This Slow Cooker South Philly Italian Shredded Pork recipe is juicy, super flavorful (thanks to a quick and delicious spice rub), and very versatile. Best of all, all you need to do is set it and forget it in your crockpot! This slow roasted (in the slow cooker) Italian Pulled Pork recipe is sure to be in heavy rotation for football parties and more! This Italian roast pork sandwich is a must-try Philadelphia recipe!
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What makes a great Philly Italian Pork Sandwich?
Ok so first and foremost- I know Philly is well renowned for it's cheesesteaks. But have you ever sunk your teeth into our quintessential South Philly Pork? If you haven't, you are missing out, and need to keep reading. If you have, still keep reading for an amazing and super simple South Philly style pork sandwich recipe.
Any great, authentic South Philly Italian Shredded Pork sandwich recipe (like John's Roast Pork) starts with a flavorful and meaty pork shoulder (in this case, Slow cooker pork shoulder, and lots of Italian seasonings. Building the perfect roast pork sandwich requires a few key components as well:
- A great (preferably seeded) long roll.
- Plenty of gooey provolone cheese.
- A healthy helping of either garlic sautéed spinach, or broccoli rabe, depending on your preference.
- A long hot, if you’re feeling adventurous. A long hot is exactly what it sounds like- a long, hot pepper. It's a pickled and spicy delight you place on your sandwich whole, and it not for the faint of heart (or sensitive).
The Italian pork sandwich- a Philadelphia recipe you can make at home
I'm trying to find the words to describe this pork without being disrespectful. All kidding aside, this slow cooker pork shoulder is one of my favorite, easy go-to recipes.
This South Philly Style Italian Shredded Pork Sandwich recipe is the set-it-and-forget-it meal of dreams. Most of the credit can be taken by the magic cut of pork known as the bone-in shoulder.
This is one self-basting, bad-a** cut of meat. Full of marbled fat and flavor, the bone-in pork shoulder is perfect for slow cooking. Go ahead and try and make a dry pork shoulder- I dare you. For this recipe, we're only hoping to bring out the pork's natural flavor. To do this, you won't need much.
5 easy steps for perfect, fall-apart Slow Cooker Italian Shredded Pork
1. Me sure you get a bone-in, shoulder cut of pork. The bone = that much more flavor. Don't try and go the lean route here with a pork loin- it will be dry, and lack flavor. We're going full hog on the fat for this recipe. Trust me, it's worth it.
2. This is a BIG cut of meat- so cut it up if necessary to fit your crockpot. You want all the pork well nestled inside so that it cooked evenly. Large, haphazard chunks are fine- we just want to make sure everyone is in the pool. Place the pork in with the fat caps on top so that the fat bastes the meat as it cooks.
3. Rub the meat- every inch of it. Make sure to fully coat every edge of the meat with your spice rub for maximum favor.
4. Layer your wine, onions, garlic and bay leaves underneath the pork. This will insure that the flavor is well melded, as the pork bastes itself.
5. Wait (patiently?) until the pork is fall-apart tender. After 8 hours on high (that's 1 hour per lb.) The pork is falling right apart when you grab it with your tongs. It's a glorious sight.
Making the Slow Roasted Italian Pulled Pork in the Crock Pot
Ready to make the best slow roasted Italian pulled pork of your life? Here's what you need:
- A big slow cooker. I recommend a 7 quart so you can fit the meat in nicely. If you’re using a smaller crockpot, but the meat down, or scale the recipe back.
- A great spice rub. You’re going to coat every nook and cranny of your big, beautiful pork shoulder with my quick and easy spice rub. The cast of characters? All pantry-staple spices you probably have on hand right now.
- A large, preferably bone-in pork shoulder. The bone will add even more flavor as the pork cooks. If you can’t find one, don’t worry- a boneless pork butt will do just as well.
- Lots of onions and garlic. You’ll lay these under the pork, and they’ll disintegrate as they cook and become part of the delicious juices.
- Some white or red wine. Stay away from anything overly sweet, but use something you would drink. My go-tos are a solid red blend or a Pinot Grigio.
How to serve Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder
Classic Roast Pork Sandwich
The Italian pork sandwich is THEE Philadelphia recipe. Serve it piled high on hoagie/sub rolls with plenty of provolone (or sharp provolone) and fresh sautéed spinach leaves or broccoli rabe. I love serving it like this for parties, as guests can easily serve themselves a great pork sandwich, right from the crockpot.
Open-Faced Fancy Roast Pork Sandwich
Serve as an open-faced sandwich, on toasted baguette or Italian bread that's been spread with fresh or jarred pesto. Top the toasted pesto laden bread with the pork and a generous sprinkling of parmesan cheese. Welcome to Flavor Town (if you see Guy Fieri, tell him I said hi).
