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Flavorful Philly Roast Pork Sandwich Recipe with Broccoli Rabe and Provolone Made Easy

Philly roast pork sandwich - featured image

A hearty and satisfying Philly roast pork sandwich featuring slow-roasted pork shoulder, sautéed broccoli rabe, and melted provolone cheese on crusty Italian rolls. This recipe balances bold flavors and textures for a comforting yet easy-to-make meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 lbs pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
  • 4 large Italian hoagie rolls
  • 1 bunch broccoli rabe (about 8 oz)
  • 8 slices provolone cheese
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tsp dried oregano

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Pat pork dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Rub minced garlic all over the pork.
  2. Place pork in roasting pan or Dutch oven. Pour in chicken broth and cover tightly. Roast for 3 to 3.5 hours until internal temperature reaches 195°F (90°C) and pork shreds easily. Baste halfway through.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Trim broccoli rabe ends and blanch for 1-2 minutes until bright green and crisp. Drain and transfer to ice water bath. Drain again and set aside.
  4. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook until fragrant (~30 seconds). Add broccoli rabe and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
  5. Slice Italian rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Optionally toast rolls in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5 minutes or in a skillet with olive oil until crispy.
  6. Remove pork from oven and let rest for 10 minutes. Shred pork with two forks, mixing with pan juices to keep moist.
  7. Assemble sandwiches by piling shredded pork on rolls, topping with sautéed broccoli rabe, and layering 2 slices of provolone on top.
  8. Place sandwiches under broiler or in a 400°F (204°C) oven for 3-4 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
  9. Serve warm immediately.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork reaches 195°F for shredding tenderness. Blanch broccoli rabe to reduce bitterness. Toast rolls lightly for better texture. If pork seems dry, add pan juices to sandwich. Leftovers reheat best in oven to keep roll crispy. Can substitute broccoli rabe with kale or Swiss chard. For dairy-free, omit or replace provolone with dairy-free cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: Philly roast pork sandwich, broccoli rabe sandwich, provolone sandwich, slow roasted pork, Italian sandwich, easy roast pork recipe, sandwich recipe, comfort food