Leftover Pork Tenderloin Sandwich Recipe (Easy!)
Jun 03, 2024, Updated Jul 02, 2024
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The leftover Pork Tenderloin Sandwich Recipe brings together a harmonious blend of flavors. The savory pork, sweet Honey Crisp apples, creamy Gouda cheese, peppery arugula, and zesty garlic lemon aioli create a taste sensation that’s both satisfying and delicious. There are no boring pork tenderloin leftovers here!
Use my fast homemade ciabatta bread, or focaccia bread for serving.
Why you’ll love this pork sandwich recipe
A hearty sandwich with fantastic flavor! Here are some reasons we love making it with extra pork from the night before:
- Texture Variety: This sandwich offers a delightful contrast in textures. The tender pork, crisp apples, creamy cheese, and crusty sandwich roll combine soft and crunchy elements, creating a next-level sandwich recipe.
- Easy and Quick: Leftover pork tenderloin makes this recipe convenient and quick to prepare. With just a few simple steps, you can transform leftovers into a gourmet sandwich without spending much time in the kitchen.
- Great for Lunch or Dinner: Whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch or a quick and flavorful dinner option, this sandwich fits the bill. This pork sandwich is versatile and can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
- Perfect for On-the-Go: Wrap the sandwich in parchment paper, and it becomes a portable meal. It’s a great option for picnics, office lunches, or any time you need a tasty meal on the go.
Another sandwich recipe that you will love is this Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe and Falafel Pita Sandwich!
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients
With a few fresh ingredients, this will be one of your favorite ways to serve pork tenderloin leftovers!
- Leftover Pork Tenderloin:
- Tender and lean, leftover pork tenderloin adds a savory and protein-packed element to the sandwich. It’s a great way to repurpose a previous meal.
- Ciabatta Bread:
- Ciabatta provides a rustic and chewy texture to the sandwich. Sliced and toasted, it becomes the perfect vessel for holding the delicious ingredients together.
- Olive Oil:
- Used for toasting the ciabatta and heating the leftover pork, olive oil adds a rich and savory flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the sandwich.
- Honey Crisp Apples:
- These apples contribute a natural sweetness and a crisp texture to the sandwich. The combination of sweet and savory flavors creates a well-balanced bite.
- Gouda Cheese:
- Gouda is a mild and creamy cheese that melts beautifully. It adds a smooth and rich layer to the sandwich, complementing the other ingredients.
- Arugula:
- Arugula brings a peppery and slightly bitter flavor, as well as a fresh, crisp texture. It adds a vibrant and nutritious element to the sandwich.
- Garlic Lemon Aioli:
- A flavorful spread made with mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. The aioli adds a zesty and garlicky kick, tying all the ingredients together.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Leftover Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Quick and easy recipe: Leftover pork tenderloin makes this recipe convenient and quick to prepare. With just a few simple steps, you can transform leftovers into a gourmet sandwich without spending much time in the kitchen.
Prepare the Garlic Lemon Aioli: In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Toast the Ciabatta: Slice the ciabatta bread, drizzle or brush with olive oil, and toast it in a toaster or on a grill until it’s golden brown.
Slice and Heat the Leftover Pork Tenderloin: Thinly slice about 1 pound of leftover pork tenderloin. If it’s cold, briefly heat it in a pan with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil until warmed through.
Assemble the Sandwich: Spread a generous amount of the garlic lemon aioli on one side of each ciabatta slice. Place the thinly sliced leftover pork tenderloin on the bottom slice of the bread.
Layer the slices of Gouda cheese on top of the pork, allowing it to melt slightly from the warmth of the pork.
Add thin slices of apples on top of the cheese.
Add fresh arugula to the apples and adjust the amount to taste. Top with the second slice of ciabatta, aioli side down.
Serve and Enjoy:
Cut the sandwich in half and serve immediately. You can also wrap it in parchment paper for a portable lunch. It’s a great recipe and one of my family’s favorites for leftover tender pork.
Substitutions
Here are some potential substitutions for the ingredients in your Leftover Pork Tenderloin Sandwich:
- Leftover Pork Tenderloin: Any leftover cooked meat such as chicken, turkey, or beef can be used as an alternative.
- Ciabatta Bread: Substitute with another crusty roll or bread like baguette, focaccia, soft buns, or whole-grain bread based on your preference.
- Olive Oil: Can be replaced with other cooking oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, or even melted butter for toasting the bread.
- Honey Crisp Apples: Use other crisp apple varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady. Pears can also be a good substitute for a slightly different flavor.
- Gouda Cheese: Swap with another mild and melty cheese like Swiss cheese, Havarti, or cheddar. Experiment with your favorite cheese for a personalized touch.
- Arugula: Spinach or mixed salad greens can be used as an alternative to arugula. Watercress or baby kale can also provide a peppery flavor.
