One of the best ways to enjoy pulled pork is a simple one: pulled pork sandwiches. What is a sandwich without its toppings, though? Adding pulled pork sandwich toppings like coleslaw, cheese, or even international options like kimchi is a great way to make a simple dish a memorable one to share with family and friends.
The smoky and salty flavors of pulled pork complement tangy sauces and robust vegetables perfectly, resulting in a harmonious and well-balanced taste. Adding some toppings to the pulled pork will give it an added texture that will surely elevate the dish.
Consider both the classic and non-traditional options on this list the next time you make smoked pulled pork on your Traeger. If you can’t decide, that’s OK; a pulled pork toppings bar can be a fun way to offer a variety of options.
The Best Toppings for Pulled Pork Sandwichescoleslaw.fried onion rings.bacon.caramelized onions.pickles.pickled vegetables.jalapenos or pickled jalapenos.pepperoncini.
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coleslaw.
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fried onion rings.
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bacon.
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caramelized onions.
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pickles.
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pickled vegetables.
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jalapenos or pickled jalapenos.
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pepperoncini.
Classic Pulled Pork Sandwich Toppings
Pulled pork sandwiches have been around long enough to have some traditional toppings, which include those listed below.
BBQ sauce
Barbecue sauce is almost always welcome on a pulled pork sandwich. Choose between any barbecue sauce you enjoy, such as Carolina style, Kansas City style, or Texas style. You can also create your own sauce and add more sweetness or heat to fit your preferences.
Coleslaw
Even if you aren’t a fan of a side of slaw, coleslaw makes a refreshing and crunchy topping that counters the savory flavors of pulled pork meat. There are two basic types of coleslaw: creamy (made with mayo) and vinegary, and many slaw feature both. Coleslaw is traditionally made with shredded cabbage and carrots, but there are all kinds of variations, such as this recipe, which features mango.
Pickles
Whether youre a fan of sweet, savory, tangy, or bold, pickles are a classic choice to balance the rich and smoky flavors of the pulled pork while adding a crisp texture. Sweet pickles, bread and butter pickles, and dill pickles all make perfect pairings for your smoked pulled pork meat. You dont have to stick to using just cucumber pickles, either; any veggies that can be pickled are fair game, including jalapeños, carrots, or asparagus spears.
Onions
Onions are an affordable and versatile topping for a pulled pork sandwich, and while you can add them raw, sautéing or grilling gives them a sweeter flavor that won’t overpower the rest of the food. If youve already added them to your slaw or pickle mix, you can decide whether you need them on their own.
Another way to enjoy onions is as fried onion straws or “frizzles.” Made like onion rings, these much thinner onion pieces crisp up nicely and dont overwhelm the sandwich. For those who prefer the milder taste of cooked onions, this is definitely a method to consider.
Mustard is another premium pulled pork sandwich topping to include in your topping choices. Wood-fired pulled pork meets its match with a dollop of tangy mustard, creating a symphony of flavors as the zesty kick cuts through the savory richness of the pork.
Creative Pulled Pork Sandwich Toppings
If youre looking for more adventurous pulled pork sandwich toppings, weve got you covered. Consider these bold culinary options if you’re ready to make your pulled pork stand out.
Fried Egg
You’ve likely seen fried eggs on burgers, so why not enjoy them on pulled pork? When prepared over easy, you’ll get the combo of crispy egg white edges and the gooey yolks that add richness to an already tasty dish. Fried eggs take an ordinary sandwich to another level.
Avocado
The creamy texture and unique flavor of avocados make them perfect for almost any sandwich. This includes smoked pulled pork. Since both the meat and avocados have a more mild flavor, look for some sweet or spicy sauces to help pull everything together. If you want to amp up the texture, fry the avocado slices in panko or flour breading and your choice of zesty spices. Sprinkle on chili powder or smoked paprika to give these fried slices an extra kick.
Jalapeño Peppers
The spice of a jalapeño pepper isn’t for everyone, but heat-seekers might enjoy a few slices, raw or pickled, to add crunch and flavor to their pork recipe. For a flavorful char taste, smoke the peppers on your Traeger.
Pineapple
Pineapple is often paired with pork, whether it be pork chops or a baked ham, so it makes sense that it would taste great on a pulled pork sandwich. For added flavor, use fresh pineapple rings and grill them for a few minutes on each side. Not only will it help break down pineapple fibers and make them more tender, but the charred sugar from the juice will give your pulled pork sandwich an extra punch of flavor.
Grilled Vegetables
If youre looking to freshen up your sandwich, consider adding grilled vegetables cooked on your Traeger Grill. From zucchini to carrots, grilled veggies can add a nice contrast to the smoky flavors of your pulled pork sandwich.
Roasted Garlic Aioli
Garlic is the heart of a good aioli sauce, which often also includes oil and eggs (similar to mayo.) This bolder spread is especially memorable when made with roasted garlic, which gives it a nuttier flavor.
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Hummus isn’t just for crackers and crudites. It’s also a delicious topping for your favorite pulled pork sandwich recipe. While hummus comes in many varieties, the roasted red pepper blend makes an especially fine addition to pulled pork and adds a creamy texture to your sandwich similar to coleslaw.
Grilled Corn
Sweet corn kernels, cooked on your Traeger, add sweetenss and color to pulled pork. If you have trouble keeping the kernels in place on top of your sandwich, mix them into whatever sauce youre using to pull it all together.
Gravy
Pork roast with gravy is more of a Sunday dinner dish, but it has possibilities as a lunch or game-time recipe when modified a bit. Use your favorite pork or brown gravy as the sauce of your pulled pork sandwich. You can even add a small scoop of mashed potatoes for a true comfort food experience.
The Greatest BBQ Pork Sandwich (American BBQ vs Korean Style)
FAQ
What condiments go well with pulled pork sandwiches?
What cheese goes best on BBQ sandwich?
What chips go with BBQ sandwiches?
What is a good topping for a grilled cheese sandwich?
Sliced cheese is an easy topping to prepare, and there are so many varieties you could choose from! Cheddar, Swiss, Provolone, Monterey Jack – the options are endless. If you want something even more unique, try Gouda or Brie for some extra oomph.
Are subway sandwiches healthy to eat?
Subway offers a better variety of healthy meal options than many other food establishments. In general, Subway’s sandwiches are low in sugar and a decent source of fiber and protein, however, many are also loaded with fat and sodium. As per the Subway’s appeal, you can customize your own meal. Take advantage of this option by choosing healthy ingredients and avoid cheese and full fat condiments.
What makes a good BBQ dish?
Everyone loves a classic barbecued dish—the rich, smoky flavor; the tender and juicy slow-cooked meat; your choice of BBQ sauce (sweet, spicy, tangy, etc.); and of course, all the extra toppings and sides you could want!
What toppings go well with a pulled pork sandwich?
Let’s start with the classic pulled pork sandwich toppings because if it’s the first time you’ll try one, you want to know how it’s regularly enjoyed. Coleslaw and pickles, or just coleslaw or pickles, are crowd-pleasers. You see, pulled pork is delicious, yes, but it lacks texture. It’s fatty and downright flabby.