Some recipes earn their place the old-fashioned way, passed from one hand to another on a worn little card after a church supper or neighborhood gathering. This pulled pork bake has that kind of history to it, simple, thrifty, and mighty satisfying, the sort of dish you can put together on a cool evening when you want supper to feel hearty without much fuss. Though folks call it low carb now, it’s really just one of those practical casseroles country cooks have always known how to make from a few dependable ingredients.
This bake is rich and savory, so I like to serve it with something fresh and crisp to round out the plate, such as a simple green salad, buttery green beans, roasted broccoli, or a bowl of tangy slaw. If you’re feeding folks with different appetites, set out dill pickles, sliced tomatoes, or even spoonfuls of sour cream and chopped chives so everyone can dress up their serving to suit themselves.
Low Carb 3-Ingredient Pulled Pork Garrison Bakes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
3 cups pulled pork, cooked and lightly chopped if needed
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a medium ceramic or glass baking dish.
2. Spread the pulled pork evenly in the bottom of the dish, then dot the softened cream cheese all over the top.
3. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the top, covering the casserole from edge to edge.
4. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and deeply golden around the edges. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Variations & Tips
Make it smoky: If your pulled pork is plain, stir in a spoonful of sugar-free barbecue seasoning or a little smoked paprika before layering it into the dish for deeper flavor.
Cheese swap: Monterey Jack, mozzarella, pepper Jack, or a cheddar blend all work nicely here. A mix of cheeses gives you both melt and color on top.
Soften the cream cheese: Let the cream cheese sit out for a bit before using so it spreads and melts more evenly through the pork instead of staying in firm pockets.
Add a little crunch on the side: Since the bake itself is soft and rich, I find it especially good with celery sticks, cucumber slices, or a vinegar-based slaw for contrast.
Leftover tip: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture, as that helps the cheese brown back up instead of turning greasy.