6 Best Buns for Pulled Pork Sandwiches

The best buns for pulled pork sandwiches are soft yet firm, with a mild flavor to let the meat shine.

Hawaiian rolls are king, but Kaiser rolls are a close second.

There’s no shortage of delicious ways to enjoy pulled pork.

Whether it’s smothered in BBQ sauce or topped with coleslaw, this versatile dish is always a winner. 

But one thing that all great pulled pork sandwiches have in common is a good bun. After all, the bun is what brings the whole sandwich together. 

So if you’re looking for the best buns for pulled pork sandwiches, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve six options below, and I suggest you try them all!

The Best Buns for Pulled Pork Sandwiches

A good bread bun should be able to withstand moist meat, juices, and all.

And let’s not forget about the best sauces for pulled pork! Those will make any flimsy bun fall apart.

That’s why I said it should be “soft yet firm.” You want it fluffy and easy to bite but not so soft it’ll turn to mush as soon as it meets moisture.

But with so many different types of buns out there, how can you know which one is best for pulled pork? 

Well, I’ve got some top choices below. So keep reading and get ready to feast!

1. Brioche Buns

Brioche is rich and slightly sweet, with a light and fluffy texture. It’s often used for burgers, as well as sweet treats like French toast.

The brioche bun is particularly well-suited for pulled pork, as the sweetness of the bread helps offset the meat’s richness. 

And isn’t pulled pork best with a hint of sugar anyway?

That said, brioche is super soft, so it’s best to lightly toast it before adding the meat. That way, it’ll hold up under the weight!

2. Kaiser Rolls

Kaiser rolls are usually rolled into a long cylinder and then formed into ring shapes.

They’re then baked in a hot oven until golden brown.

As a result, they’re soft and fluffy, with a nice tight crumb that’s ideal for savory pork. 

The flavor is milder, too, so it’s a terrific option if you don’t want sweet bread.

3. Potato Buns

Potato buns are becoming more and more popular and for good reason!

Made with real mashed potatoes, they’re super soft yet incredibly sturdy. So even the juiciest pulled pork won’t turn it to mush.

Plus, it’s not as sweet as some other buns, which means it won’t overpower the flavors of your sandwich filling. 

So if you need a good roll that’s delicious and complimentary to the flavor of the pulled pork, reach for a potato bun – you won’t be disappointed.

4. King’s Hawaiian Sweet Buns

The King’s Hawaiian sweet buns are probably the best buns for pulled pork sandwiches.

They’re delicious, light, and fluffy – just like brioche – and have an irresistible glaze on top.

That makes them especially ideal for all things pork!

Plus, they’re super easy to find in most grocery stores. So grab a big batch, cut them in half, and pile them high with succulent pulled pork.

5. Ciabatta Bread

Pulled pork is a delicious yet messy sandwich. So while crunchy ciabatta may seem like an odd choice, hear me out!

This Italian bread is characterized by its large, open crumb and chewy texture.

It’s also got a nice crust and is made with high-gluten flour, making it light and airy. 

The hollow pockets are perfect for catching chunks of pulled pork, and the sturdy crust can withstand even the messiest of eaters. 

Plus, the flavor of ciabatta bread complements pulled pork perfectly.

So while soft and fluffy is the standard choice, consider ciabatta – especially if you’re making pulled pork buns for a crowd.

The bread will hold up for a long time before it starts to go soggy!

6. Naan Bread

Naan bread is a traditional Indian flatbread that’s soft and slightly chewy. 

And just because it’s not round like a normal bun doesn’t mean it’s not perfect for pulled pork!

They’re made for stuffing with all kinds of yummy fillings, so they’ll hold up really well to moist, flavorful meat without falling apart. 

Make them plain, or go for garlic. Either way, they’re readily available and also super simple to make yourself.

And if you don’t want to stuff them, just spread the pulled pork on top and make a fun flatbread pizza instead!

Should I Toast Bread For Pulled Pork?

Who doesn’t love the combination of crunchy toast and juicy shredded meat? That said, it’s a matter of preference. 

It’s best to toast bread buns for pulled pork because it hardens the surface, keeping it from becoming soggy under the sauce and meat juices. It also gives the bread a crunchy texture that contrasts the tender meat beautifully. Toasting is advised for brioche, potato rolls, and other soft buns.

Of course, if you plan to make and eat the sandwich right away, the chances of the bun becoming soggy is low.

And if you’re using something more firm, like ciabatta, toasting isn’t necessary.

More Articles to Check Out

Best Buns for Burgers
Best Bread for French Toast
Best Bread for Stuffing