Pulled Pork Baked Potatoes

Pulled Pork Baked Potatoes is a quick and easy way to get a delicious and unique lunch or dinner on the table with very little effort. Large Russet potatoes that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside are topped with cheese, shredded pork, barbecue sauce and crumbled bacon.

It is a fantastic way to combine two classic comfort food recipes into one complete dish. You can make this meal from scratch, cooking both the pulled pork and baked potatoes and then combining the two dishes.

However I find myself making this recipe most often with the use of barbecue pulled pork leftovers or store bought pulled pork. Then all I have to do is bake the potatoes and add the toppings of choice.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Easy To Prepare – By combining two simple prepared ingredients, this recipe comes together in no time. Simply pile the pulled pork inside of an opened baked potato and top it with cheese, barbecue sauce and bacon bits. Then put it in the oven so the cheese can melt.

Great Flavor – The combination of smoky barbecue pulled pork, the buttery flavor of the potato, the creaminess of cheese, and kick of barbecue sauce creates a delicious meal full of flavor.

Perfect Recipe For Two – This is an easy recipe to customize for individual servings. Cook your potato and add as much, or as little as the meat and toppings that you desire.

How to Make Pulled Pork

While we all agree that the easiest way to get your hands on pulled pork is to purchase it from the refrigerator or freezer sections at the supermarket. Then all you have to do is to follow the instructions on the package to reheat it.

However if you have extra time on your hands you can certainly cook it at home. There are several methods for cooking a pork shoulder and turning it into pulled pork, but I have included two of my favorite ways below.

Method 1: Smoked Pulled Pork

Smoking a pork shoulder is the ultimate choice for those who like fall apart tender meat that is infused with a smoky flavor. To smoke pulled pork, begin by prepping the meat with a dry rub of your choice.

Then set up your smoker to the low and steady temperature of 225°F (107°C). Smoke the pork for several hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 201°F.

The slow smoking process results in tender and succulent pulled pork that’s perfect to add to your baked potatoes. For those who are interested in smoking a pork shoulder here are complete instructions: Smoked Pulled Pork Recipe.

Method 2: Crock Pot Pulled Pork

For those who don’t have a smoker you may prefer to use your slow cooker. No matter which method that you choose, the process of adding a dry rub to the pork remains the same.

However, you will need to add a little liquid to the slow cooker before adding the meat. Then set the heat level to low and cook for until the pork easily shreds with a fork.

This low-and-slow method allows the pork to become tender and it is a convenient cooking option for those who are looking for a hands-off cooking approach. For those who are interested in making a pulled pork in a slow cooker here are the specific instructions: Crock Pot Pulled Pork Recipe.

Three Options for Perfectly Baked Potatoes

Now that you have the pulled pork ready, it is time to make the baked potatoes. There are several ways to make baked potatoes, and depending on your time and texture preference, you may choose whichever method works best for you.

1. Oven Baked Potatoes

The classic method involves preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Scrub the potatoes clean under cold water, poke them 4-5 times on all sides with a fork for ventilation, and rub them with olive oil and sprinkle a little salt on the skin.

Then place them directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes or until a fork easily pierces the skin and flesh. This cooking method is the best if you want potatoes with crispy skin.

2. Microwave Instructions

Okay, sometimes I don’t have enough time (or energy) to use the oven. When time is limited the microwave becomes your best friend.

After scrubbing and poking the potatoes, place them on a microwave-safe plate. Then cook on high power for about 5-10 minutes. While this method won’t give you the same crispy skin as the oven, it’s a quick alternative for when you’re short on time.

3. Air Fryer or Instant Pot Baked Potatoes

With the increased popularity of air fryers and pressure cookers, you may choose to cook your baked potatoes in one of these small kitchen appliances. Here are the instructions to cook the baked potatoes which will then be used as the base for Stuffed Pulled Pork Baked Potatoes:

• Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
• Instant Pot Baked Potatoes

How to Stuff the Pulled Pork In The Baked Potato

Once you’ve baked the potatoes make a cut down the center and then in the middle of the potatoes. Then use both hands to push the ends of the potatoes up to loosen the flesh.

Scoop out 2-3 tablespoons of the inside of the potato. You can then save it for other uses (mashed potatoes, potato cakes, etc).

Now add a little butter to the inside of each potato and season them with salt and pepper. Stuff the warm pulled pork into the potatoes, and place the cheese on top of the pork.

Drizzle the desired amount of barbecue sauce on top and sprinkle the tops with cooked and crumbled bacon.

Then place the potatoes back in the oven for 4-5 minutes until the cheese melts. Last but not least, add your favorite toppings and serve!

Pulled Pork Baked Potatoes Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 large Russet potatoes
• 1 teaspoon canola oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup barbecue pulled pork
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Your favorite BBQ sauce (for drizzling)
• 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon

GARNISH (optional):
Sliced green onions
Sour cream

INSTRUCTIONS (Pulled Pork Baked Potatoes)

Bake the potatoes using your preferred cooking method. I have included instructions in the printatble recipe card below how to bake the potatoes so that turn out crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside.

Cut The Potatoes

Remove the potatoes from the oven and make a long lengthwise cut in the top of the each potato. Then make a small cut in the middle of each side of the potatoes.

Using both hands carefully push the ends of the potatoes up to loosen the flesh. Then scoop out 2-3 tablespoons of the flesh and save it for another use (mashed potatoes, as a thickener for soup, potato cakes, etc..) Set aside.

Heat the barbecue pulled pork in a small saucepan over medium-low heat for a few minutes on the stove top or in a microwave safe bowl in the microwave for 45-60 seconds or until warmed through.

Load The Potatoes

Add half of the butter inside each potato and then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Divide the pulled pork and place inside each potato.

Then divide the cheese and place on top of the pulled pork. Drizzle the desired amount of barbecue sauce on top. Sprinkle the tops with cooked and crumbled bacon.

Place the loaded potatoes back on the rimmed baking sheet and place back in the oven for 4-5 minutes or until the cheese melts.

Garnish with desired toppings and serve warm.

Enjoy! Mary

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