Pulled Pork

Pulled Pork Fries

Name: Pulled Pork Fries
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 210 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder, boneless; 6 slices of bacon, thick-cut; 2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into fries; 1/2 cup (120ml) BBQ sauce; 2 tbsp (30g) brown sugar; 1 tsp (5g) smoked paprika; 1 tsp (5g) garlic powder; 1 tsp (5g) salt; 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper; 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil

By Clara Kingsley · June 19, 2026 · Pulled Pork

Prep30 min

Cook120 min

Total210 min

Serves4

Pulled Pork Fries — Smoky pulled pork and bacon on crispy fries

There's something special about a dish that combines the comfort of smoky pulled pork, the crunch of crispy bacon, and the satisfaction of a plate of golden fries. For me, it's a memory of family gatherings and backyard barbecues. Today, I want to share with you my recipe for Pulled Pork Fries, a dish that's sure to become a favorite in your household as well.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and accessibility. You don't need a smoker or any special equipment to achieve that deep, smoky flavor. Just a few ingredients, some patience, and a bit of know-how. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is designed to guide you through each step with ease.

What makes Pulled Pork Fries truly special is the combination of textures and flavors. The tender, juicy pork shoulder, slow-cooked to perfection, pairs beautifully with the crispy, smoky bacon. And let's not forget the fries - crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and perfectly seasoned. It's a match made in heaven, and one that your family and friends will love.

This recipe is perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings and parties. It's also a great way to use up leftover pork shoulder or bacon, making it a practical and budget-friendly option. So, let's dive in and explore the world of Pulled Pork Fries!

Before we begin, I want to emphasize the importance of using high-quality ingredients. From the pork shoulder to the bacon and potatoes, each component plays a crucial role in the final dish. Take the time to select the best ingredients you can find, and don't be afraid to get creative with your toppings and seasonings. Now, let's get started and make some unforgettable Pulled Pork Fries!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal special equipment
It's perfect for a variety of occasions, from weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings
The combination of smoky pulled pork, crispy bacon, and golden fries is a match made in heaven
You can customize the toppings and seasonings to suit your taste preferences
It's a great way to use up leftover pork shoulder or bacon, making it a practical and budget-friendly option
The dish is sure to become a family favorite, and the recipe makes a large batch that's perfect for sharing

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe's success lies in the layering of flavors and textures. By slow-cooking the pork shoulder, we break down the connective tissues, resulting in tender, juicy meat that's easy to shred. The bacon, cooked to a crispy perfection, adds a satisfying crunch and a smoky flavor that complements the pork beautifully.

The fries, cooked to a golden crisp, provide a sturdy base for our pulled pork and bacon. By seasoning them with a blend of spices and herbs, we add depth and complexity to the dish. And let's not forget the sauce - a tangy, slightly sweet BBQ sauce that ties everything together and adds a burst of flavor to each bite.

One of the most important aspects of this recipe is the temperature control. By cooking the pork shoulder low and slow, we ensure that it reaches a safe internal temperature of 190°F, while also breaking down the connective tissues and infusing the meat with flavor. The bacon, cooked in a hot pan, crisps up nicely and adds a satisfying texture to the dish.

Finally, the resting time is crucial in allowing the pork to redistribute its juices and the flavors to meld together. This step may seem simple, but it's essential in creating a dish that's both tender and flavorful. By following these steps and paying attention to the details, you'll be rewarded with a dish that's sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to the ingredients, we're keeping things simple and focusing on quality over quantity. You'll need a few staples, such as pork shoulder, bacon, potatoes, and BBQ sauce, as well as some spices and herbs to add depth and complexity to the dish. Take the time to select the best ingredients you can find, and don't be afraid to get creative with your toppings and seasonings.

One of the most important ingredients in this recipe is the pork shoulder. Look for a boneless shoulder with a good layer of fat, as this will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful during the cooking process. You'll also want to select a high-quality bacon that's smoked to perfection, as this will add a deep, rich flavor to the dish.

2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder, bonelessLook for a shoulder with a good layer of fat to keep the meat moist and flavorful during the cooking process
6 slices of bacon, thick-cutSelect a high-quality bacon that's smoked to perfection for the best flavor
2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into friesChoose potatoes that are high in starch, such as Russet or Idaho, for the best results
1/2 cup (120ml) BBQ sauceSelect a tangy, slightly sweet BBQ sauce that complements the smoky flavor of the pork and bacon
2 tbsp (30g) brown sugarUsed to balance the flavor of the BBQ sauce and add a touch of sweetness to the dish
1 tsp (5g) smoked paprikaAdds a deep, smoky flavor to the pork and bacon
1 tsp (5g) garlic powderUsed to add a savory flavor to the pork and bacon
1 tsp (5g) saltUsed to enhance the flavor of the pork and bacon
1/2 tsp (2g) black pepperUsed to add a touch of spice to the dish
2 tbsp (30g) olive oilUsed to cook the bacon and add a touch of moisture to the dish

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeInstant-read thermometerCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Pulled Pork Fries

1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat it evenly.
2
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Sear the pork shoulder until it's browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the pork from the skillet and set it aside.
3
Add the bacon to the skillet and cook until it's crispy, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside with the pork.
4
Add the potatoes to the skillet and cook until they're golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the potatoes from the skillet and set them aside with the pork and bacon.
5
Add the BBQ sauce to the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Return the pork shoulder to the skillet and spoon some of the BBQ sauce over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
6
Bake the pork shoulder for 2-3 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C). Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding it with two forks.
7
While the pork is resting, cook the bacon in a hot pan until it's crispy. Chop the bacon into small pieces and set it aside.
8
To assemble the Pulled Pork Fries, place a portion of the fries on a plate or in a bowl. Top the fries with a generous helping of the shredded pork, some crispy bacon, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce.
9
Serve the Pulled Pork Fries immediately, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or scallions if desired.
10
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. This will help the pork to stay moist and the flavors to balance out.
11
To check for doneness, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the pork has reached a safe internal temperature of 190°F (88°C). You can also check the pork by shredding it with two forks - if it's tender and falls apart easily, it's done.
12
For an extra crispy topping, broil the bacon in the oven for a few minutes before chopping it into small pieces. This will add a nice texture to the dish and balance out the flavors.
13
To add some extra flavor to the dish, sprinkle some smoked paprika or garlic powder over the top of the pork and bacon before serving. This will add a deep, smoky flavor to the dish and complement the BBQ sauce nicely.

