20 Ways to Use Leftover Pork

Pork is one of the most versatile of all meats, giving us tender pork medallions, crispy bacon, and everything in between. It has a strong, slightly sweet flavour, and is famously economical, with almost all of the pig being edible in some way, from snout to tail. You can find out more about the different cuts and how to cook them with our handy guide, Pork Cuts Explained.

There are many different ways to cook pork, and it lends itself well to generous family meals and parties. Whether you choose juicy pork chops for a weeknight meal, a Sunday roast with crackling and all the trimmings, or sweet, spicy pulled pork sandwiches, there’s something for every occasion. And if you find yourself with leftovers afterwards, it’s the perfect excuse to try one of these mouthwatering leftover pork recipes.

Leftover pulled pork recipes

Green soup with avocado and pulled pork

Green soup with avocado and pulled pork: a hearty, nourishing green vegetable soup with creamy avocado and sweet, smoky pulled pork, this simple recipe from Fine Dining Lovers is ready to eat in just 30 minutes. Serve with warm, crusty bread for a healthy and delicious lunch. A great winter warmer.

Pulled pork macaroni and cheese

Pulled pork macaroni and cheese: mac and cheese is everyone’s favourite side for pulled pork, so combining the two makes perfect sense. This tasty casserole from The Spruce Eats is the ultimate family-friendly comfort food, and tastes great served with homemade coleslaw or bread rolls. Can also be made with chicken, pulled ham or shredded beef.

Slow cooker pulled pork chilli

Slow cooker pulled pork chilli: the smoky barbecue flavours of pulled pork blend perfectly with this sweet heat style chilli from The Salty Marshmallow. Using a slow cooker makes the meat even more melt-in-the-mouth tender, and really brings out all those rich, spicy Tex Mex flavours. Perfect for an autumn or winter evening.

Pulled pork enchiladas

Pulled pork enchiladas: these quick and easy enchiladas from Recipe Tin Eats are a real midweek winner. They take just 15 minutes to assemble, and they’re packed with delicious Mexican flavours your whole family will love. Also great with chicken or veggies and beans for a vegetarian alternative.

Pulled pork egg rolls

Pulled pork egg rolls: these Asian-inspired egg rolls from The Spruce Eats are made with barbecue flavoured pulled pork and tangy cabbage coleslaw, and work well as party food, a snack, or a fun appetiser. They can be baked or fried, and taste great served with a barbecue or sweet and sour dipping sauce.

Find out how to get that perfect smoky flavour and meltingly tender texture right every time with our ultimate guide to The Science Behind Pulled Pork. 

Leftover pork roast recipes

Stroganoff

Stroganoff: this pork version of the Russian classic from The Spruce Eats is ready to eat in just 30 minutes, but has a rich, luxurious feel, with a creamy mushroom and white wine sauce. Serve with rice, potatoes, or buttered noodles. Your new go-to weeknight budget option.

Easy pork and noodle bake

Easy pork and noodle bake: this easy, one-pot meal from The Spruce Eats is sure to be popular at family dinners and can even be prepared the day before if you’ve got a busy day ahead. Serve with a simple salad and warm bread. An excellent alternative to a roast.

Pork and sausage jambalaya

Pork and sausage jambalaya: this bold, spicy rice dish from The Spruce Eats is bursting with Cajun and Creole flavours, and has a vibrant, celebratory feel. Serve with cabbage and homemade cornbread. Perfect for a New Year’s Day meal.

On the border Mexican rice

On the border Mexican rice: this versatile rice dish from The Spruce Eats is the side that goes with everything. It’s perfect for stuffed peppers or enchiladas, and you can add your leftover pork to make a simple but satisfying meal. Replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock for a vegetarian alternative.

Traditional Cuban sandwich

Traditional Cuban sandwich: the ultimate gourmet sandwich, this Florida favourite is stuffed with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese and pickles, all served in crispy-griddled bread. Recipe courtesy of The Spruce Eats. Serve with yuca chips or fufu plantains on the side.

Pork chop suey

Pork chop suey: stir-fry is always a great way to use up leftovers, and this Chinese-American classic from The Spruce Eats is the perfect quick and easy weeknight meal and packs a green veggie punch to help with your five a day.

Leftover pork chops recipes

Sweet and sour pork skewers

Sweet and sour pork skewers: if you’re looking to try something a little different at your next cookout, these simple and delicious pork skewers from Pure Wow are just the thing. Made with juicy pineapple, pork tenderloin and a sweet and sour sauce. No chopsticks required.

Pork fried rice

Pork fried rice: use leftover pork to make your favourite fried rice into a quick and easy meal with this tasty Chinese-inspired recipe from Extraordinary BBQ. Drizzle with olive oil before serving to give it an extra zing.

Pork chop stir fry

Pork chop stir fry: another super quick stir fry recipe, this 20 minute dish from Cook’n is perfect for when you’re in a rush but you don’t want to compromise on taste. Serve with noodles or rice for an instant family favourite.

Pork and shaved vegetable salad

Pork and shaved vegetable salad: this satisfying salad dish from My Recipes is full of delicious flavours and textures, with slices of fresh root vegetables, bitter kale leaves, tender pork and salty bacon. Works as a main meal.

Caramelised onion, spinach and pork strata

Caramelised onion, spinach and pork strata: this comforting, creamy casserole from My Recipes is bursting with big flavours and oozing with melted cheese. It’s great for either a hearty brunch, or a simple but delicious family dinner. Could also double as a breakfast dish.

Creamy pork chop casserole

Creamy pork chop casserole: made with tender pork chops in a creamy mushroom and wine sauce, with a Swiss cheese and Italian seasoned breadcrumb topping, this flavourful weeknight dish by Plowing Through Life is a cross between the ultimate breaded pork chop and a creamy casserole. Takes less than 10 minutes to assemble and will be ready in just 45.

More leftover pork recipes

Pork and spaghetti casserole

Pork and spaghetti casserole: a satisfying weekday meal from The Spruce Eats, this tasty casserole is ready to eat in just 35 minutes. With a creamy sauce, tasty vegetables and sharp Parmesan cheese, this one pot meal is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Serve with buttermilk biscuits and a simple green or Caesar salad.

Leftover pork and potato hash

Leftover pork and potato hash: this flavourful dish from The Spruce Eats is great for using up all kinds of leftovers. A touch of Worcestershire and Tabasco sauces and a creamy mushroom sauce transform those leftover meat and vegetables into a tasty and satisfying meal in their own right. Serve with biscuits or cornbread and a tossed salad. It won’t make a dent in your wallet either.

Pork pot pie

Pork pot pie: this comforting pot pie from The Spruce Eats is made with a flaky pastry lid and a fragrant pork and vegetable gravy for a real taste of home. However hungry you are, be sure to allow it to cool when it comes out of the oven. You have been warned.