If you’re looking for a flavorful, comforting meal that brings a little fiesta to your table, this Mexican Pork Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy shredded pork carnitas, rich enchilada sauce, sweet caramelized onions, and melty cheese all nestled inside soft white rolls—each bite bursts with layers of smoky, tangy, and savory goodness. It’s the kind of dish that feels homemade yet festive, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings where everyone wants something satisfying and delicious in their hands.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is simple, but each item plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the tender pork to the sweet onions and gooey cheese, every element makes this dish pop with irresistible taste.
- Shredded Pork Carnitas (1 1/2 cups): The star of the show, these tender Mexican pulled pork pieces bring rich, smoky flavor and a juicy bite.
- Enchilada Sauce (1/2 cup): Ideally homemade for deeper flavor, this sauce ties the pork and toppings together with a subtle tang and spice.
- Butter (1 1/2 tbsp): Used to gently caramelize the onions, it adds softness and a buttery richness.
- Brown Onions (2, halved and sliced): Slowly cooked to caramelized perfection, these bring natural sweetness and depth.
- Brown Sugar (1 1/2 tbsp): Enhances the sweetness in the onions, balancing out the savory pork.
- Balsamic Vinegar (1 tbsp): Adds a pleasant tang and complexity to the onions that make them extra special.
- Salt (1/2 tsp) and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to highlight all the flavors.
- Mozzarella Cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Melts beautifully, providing a creamy, gooey texture.
- Soft White Bread Rolls (4): The perfect vessel—soft enough to squish yet sturdy enough to hold all the delicious filling.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): Finely chopped, it adds a fresh, herbal note and a pop of color to finish the rolls.
How to Make Mexican Pork Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Start by melting butter in a fry pan over medium heat, then add the sliced onions. Cooking them slowly allows their natural sugars to come alive, turning them sticky and golden after about 12 minutes when you include the brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. These onions add a luscious sweetness that perfectly balances the spicy pork.
Step 2: Crisp the Pork Carnitas
Wipe the pan clean and heat a little oil on high. Add the pork carnitas and press gently with a spatula to get a crispy, golden underside without flipping. This quick sear seals in juicy, smoky flavor and adds a welcome crunch to your rolls.
Step 3: Combine Pork with Enchilada Sauce
Once the pork is crisped up, mix it thoroughly with the enchilada sauce. This step infuses every bite with a vibrant sauce that’s tangy, slightly spicy, and utterly delicious.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
Set your grill or broiler to high heat. This will melt the cheese quickly and toast the rolls just enough to add a little crunch, giving a satisfying chewy and crispy contrast in every bite.
Step 5: Assemble the Rolls
Split the rolls horizontally and pile the pork and sauce mixture generously onto the bottom halves. Add a layer of grated mozzarella cheese on top, then place the rolls under the grill for about 3 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese melts and begins to bubble.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch
Remove the hot rolls from the grill and top with the sticky caramelized onions and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
Step 7: Serve
Sandwich with the other half of the roll and serve immediately. These Mexican Pork Rolls are best enjoyed while the cheese is gooey and the filling is piping hot—pure comfort in every bite.
How to Serve Mexican Pork Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate your Mexican Pork Rolls Recipe, add a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley or even some sliced jalapeños for extra kick. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime can brighten the entire plate with fresh acidity and creaminess.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair wonderfully with classic Mexican sides like a crisp cabbage slaw, tangy pickled red onions, or a zesty black bean salad. For a heartier meal, serve alongside seasoned Mexican rice or roasted corn on the cob.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests, consider slicing the rolls into smaller sliders for easy sharing. You can also wrap each roll in parchment paper and tie with twine for a charming presentation, perfect for picnics or casual parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Mexican Pork Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the rolls separate from the filling if possible to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze the pork filling separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Bread rolls don’t freeze as well, so it’s best to thaw and assemble fresh when you want to enjoy them again.
Reheating
Reheat the pork filling gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Toast the rolls separately and assemble fresh before serving to keep everything delicious and fresh-tasting.
FAQs
Can I use another type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While pork carnitas are traditional and packed with authentic flavor, shredded chicken or beef can also work beautifully. Just be sure to season and crisp the meat appropriately.
Is it okay to use store-bought enchilada sauce?
Yes, store-bought enchilada sauce will work fine and save time. However, homemade sauce provides a fresher and more nuanced flavor if you have time to make it.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap pork for hearty roasted vegetables, beans, or plant-based meat substitutes. Roasted mushrooms or jackfruit are popular choices that mimic the texture of carnitas well.
What bread works best for Mexican Pork Rolls?
Soft white rolls are perfect for soaking up the saucy filling without falling apart. You can also use bolillo rolls or small sandwich buns if you prefer.
How spicy is this Mexican Pork Rolls Recipe?
The spice level is mild to moderate depending on the enchilada sauce you use. You can always adjust the heat by choosing a spicier sauce or adding fresh chilies and jalapeños.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Pork Rolls Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone craving a quick, tasty meal that feels both comforting and vibrant. It’s simple to prepare, uses easily accessible ingredients, and delivers rich, mouthwatering flavors with every bite. I truly hope you give it a try and enjoy these delicious rolls as much as I do—they’re certain to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
Print
Mexican Pork Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Mexican Pork Rolls combine tender, shredded Pork Carnitas with rich homemade enchilada sauce, sweet caramelized onions, and melted mozzarella cheese inside soft white bread rolls. A perfect quick and flavorful meal topped with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Pork Carnitas (Mexican Pulled Pork)
- 1/2 cup Enchilada Sauce (preferably homemade – Easy Classic Enchilada Sauce)
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese (or any other good melting cheese)
Caramelized Onions
- 1 1/2 tbsp butter
- 2 brown onions, halved and finely sliced
- 1 1/2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Other
- 4 soft white bread rolls
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish (optional)
- 1/2 tbsp oil for browning pork carnitas
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: Melt butter in a fry pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Then add brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring until the onions become sticky and caramelized. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Brown Pork Carnitas: Wipe the pan clean and heat 1/2 tbsp oil over high heat. Add the shredded Pork Carnitas and press down lightly with a spatula to crisp the bottom. Cook for about 1 to 1 1/2 minutes until the underside is golden brown and crisp. Remove from pan without flipping.
- Mix Filling: Combine the browned Pork Carnitas with the enchilada sauce in the pan and mix thoroughly to coat evenly.
- Preheat Grill: Set the grill (broiler) on high to prepare for melting cheese on the rolls.
- Assemble Rolls: Split the soft white bread rolls in half. Divide the pork and enchilada sauce filling evenly onto the bottom halves. Top each with an even layer of grated mozzarella cheese.
- Grill Cheese: Place the assembled rolls under the preheated grill for about 3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the grill, top each with the caramelized onions and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Close the rolls with their top halves and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use homemade enchilada sauce for the best flavor, but store-bought works in a pinch.
- Pressing the pork while browning helps create delightful crispy edges.
- Soft white bread rolls are recommended for easy warming and melting cheese.
- Caramelized onions add a lovely sweetness and depth that balances the savory pork.
- Serve immediately after grilling to enjoy warm, melty cheese and crispy pork.