Expert Tips

To get the best results, use a high-quality pork shoulder with a good layer of fat. This will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful during the cooking process.
Don't overcook the pork shoulder - it should be tender and fall apart easily when it's done. If it's not tender, it may need a few more minutes in the oven.
To add some extra crunch to the dish, top the Pulled Pork Fries with some crispy chopped onions or scallions. This will add a nice texture to the dish and balance out the flavors.
For a spicy kick, add some diced jalapenos or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce before spooning it over the pork. This will add a nice heat to the dish and complement the smoky flavor of the bacon.
To make the dish more substantial, serve the Pulled Pork Fries with a side of coleslaw or baked beans. This will add some extra flavor and texture to the dish and make it more filling.
To make the dish ahead of time, cook the pork shoulder and bacon up to a day in advance. Then, assemble the Pulled Pork Fries just before serving and top with the cooked pork and bacon.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pork shoulder - it should be tender and fall apart easily when it's done.
Not using a high-quality pork shoulder with a good layer of fat. This will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful during the cooking process.
Not cooking the bacon until it's crispy - this will add a nice texture to the dish and balance out the flavors.
Not letting the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the pork to stay moist and the flavors to balance out.
Not using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork. This will ensure that the pork is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 190°F (88°C).
Not sprinkling some smoked paprika or garlic powder over the top of the pork and bacon before serving. This will add a deep, smoky flavor to the dish and complement the BBQ sauce nicely.

Variations and Substitutions

To add some extra flavor to the dish, try using different types of BBQ sauce or adding some diced onions or bell peppers to the skillet with the pork.
For a spicy kick, add some diced jalapenos or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce before spooning it over the pork.
To make the dish more substantial, serve the Pulled Pork Fries with a side of coleslaw or baked beans.
To make the dish ahead of time, cook the pork shoulder and bacon up to a day in advance. Then, assemble the Pulled Pork Fries just before serving and top with the cooked pork and bacon.
To add some extra crunch to the dish, top the Pulled Pork Fries with some crispy chopped onions or scallions.
To make the dish more indulgent, top the Pulled Pork Fries with some shredded cheese or sour cream. This will add a rich, creamy flavor to the dish and balance out the smoky flavor of the bacon.

What to Serve With Pulled Pork Fries

The Pulled Pork Fries are perfect for serving as a main dish or as a side. You can serve them with a variety of toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced onions. They're also great with a side of coleslaw or baked beans.

Some other ideas for serving the Pulled Pork Fries include topping them with some crispy chopped bacon or scallions, or serving them with a side of cornbread or hushpuppies. You could also try serving them with a variety of different BBQ sauces or hot sauces to add some extra flavor to the dish.

ColeslawBaked beansCornbreadHushpuppiesShredded cheeseSour cream

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The Pulled Pork Fries can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply microwave or bake the fries until they're crispy and hot.

To freeze the Pulled Pork Fries, simply assemble the dish and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Then, thaw the fries overnight in the refrigerator and reheat them in the microwave or oven until they're crispy and hot.

It's also a good idea to make the pork shoulder and bacon ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you're ready to assemble the Pulled Pork Fries. This will save you time and make the dish easier to prepare.

When reheating the Pulled Pork Fries, make sure to heat them until they're crispy and hot. You can also add some extra toppings, such as shredded cheese or sour cream, to make the dish more indulgent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pork shoulder should I use for this recipe?

You should use a boneless pork shoulder with a good layer of fat. This will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful during the cooking process.

How do I know when the pork shoulder is done?

The pork shoulder is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C). You can check the temperature with an instant-read thermometer. You can also check the pork by shredding it with two forks - if it's tender and falls apart easily, it's done.

Can I make the Pulled Pork Fries ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the Pulled Pork Fries ahead of time. Simply cook the pork shoulder and bacon up to a day in advance, then assemble the dish just before serving.

What type of BBQ sauce should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of BBQ sauce you like, but a tangy, slightly sweet sauce works best. You can also try using different types of BBQ sauce or adding some diced onions or bell peppers to the skillet with the pork.

Can I freeze the Pulled Pork Fries?

Yes, you can freeze the Pulled Pork Fries. Simply assemble the dish and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Then, thaw the fries overnight in the refrigerator and reheat them in the microwave or oven until they're crispy and hot.

How do I reheat the Pulled Pork Fries?

To reheat the Pulled Pork Fries, simply microwave or bake them until they're crispy and hot. You can also add some extra toppings, such as shredded cheese or sour cream, to make the dish more indulgent.

Can I make the Pulled Pork Fries in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make the Pulled Pork Fries in a slow cooker. Simply cook the pork shoulder and bacon in the slow cooker on low for 8-10 hours, then assemble the dish just before serving.

What type of potatoes should I use for this recipe?

You should use high-starch potatoes, such as Russet or Idaho, for the best results. These potatoes will yield a crispy outside and a fluffy inside.

Can I use different types of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of meat for this recipe. Some options include beef, chicken, or lamb. Simply cook the meat according to the recipe instructions and assemble the dish as directed.

The Full Recipe

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