Over rice, or cauliflower "rice"
Serve over rice (or cauliflower rice) and topped with parmesan. Maybe throw a little sautéed spinach in that rice?
Pork Flatbreads
This Italian Pulled Pork Recipe easily lends itself to being served as a flatbread. Pile the pork high on a big piece of fresh or frozen naan bread with plenty of mozzarella, parmesan and a little pesto.
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If you make my South Philly Style Slow Cooker Italian Pulled Pork sandwich recipe, please be sure to leave me a comment! I would love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Lastly, if you make the recipe and love it, please tag me on Instagram! I love to see your photos!
South Philly Slow Cooker Italian Shredded Pork
Equipment
- Slow Cooker/Crockpot
Ingredients
- 1 8 lb Bone-in pork shoulder*
- 2 medium yellow onions, sliced thinly
- 1 bulb garlic, peeled*
- 1 cup red or white wine (red blend or Pinot Grigio preferred)
- 4 bay leaves
Spice Rub
- 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt
- ½ tablespoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Trader Joe's 21 Seasoning Salute*
Instructions
- Set Crockpot on High. 2. Place sliced onions, peeled whole garlic cloves, wine and bay leaves into the bottom of crockpot. 3. If pork shoulder does not fit securely into crockpot (I used a 7 quart model for 8 lbs of pork shoulder) cut meat down into pieces to fit. 4. Mix together all dry rub ingredients and rub generously on all sides of the pork. 5. Place the spice-rubbed pork in the crockpot on top of the onions/wine/garlic/bay leaves, put the lid on, and allow to cook 8 hours on high heat. (If using less pork, adjust seasoning and time accordingly- this recipe allows 1 hour of cooking time for each lb of meat). 6. After 8 hours, remove pork (it will be in pieces/falling apart) with tongs to a large cutting board. 7. Skim fat from top of juices in crockpot. Reserve the juices in the crockpot! We will be putting the pork back into it. 8. Shred pork between 2 forks and transfer back to crockpot with the juices, discarding any excess fat and all the bones. 9. Stir juices and shredded pork to combine, and turn crockpot to warm. Serve hot!
*Notes/Substitutions:
If using less than 8 lbs of pork shoulder, adjust cooking time accordingly. This recipe calls for 1 hour on high per lb of meat. The spice rub is also meant for 8 lbs of meat, so pair that down as well if you do less meat.
Hate peeling garlic? Separate the full bulb of garlic into individual cloves and microwave on high 10 seconds! After the quick trip in the microwave, the skins will peel right off!
If you don't have Trader Joe's 21 Seasoning Salute, you could omit it and this recipe would still be delicious!
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More great sandwich recipes!
If you love this Philly Style Pork Sandwich, you'll love my delicious Pastrami Sandwich recipe, Leftover Pot Roast Grinder, or Baked Bourbon Sausage and Peppers Sandwich!
Jacquie says
Excellent! I make this every few weeks and we just love it. Slice of sharp provolone and roasted long hots make this perfect and better than most places around here boasting of south philly pork sammies! Thank you!!!!
Sharon Farnell says
Awesome!! Thank you so much Jacquie, I am so glad to hear that!! 🙂
Terese says
I made this recipe today... I’m not from Philly (50 mi north, Bethlehem PA) but have tons of relatives from South Philly. This recipe was spot on and turned out prefect. This will be my GoTo South Philly Italian Pork Shoulder Roast. Super flavorful for traditional sandwiches or as a roast. Thanks so very much ❤️ Go Eagles ?
Sharon Farnell says
Thank YOU Terese for making my recipe :-). Glad you enjoyed! Go Eagles!
Alyssa Hixenbaugh says
Wow, this sounds delicious! I love how simple it is! I’m sure the seasonings would be good with beef or chicken too. Thanks!
Jessica says
YES! I'm printing this one off to make for dinner next week. This is recipe is one the whole family will love!!
Katherine says
This looks great! Will have to try it! Thanks for the share!
Julir says
Best Italian pull pork ever! Will always use this recipe. I use what ever pork I have. Making it today with country pork ribs!
Sharon Farnell says
Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed! 🙂
Pete says
Hi can you kindly tell me if this will produce enough juice ? Im doing this for a party and it appears that for 8lb pork you only use 1 cup of wine and no other liquid. What can I do do make the pork juice ?
Sharon Farnell says
Hi Pete- the pork produces plenty of juice as it cooks!
Lisa M says
Thanks for the Philly recipes, I'm from Philly but don't have this one - we're looking forward to it.
It's in the crockpot now for 7 hours - the house smells amazing! Already bought rolls, provolone and horseradish!!!
Sharon Farnell says
Thanks for giving the recipe a try! I hope you enjoy!
Lisa M says
Amazing, everyone loved it!!!
Hilary Smollinger says
Any suggestions for doing this in a pressure cooker? I have an infant and a toddler and can’t seem to plan 8 hours in advance ??
