Thanksgiving comes with enough chaos, so getting the pork handled ahead is a smart move. We focus on cuts and methods that deliver juicy centers, smoky crusts, and reliable results even after a night in the fridge. These make-ahead options heat fast, slice clean, and free up space when the kitchen gets crowded. Count on these pork dishes to take the pressure off and keep the day on track.

Sliced bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin on a wooden cutting board with herbs, a fork, and a knife.
Pork Osso Buco โ€“ Sous Vide. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Pork Carnitas

Two tortillas with meat, chopped tomatoes, onions, and herbs, on an orange plate. A bowl with sliced onions and an avocado are nearby on a blue table.
Pork Carnitas. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

A high-heat finish gives crisp edges while the pork stays juicy. Make a full batch and re-crisp in a skillet right before serving.
Get the Recipe: Pork Carnitas

Smoked Pork Spare Ribs

Smoked pork spare ribs with a glossy glaze stacked on a tray.
Smoked Pork Spare Ribs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Clean, controlled smoke develops tender ribs with a seasoned bark. Wrap and chill them after smoking for easy next-day finishing.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Spare Ribs

Boneless Pork Loin Roast in Oven

Pork loin roast with a golden crust sliced on a cutting board.
Boneless Pork Loin Roast in Oven. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Consistent oven heat gives this roast a golden crust and juicy interior. Our tip: rest it fully, then chill so reheating keeps the meat tender.
Get the Recipe: Boneless Pork Loin Roast in Oven

Oven Roasted Pulled Pork Recipe

roasted-pulled-pork
Oven Roasted Pulled Pork Recipe. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Low, steady oven heat builds tender pull and a smoky-style bark. We cool the pork overnight so it reheats fast without losing moisture.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Pulled Pork Recipe

Perfectly Seasoned Pork Rib Roast

Roasted rack of pork with browned ribs arranged on a serving platter.
Perfectly Seasoned Pork Rib Roast. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

High heat forms a crisp crust while the roast stays juicy inside. We tent and chill it so the texture holds when warmed before serving.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Seasoned Pork Rib Roast

Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker pulled pork on a bun with slaw and pickles.
Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

The slow cooker creates tender, shreddable pork with almost no oversight. We run it overnight so itโ€™s ready to warm as soon as the kitchen wakes up.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Charcoal Grilled Pork Roast

Char-grilled pork roast with seared edges sliced on a platter.
Charcoal Grilled Pork Roast. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Balanced charcoal heat builds smoky edges and a juicy center. We let it cool fully so it slices clean before warming.
Get the Recipe: Charcoal Grilled Pork Roast

Sous Vide Pork Loin Recipe

Sliced roasted pork with green beans, a fork and knife, and a bowl of creamy sauce on a wooden cutting board.
Sous Vide Pork Loin Recipe. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Precise sous vide heat creates edge-to-edge tenderness with zero guesswork. Sear right before serving to bring the crust and aroma back to life.
Get the Recipe: Sous Vide Pork Loin Recipe

Mushroom Stuffed Pork Loin

A close-up of sliced rolled pork roast with a herb and mushroom filling, served with green beans and garnished with fresh rosemary.
Mushroom Stuffed Pork Loin. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

A tight roll locks in moisture while the roast picks up rich mushroom flavor. Prep the whole roll ahead and chill it for easy slicing before heating.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stuffed Pork Loin

Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin

Oven-roasted pork tenderloin sliced and served with herbs on a board.
Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

A quick, even roast keeps this lean cut juicy with a light char. We chill it whole and sear before serving to refresh the crust.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin

Smoked Pork Loin Back Ribs

A plate with grilled corn on the cob, pickles, coleslaw, and a portion of barbecued ribs.
Smoked Pork Loin Back Ribs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Steady smoke builds a tender pull and bold seasoning on each rib. Chill them wrapped in foil so they warm quickly without drying out.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Loin Back Ribs

Smoked Rack of Pork

Smoked pork roast with a dark crust sliced into thick pieces.
Smoked Rack of Pork. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Slow smoke builds deep flavor and a tender slice that handles overnight holding. Rewarm gently to keep the crust intact.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Rack of Pork

Garlic Stuffed Pork Roast

Roasted pork loin, partially sliced, on a checkered wooden cutting board with a knife beside it.
Garlic Stuffed Pork Roast. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Roasting with buried garlic keeps the meat juicy and flavors every slice. Chill it whole so the juices stay put when reheating.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Stuffed Pork Roast

How to Smoke a Pork Loin

Sliced bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin on a wooden cutting board with herbs, a fork, and a knife.
How to Smoke a Pork Loin. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Gentle smoke lays down a juicy center and clean-cut crust. Slice the loin cold for perfect portions that warm up evenly.
Get the Recipe: How to Smoke a Pork Loin

Pork Osso Buco โ€“ Sous Vide

Pork shank osso buco cooked sous vide and served with rich sauce.
Pork Osso Buco โ€“ Sous Vide. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Longer sous vide time turns tough shanks into silky, tender meat. Our best move is chilling it in the bag so reheating stays foolproof.
Get the Recipe: Pork Osso Buco โ€“ Sous Vide

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About the Author

Kita Roberts is the meat maven and award-winning recipe developer behind Girl Carnivoreยฎ, with 15+ years of grilling, smoking, and cooking experience. Her recipes are tested on everything from backyard grills to professional smokers – and always built for real home cooks.
As the lead creative force behind Girl Carnivoreยฎ, she is widely recognized as an authority on all things meat.

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