Slow-Cooked Italian Herb Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Savor the mouthwatering flavors of this Italian-inspired pulled pork sandwich featuring a succulent boneless pork roast, lovingly rubbed with a fragrant blend of olive oil, garlic, and aromatic herbs. The pork roasts low and slow in a crock pot, absorbing all the delicious seasonings, resulting in a tender, fall-apart meat that is irresistibly juicy. Perfectly nestled in warm, buttered Italian ciabatta rolls, this sandwich takes classic Italian street food to a new level of comfort. Ideal for gatherings, family dinners, or game day, this recipe simplifies the traditional Porchetta while delivering authentic Italian flavor that everyone will adore.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless pork roast
4 1/2 lbs (trimmed of fat)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (for rubbing)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
fennel seeds
2 tablespoons (lightly crushed)
fresh rosemary leaves
1 1/2 tablespoons (finely minced)
ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon
kosher salt
1 teaspoon
coarse ground black pepper
2 teaspoons (freshly ground)
bay leaves
2
white onion
1 large (chopped)
Italian ciabatta rolls
10 (for serving)
softened butter
to taste (for spreading on rolls)
Instructions
1
Begin by trimming excess fat from the boneless pork roast. Rinse and pat it dry with paper towels.
2
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, fennel seeds, rosemary, ground cloves, kosher salt, and coarsely ground black pepper to create a flavorful rub.
3
Massage this herb-infused mixture all over the pork roast, ensuring every surface is coated.
4
Place the roast at the bottom of the crock pot, layering the chopped onions on top. Add the bay leaves for additional flavor.
5
Cover the crock pot and cook on HIGH for the first hour. Then, reduce the heat to LOW and let it cook for an impressive 10 to 12 hours, or until the meat is incredibly tender and fork-ready.
6
Once cooked, carefully transfer the pork to a large cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes. Use two forks to shred the meat into hearty chunks, discarding the bay leaves.
7
Finally, serve the pulled pork generously stuffed into warm, buttered Italian ciabatta rolls and enjoy your deliciously crafted sandwich experience!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow-Cooked Italian Herb Pulled Pork?
It is an Italian-inspired dish featuring a boneless pork roast rubbed with garlic and aromatic herbs, slow-cooked in a crock pot until tender and served on ciabatta rolls.
What cut of meat is best for this recipe?
A 4 1/2 pound boneless pork roast is recommended for the best results.
How should I prepare the pork roast before cooking?
Trim any excess fat from the roast, then rinse it and pat it dry with paper towels before applying the rub.
What ingredients are in the herb rub?
The rub includes olive oil, minced garlic, lightly crushed fennel seeds, finely minced fresh rosemary, ground cloves, kosher salt, and coarse black pepper.
How long does the pork need to cook?
The pork should cook on HIGH for the first hour, then on LOW for an additional 10 to 12 hours.
Why is the pork cooked on high for the first hour?
Starting on high heat helps to jumpstart the cooking process before the long, slow-roasting period on low heat.
How do I know when the pork is ready?
The meat is ready when it is incredibly tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
What type of rolls should I use for sandwiches?
Italian ciabatta rolls are suggested to complement the flavors of the pork.
Should I butter the rolls?
Yes, serving the pork on warm, buttered ciabatta rolls enhances the flavor and experience.
What role does the onion play in this recipe?
One large chopped white onion is layered on top of the roast in the crock pot to add moisture and savory depth during the slow cooking process.
Are bay leaves used in this recipe?
Yes, two bay leaves are added on top of the onions for additional aromatic flavor.
Should I keep the bay leaves when serving?
No, you should discard the bay leaves after cooking and before shredding the meat.
How should I shred the meat?
After letting the meat rest on a cutting board, use two forks to pull the pork apart into hearty chunks.
Is there a specific way to apply the herb mixture?
You should massage the rub all over the pork roast, ensuring every surface is thoroughly coated.
Does this recipe use fresh or dried rosemary?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary leaves, finely minced.
How many sandwiches does this recipe make?
The recipe provides enough pork to fill approximately 10 Italian ciabatta rolls.
What is the best way to crush the fennel seeds?
The seeds should be lightly crushed to release their oils without turning them into a fine powder.
Is there any liquid added to the crock pot?
The recipe relies on the moisture from the roast, the olive oil rub, and the chopped onions; no additional broth or water is listed.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food and a classic one-dish meal ideal for gatherings.
Can I use ground black pepper from a shaker?
The recipe recommends 2 teaspoons of freshly ground coarse black pepper for the best flavor profile.
What type of salt is best for the rub?
Kosher salt is used in this recipe for its texture and clean saltiness.
Does this recipe taste like Porchetta?
Yes, it simplifies the traditional Porchetta flavors using common slow cooker methods.
Should the roast be bone-in or boneless?
This specific recipe calls for a boneless pork roast.
How much garlic is needed?
Three minced garlic cloves are used in the herb rub.
Is it okay to let the meat rest after cooking?
Yes, you should transfer the pork to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding to keep it juicy.
Can this be served at a game day event?
Absolutely, it is noted as ideal for gatherings, family dinners, or game day.
What are the main tags associated with this recipe?
Main tags include porchetta, italian pulled pork, crock pot, sandwich, and slow cooker.
What gives the pork its 'fall-apart' texture?
The low and slow cooking process in the crock pot for 10 to 12 hours breaks down the connective tissues.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of olive oil to help bind the herbs to the meat.
What is the secret to the aromatic flavor?
The combination of fresh rosemary, fennel seeds, and a hint of ground cloves creates a classic Italian aroma.