Sharon Farnell says
Hi Hilary! Depending on the size of your pressure cooker, I would probably half the recipe, and use boneless pork butt. Cut it into smaller more manageable pieces so that it can cook evenly, and do 40 minutes at high pressure with a natural release. I have a similar Instant Pot Recipe for Chipotle Pulled Pork, so I would apply that method to this. I will include that link below. Hope this helps!
https://jawnsicooked.com/game-day/instant-pot-honey-chipotle-pulled-pork-sandwiches/#wprm-recipe-container-5386
Adam says
HIGH or Low for 8 hours?
Sharon Farnell says
High for 8!
Michele says
What a terrific recipe. I had a free 9-lb pork shoulder from a supermarket Easter promotion. Cut in 3 pieces to fit in crockpot. I pulled back the big top layer of fat so I could rub spices both over and under the skin. Made some sautéed broccoli rabe to go with it. I guess I’ll freeze some of the cooked pork for future use in tacos, etc. Great recipe - pork was tender and juicy.
Sharon Farnell says
Thanks so much for taking the time to review, Michele! I am so happy you enjoyed the recipe! The pork freezes well for future meals too!
Judy says
Is there anything that could be substituted for the wine in the Italian pork ? My family does not care for alcohol. Maybe chicken broth or even a semi sweet wine?
Sharon Farnell says
Hi Judy- Chicken stock would be great!
Ian says
Hello, quick question. When I remove the pork do I also skim out the onion garlic and bay leaves
Sharon Farnell says
You can leave the onions in if you like, or skim both those and remove the bay leaves.
Peter says
I am making this for the Philly game tailgate. Go Pats!
Sharon Farnell says
Nice! Hope you enjoy the recipe
Julie says
And I’m making it today in Philly - Go Birds!
Sharon Farnell says
GO BIRDS!
Den M. says
Jim, any thoughts re: using a le creuset in place of a slow cooker? I love the ingredients here and the Italian spin, I don't love the typical smokey, saucy pulled pork sandwich. Do you think there is a reasonable alternative for good results?
Sharon Farnell says
Hi Den! You could do the recipe in a dutch oven at 350 for 3-4 hours, instead of using the slow cooker.
Quinn says
Great recipe! I loved using onions and wine as it made a nice jus. I rubbed fresh rosemary, parsley and garlic all over the pork. I cooked the pork for a little over an hour a pound. So good and moist
Sharon Farnell says
So happy you enjoyed the recipe!
Jim says
Sharon, I just found your Philly recipe for shredded pork in a slow cooker. I lived in South Jersey and worked in Camden and I'm now retired in Florida. When I worked in NJ, for most lunches if I wanted a hoagie, cheese steaks or pork sandwich, I traveled the bridge, bought my sandwich and returned to work. It was always worth the effort. Your recipe for shredded pork appears to be spot on, you go girl! If you have any other South Philly sandwich recipes, please share.
Yours in spirit, Jim
Go Eagles!!! Fly Eagles Fly 2024
Sharon Farnell says
Thanks, Jim! So happy you enjoyed the recipe!
Sandy G. says
Easy & Delicious! This crowd-pleaser has replaced bar-b-qued pulled pork at our large parties. It freezes very well too, making it a favorite easy meal. Italian roll, sharp provelone, and long hots, yum!
Sharon Farnell says
So happy to hear this, Sandy!
Mary says
How many does this feed?
Sharon Farnell says
10-14
DJ says
Would a hoagie spread (hot) or hot pepper spread work good in place of the long hot?
Sharon Farnell says
Sounds good to me!
Jeff says
Hi,
I have two questions please (rookie here):
1. Do you need to debone the roast before cooking?
2. Do you remove the skin before cooking?
Sharon says
No need to de-bone or remove anything until after cooking!
Jeff says
Excellent. I imagine the bone will pull right out if it's cooked with the roast. Thank you. I'm looking forward to trying it.
Johnna Kresge says
For the last Eagles game, my husband requested a Philly menu (we live in NC but are PA grown). Knowing I would be out of town that day, I wanted something I could cook in the crock pot and got to googling. I found this site and I’m so glad I did! These pork sandwiches were a HIT that day! I tried a small one before I left and it was amazing!!! I got repeated texts from friends telling me how delicious the sandwiches were and how they wanted the recipe for themselves. My husband even asked me to remake it 2 weeks later for the Super Bowl. Thank you for sharing this!! #GoBirds
Sharon says
So happy to hear this Johnna! GO BIRDS!
Marilyn says
Hi Sharon. I’m making this today for the Super Bowl tomorrow. I only have a 4 pound roast. Should I cook that in the crockpot for only four hours? Will that be enough to make it nice and tender?
Sharon says
Hi! Start with 4 and go up to 6 if it’s not shredding easily! Could need a bit longer