- Garlic Lemon Aioli: You can also use Dijon mustard for extra flavor.
Variations
The next time you make this leftover pork roast sandwich, you can try these versions.
- Caramelized Onions: Caramelize onions in a pan with a little olive oil until golden brown and sweet. Add these rich, sweet onions to the sandwich for a depth of flavor. A little BBQ sauce would pair nicely with this combo!
- Brie and Fig Jam Delight: Swap out the Gouda for creamy Brie cheese and add a layer of fig jam for a sweet and savory combination. The richness of Brie complements the sweetness of the fig jam.
- Pickled Red Onions: Quickly pickle red onions in vinegar, sugar, and salt. The tangy and vibrant pickled onions add flavor and color to the sandwich. Add to the top of the sandwich before adding the top.
Enjoy any of these tasty variations for your leftover meat!
Equipment
Top tips for best results
- Toast Ciabatta Just Right: Toast the ciabatta until it’s golden brown and has a slightly crisp exterior. This helps to enhance the overall texture of the sandwich and prevents it from becoming too soggy.
- Experiment with Cheese Melting: If you prefer a melted cheese texture, consider briefly warming the assembled sandwich in a pan or oven to achieve a gooey and melted consistency.
- Balance Flavors: Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning of the garlic lemon aioli to ensure a well-balanced flavor profile. This step helps to harmonize the sweet, savory, and zesty components of the sandwich.
- Wrap for On-the-Go Enjoyment: If you’re preparing the sandwich for a picnic or on-the-go meal, wrap it in parchment paper. This helps to keep everything together and makes it easier to handle.
Enjoy this delicious recipe!
FAQs
If you have leftover sandwiches, wrap them in parchment paper or plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. Keep the aioli separate if possible, and assemble the sandwich just before eating to maintain freshness.
The best way to reheat pork tenderloin is in the oven at 275°F (135°C) for 10-12 minutes, covered with foil. Alternatively, you can sauté or pan-sear sliced pork in a skillet, microwave it in short intervals with a damp paper towel, or steam it for 5-10 minutes. Always use a food thermometer and aim for an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C).
More Recipes
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What to Serve with Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
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Leftover Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
The leftover Pork Tenderloin Sandwich Recipe brings together a harmonious blend of flavors. The savory pork, sweet Honey Crisp apples, creamy Gouda cheese, peppery arugula, and zesty garlic lemon aioli create a taste sensation that’s both satisfying and delicious. No boring pork tenderloin leftovers here!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Sandwich:
- Leftover pork tenderloin, thinly sliced (about 1 pound)
- Ciabatta bread, sliced and toasted (4 slices) you can also use square ciabatta rolls, cut in half
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for toasting and heating pork)
- 1 large Honey Crisp apple, thinly sliced
- Gouda cheese, sliced (about 4 slices)
- 2 cups baby arugula
For Garlic Lemon Aioli:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Lemon Aioli: In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Toast the Ciabatta: Slice the ciabatta bread, drizzle or brush with olive oil, and toast it in a toaster or on a grill until it’s golden brown.
- Slice and Heat the Leftover Pork Tenderloin: Thinly slice about 1 pound of leftover pork tenderloin. If it’s cold, briefly heat it in a pan with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil until warmed through.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread a generous amount of the garlic lemon aioli on one side of each ciabatta slice. Place the thinly sliced leftover pork tenderloin on the bottom slice of the bread. Layer the slices of Gouda cheese on top of the pork, allowing it to melt slightly from the warmth of the pork. Add thin slices of apples on top of the cheese. Add fresh arugula to the apples and adjust the amount to taste. Top with the second slice of ciabatta, aioli side down.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cut the sandwich in half and serve immediately. You can also wrap it in parchment paper for a portable lunch.
Notes
Toast Ciabatta Just Right: Toast the ciabatta until it’s golden brown and has a slightly crisp exterior. This helps to enhance the overall texture of the sandwich and prevents it from becoming too soggy.
Experiment with Cheese Melting: If you prefer a melted cheese texture, consider briefly warming the assembled sandwich in a pan or oven to achieve a gooey and melted consistency.
Balance Flavors: Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning of the garlic lemon aioli to ensure a well-balanced flavor profile. This step helps to harmonize the sweet, savory, and zesty components of the sandwich.
Wrap for On-the-Go Enjoyment: If you’re preparing the sandwich for a picnic or on-the-go meal, wrap it in parchment paper. This helps to keep everything together and makes it easier to handle.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Savory
- Method: Italian
- Cuisine: American
This was delicious! I didn’t realize garlic aioli was so easy to make. Thank you! This will be how we use our leftover pork tenderloin from now on!
Yes! Once you make it at home you will never buy it! Happy you loved the sandwich.
The flavors work so well together! Delish!