. Coat pork shoulder in our sweet and spicy rub and roast it low and slow in the oven, or make an easy slow cooker pork roast, then use the leftovers all week long.

I almost always cook two pork shoulders at a time, sometimes because I am feeding a crowd, but mostly because leftover pulled pork is one of my favorite things to have. It freezes beautifully and turns into a week of easy dinners. 

If you still need to make your pork, start at the top with our best pulled pork recipes. If you already have a container of leftovers waiting, skip down to the leftover pork recipes.

Start Here: How to Make the Pulled Pork

Every recipe here starts with a batch of shredded pork. Here is where to get it. Pick the method that fits your day, then come back and use the leftovers below.

• My favorite rub: Our sweet and spicy pulled pork rub is the place to start. Smoked paprika and dark brown sugar give it deep flavor, and chipotle and cayenne bring a little heat. One batch makes about 2 cups, enough for around 6 roasts.
• The main method (oven roasted): No smoker needed. Follow my easy Boston butt method. Coat a 7 to 8 pound pork shoulder in the rub, roast fat side up at 450ºF for 30 minutes, then reduce the oven to 250ºF without opening the door and roast 7 to 8 hours, until the pork reaches 195 to 200ºF and pulls apart with a fork.
• A leaner option: Pulled pork tenderloin cooks in the slow cooker in about 3 to 4 hours. Because tenderloin is lean, we add butter and chicken stock to keep it juicy and shreddable.
• Fun flavor twists: For an easy dump and go batch, try Dr Pepper pulled pork for sweet, tangy depth, or sweet slow cooker pulled pork made with mango juice and brown sugar.

How long does pulled pork last in the fridge?

Cooked pulled pork keeps in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for 2 to 3 months.

What to Do With Leftover Pulled Pork

Leftover pulled pork in the fridge is a head start on dinner! I love that each of these recipes make pork stretch further, all into a fun meal. 

Pulled Pork Pizza

Turn leftovers into pizza night. Spread sauce over your crust, pile on shredded pork, red onion and plenty of cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden. This is my absolute favorite!

Pulled Pork Enchiladas

Roll that pork up with cheese and sauce, then bake until everything is melty and bubbling.

Pulled Pork Baked Potatoes

Start with a crispy skinned baked potato, split it open, and load it with warm pork, BBQ sauce, sharp cheddar, bacon and a dollop of sour cream. It is great for a baked potato bar, too!

Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese

Creamy homemade mac and cheese with tender pork folded right in. It is pure comfort food and made it into our At the Family Table cookbook.

Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders

Sweet Hawaiian rolls stuffed with pork and cheese, brushed with butter and baked until melty and golden. Serve with pineapple and coleslaw on the side.

Pork Carnitas

Spread the shredded pork on a sheet pan and crisp it up, then pile it into tacos, burritos and rice bowls. Those caramelized, crispy edges have the best flavor.