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If you are looking for an incredibly easy meal to serve a crowd then this recipe for Italian Pulled Pork sandwiches is the perfect answer! Tender, juicy, flavorful pork piled high on a chewy roll is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
My Aunt Teresa is a great cook and their farm home is often the hub of large family gatherings. She has a handful of great meals that she has shared with me that she has crafted over the years to feed a large hungry crowd. Hands down her pulled pork recipe is a family favorite and I am sure will be for your family as well!
Reasons this pulled pork should be served at your next party:
1- So easy to make
The best part of this dish is its ease to prepare. Toss all the ingredients in the electric roaster (Nesco is the brand we like) and leave it for 10-12 hours until it is ready to pull apart. That’s it! So simple- which is exactly what you need on party day. No mess, no stress!
2- Inexpensive to feed a lot of people
The recipe calls for pork loin but I have used a pork shoulder as well and it turned out great too. Pork shoulders are often cheaper in our area so I typically base my decision on whatever is cheaper. There are a few things to note if you use a shoulder cut it may take longer to cook until tender, typically 12-13hours. You will also need to remove the bone during the shredding process if you use a shoulder cut instead of the loin. Either cut you use will taste great and since it serves a lot it is definitely an economical meal without sacrificing taste.
3- Flavorful alone, or with add ons
While the pork is amazing alone, we like to offer a variety of barbecue sauces, coleslaw, sliced jalapenos and pickles for anyone who wishes to dress up their sandwiches as well.
I recommend serving this pork on a hearty, chewy roll or bun. Soft buns often absorb the pork juice and leave you with a soggy mess so avoid hamburger buns and opt for kaiser or something similar that will hold all that tender meat!
4- Freezes perfectly
The final reason this meal is one of my go-tos for parties is the leftovers freeze extremely well! I put them in freezer zip-lock bags and it will keep for several months in the freezer. Simply thaw and reheat in a microwave, or even place frozen meat in saucepan with a little water and reheat over low-medium temperature until heated through.
I definitely encourage you to try this recipe at your next gathering and look forward to hearing if your village loves it as much as mine!