This pulled pork sandwich is more than just comfort food — it’s a flavor memory. I first made it after a long weekend of backyard smoking and slow cooking. I wanted something that wasn’t just juicy and tender, but also balanced — something that combined heat and sweet, crunch and cream, tang and smoke.

So I started building layers. Toasted brioche for a buttery, slightly crisp base. Saucy pulled pork — slow-cooked until it falls apart — smothered in my homemade BBQ sauce. Crisp dill pickles for bite. And then, a creamy coleslaw made with both green and purple cabbage, shredded carrots, and a touch of that same BBQ sauce for extra flavor. The result? The best pulled pork sandwich I’ve ever had — and one that quickly became a staple in my home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Fall-apart tender pork – Slow-cooked to perfection and full of smoky, saucy flavor
Balanced textures & flavors – Creamy slaw + tangy pickles + sweet-savory BBQ
Great for gatherings – Make-ahead friendly and easy to assemble
Customizable – Works with different meats, sauces, and toppings
The ultimate sandwich experience – It’s messy, hearty, and deeply satisfying

Ingredients List:

boneless pork shoulder (or pork butt)
paprika
garlic powder
onion powder
salt
black pepper
apple cider vinegar
chicken broth or water
homemade BBQ sauce
green cabbage
purple cabbage
carrots
mayonnaise
brioche buns
Dill pickle

There are 3 Steps To Making This Recipe:

Step 1: Make the Pulled Pork

Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub all over the pork shoulder. Place in a slow cooker. Add apple cider vinegar and broth around the pork. Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 5–6 hours, until the pork easily shreds with a fork. Remove pork, shred with forks, and return to slow cooker. Stir in BBQ sauce and mix well. Keep warm.

Optional: For a smoky flavor, use a smoker or oven + liquid smoke method.

Step 2: Make the Coleslaw

In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, mayo, vinegar, and BBQ sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well and chill for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches

Toast brioche buns until golden. Pile pulled pork generously onto the bottom bun. Add a layer of pickle slices. Top with a scoop of creamy slaw. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce, if desired, and add the top bun. Serve immediately with napkins — it's deliciously messy.

Tips to Make This Recipe Your Own:

Spicy it up: Add jalapeños to the slaw or mix hot sauce into the pork.
Try other slaws: Apple slaw, vinegar slaw, or kale slaw work great too.
Switch the buns: Pretzel buns, potato rolls, or ciabatta are all tasty alternatives.
Make sliders: Use slider buns for party-friendly mini versions.
Use leftovers creatively: Top baked potatoes, serve over rice bowls, or stuff into tacos!

Storage Tips:

Pulled Pork: Store cooled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth or BBQ sauce.
Coleslaw: Best when fresh, but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Mix before serving.
Fully assembled sandwiches: Best enjoyed immediately. If storing components separately, assemble right before eating to maintain texture.

Substitution Tips:

Pork: Try shredded chicken thighs, beef chuck roast, or jackfruit for a plant-based version.
BBQ sauce: Store-bought works fine, but homemade adds a personal touch — [link your sauce here again].
Mayo: Use Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo if needed.
Dairy-free/Gluten-free: Make sure your BBQ sauce and buns fit your dietary needs — many gluten-free buns work great toasted!

Final Thoughts:

This juicy pulled pork sandwich isn’t just a recipe — it’s a moment. The kind of meal that brings people to the table, gets a little messy, and leaves everyone full and happy. From the slow-cooked pork to the creamy coleslaw and those irresistible pickles, every bite is layered with texture, flavor, and pure comfort.

Whether you’re hosting a game day crowd, making weekend meal prep, or just craving something warm and satisfying, this sandwich delivers every single time. And once you’ve made it with your homemade BBQ sauce, trust me — you won’t go back.

Save this recipe, share it with your BBQ-loving friends, and don’t forget to make extra — you’ll want leftovers.

Looking for more Sandwich Recipes? Try my popular recipes below: