A classic Italian sandwich, whether you're in Philly or the Bronx. This Italian Pork Sandwich with Italian Pork Roast, broccoli rabe, and provolone is unbeatable, especially when it's on a crusty Italian bread.
Looking for more delicious Italian sandwiches? Try our Italian Breakfast Sandwich, Chicken Parm Sliders, Chopped Italian Sandwich, or Eggplant Caprese Grilled Cheese.
A Quick Look at The Recipe
- ✅Recipe Name: Italian Pork Sandwich
- ⏲️Ready in: 30 minutes
- 👪Makes: 8 sandwiches
- 📋Main ingredients: Italian Pork Roast, broccoli rabe, provolone
- ⭐Why You'll Love This Recipe: This is a classic Italian NY/ Philly sandwich with simple but delicious ingredients.
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Why this Sandwich
A good sandwich is something of a work of art. Anyone can throw a bunch of stuff on bread and call it a sandwich, but when you can combine 3 simple ingredients for something as good as this Italian Pork Sandwich, it's a damn work of art.
There aren't many sandwiches simpler than a pork roast sandwich, outside of maybe some Authentic Italian Porchetta on Italian bread. This sandwich takes time to make if you make your own Italian Pork Roast, but it is worth every second.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Pork Roast- I make an Italian Pork Roast in a Dutch oven that's marinated overnight and braised for 3 hours. It's tender and moist with so much flavor, perfect for this sandwich. Substitute pork roast from the deli counter or make our Italian Pork Roast.
- Bread- The key to a great sandwich is the bread. Don't cheap out here. Make sure to get a real Italian bread.
- Broccoli Rabe- A Sauteed Rapini or broccoli rabe on this sandwich is key. It's the ingredient that makes this one such a classic.
*Please see the recipe card below for more information on the ingredients.
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How to Make an Italian Pork Sandwich
Step 1: In a large Dutch oven, add 3 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and crushed red pepper. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant. Add the broccoli rabe, salt, and water.
Step 2: Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir, then cover for 5-7 minutes, until tender, as shown in PHOTO 2. Remove from the heat.
Step 3: Slice your roast pork if not already sliced.
Step 4: Place the au jus and the sliced pork roast in a large saucepan over medium heat. Heat the pork through in the au jus for 4 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through.
Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350℉. Slice open the bread and cover it with provolone. Place the bread in the oven and toast until the provolone melts.
Step 6: Remove the bread from the oven and assemble the sandwiches with pork roast and broccoli rabe.
Step 7: Serve Italian pork sandwiches hot and drizzle with extra au jus.
I remember eating this exact sandwich in College Point in Queens, from this old sandwich shop. This one is a rustic Italian classic with a few high-quality ingredients combining for a top-notch sandwich. I would always order one of these, a Peppers and Eggs Sandwich or an Eggplant Parm Sandwich.
Pro-Tips
- This is the perfect sandwich to make with leftover Italian Pork Roast. You definitely don't need to make the pork roast with only sandwiches in mind because you can do more with the meat!
- Leftover or reheated broccoli rabe works equally as well. Leftover might be even better because it's more tender.
- Fresh bread from a bakery is key! Try to get the best bread you can find when you're making such a spectacular pork sandwich.
FAQs about Italian Pork Sandwich
You could substitute Italian beef, roast beef, or sliced pot roast for an equally delicious sandwich!
Pork shoulder or Boston butt are great cuts to use for the pork roast.
No sauce or topping goes with the sandwich except for the au jus that the pork is cooked in. Serve this over the sandwich or on the side for dipping.
Easy Salad for Sides
Please leave a comment and star rating below in the recipe card! I love to hear what you think of our recipes. Feel free to tag us on Instagram @vindelgiudice.
Italian Pork Sandwich
Equipment
- 1 Large Dutch Oven or Pot
- 1 large saucepan
Ingredients
- 2 loaves Italian bread
- 3 lbs sliced Italian Pork Roast
- 1 cup au jus from the pork roast
- ½ lb provolone, sliced
- 2 heads broccoli rabe
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- ⅔ cup water
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large dutch oven, add 3 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and crushed red pepper. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant. Add the broccoli rabe, salt, and water. Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir, then cover for 5-7 minutes, until tender. Remove from the heat.
- Place the au jus and the sliced pork roast in a large saucepan over medium heat. Heat the pork through in the au jus for 4 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through.
- Preheat the oven to 350℉. Slice open the bread and cover it with provolone. Place the bread in the oven and toast until the provolone melts.
- Remove the bread from the oven and assemble the sandwiches with pork roast and broccoli rabe. Serve hot and drizzle with extra au jus.
Video
Notes
- This is the perfect sandwich to make with leftover Italian Pork Roast. You definitely don't need to make the pork roast with only sandwiches in mind because you can do more with the meat!
- Leftover or reheated broccoli rabe works equally as well. Leftover might be even better because it's more tender.
- Fresh bread from a bakery is key! Try to get the best bread you can find when you're making such a spectacular pork sandwich.
Vincent DelGiudice says
This is an all-time classic Italian sandwich! Give this one a try for your next family party and let us know what you think!