Frequently Asked Questions
What are Italian-Style Philly Roast Pork Sandwiches?
They are authentic Philadelphia-style sandwiches featuring succulent pork roast seasoned with Italian herbs, served on crusty rolls.
What cut of pork is required for this recipe?
This recipe requires a 3 to 3.5 lb boneless pork roast.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) before roasting the pork.
How do I ensure seasonings stick to the pork?
You should pat the roast dry with paper towels before applying seasonings to ensure better adherence.
Which spices provide the Italian flavor in this roast?
The flavor profile is created using garlic powder, dried basil, Italian seasoning (or pizza seasoning), and dehydrated garlic.
Is there an initial searing step in the oven?
Yes, the pork is roasted dry for the first 15 minutes to build flavor as the fat renders.
When should I add water to the baking dish?
Add water to the baking dish after the initial 15 minutes of dry roasting.
How much water goes into the dish?
You should add enough water to reach about 1/2 inch up the sides of the baking dish.
How often should I check the roast while it cooks?
You should check the water level and baste the meat approximately every 30 minutes.
Why is it important to spoon liquid over the roast?
Basting the meat with the pan liquids helps keep the surface moist throughout the cooking process.
What is the target internal temperature for the pork?
The pork is considered done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165-170ยฐF (74-77ยฐC).
How long does the entire roasting process take?
The total roasting time is usually about one and a half hours.
Should I remove the fat from the roast?
Yes, once the roast is cooked, you should trim off any visible fat before slicing.
Why is resting the meat necessary?
Allowing the roast to rest for a few minutes helps it retain its juices for a more tender result.
How thin should the pork be sliced for sandwiches?
The pork should be sliced very thinly to achieve the authentic Philly sandwich texture.
Where is the best place to slice the roast?
It is best to slice the meat directly in the baking dish to capture and absorb all the flavorful juices.
What do the resulting pan juices look like?
The juices should be golden brown and contain flavorful pieces of herbs and garlic.
How do I assemble the sandwiches?
Load the thinly sliced pork onto crusty rolls, ensuring the meat has soaked up some of the pan juices.
Can the cooking liquid be turned into gravy?
Yes, you can drizzle the juices over the sandwiches as-is or thicken the liquid to create a flavorful gravy.
What type of bread is recommended for these sandwiches?
Crusty Italian rolls or French bread are the best options for serving these sandwiches.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 12 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 225 calories.
How much fat is in one serving of the sandwich?
There are approximately 12.5 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving provides about 18.3 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this sandwich provide?
One serving contains approximately 16.7 grams of protein.
Can this roast be served without the bread?
Absolutely, the roast can be served as a main dish accompanied by your favorite side items.
Is this recipe suitable for hosting events?
Yes, it is perfect for game day gatherings, parties, or casual family meals.
What size baking dish should I use?
A standard 9 x 13 inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe.
Can I use pizza seasoning instead of Italian seasoning?
Yes, the recipe allows for either Italian seasoning or pizza seasoning to be used.
Should I use fresh or ground pepper?
The recipe calls for fresh coarse ground black pepper for the best flavor results.