These Arizona Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches Are So Big, The Bun Doesn’t Stand A Chance
Have you ever seen a sandwich so massive that the bun looks like it’s barely hanging on for dear life? Arizona has some of the most outrageously huge pork tenderloin sandwiches you’ll ever lay your eyes on.
These crispy, golden beauties are pounded thin, breaded to perfection, and fried until they’re practically the size of a dinner plate, leaving that poor little bun completely overwhelmed.
1. The Classic Breaded Monster
Picture a piece of pork so wide it hangs over the edges of your plate like a delicious blanket. That’s what you’re getting with this classic version. The meat gets pounded until it’s incredibly thin, then dipped in a seasoned flour mixture before hitting the fryer.
When it comes out, the coating is shatteringly crispy and golden brown. The bun sits in the middle looking almost comically small. You’ll need a fork and knife to tackle the edges before you can even think about picking it up like a regular sandwich.
Most places serve it with pickles, onions, and your choice of condiments on the side.
2. BBQ Sauce Drizzle Edition
Sweet and tangy BBQ sauce transforms this already incredible sandwich into something truly special. After the pork comes out of the fryer, cooks drizzle it generously with smoky barbecue sauce that soaks into the crispy coating. The sauce adds moisture and flavor that complements the crunchy texture perfectly.
Many places use a local Arizona BBQ sauce with hints of mesquite smoke. Some add crispy onion strings on top for extra crunch. The bun tries its best to contain everything, but you’ll definitely need both hands.
This version pairs wonderfully with coleslaw and fries on the side.
3. Loaded With Bacon
Why have one type of pork when you can have two? This indulgent version tops the already enormous tenderloin with several strips of thick-cut bacon. Melted cheddar or pepper jack cheese goes on next, creating a gooey layer that holds everything together.
The combination of crispy fried pork and smoky bacon is absolutely incredible. Some restaurants add a fried egg on top to make it even more over-the-top. Your poor bun doesn’t stand a chance against this mountain of meat.
I recommend sharing this one unless you’re really hungry. It’s filling enough to be two meals.
4. Buffalo Style Coating
Buffalo sauce isn’t just for chicken wings anymore. This creative twist tosses the freshly fried tenderloin in tangy buffalo sauce right after it comes out of the oil. The hot sauce seeps into the breading while the outside stays crispy.
Blue cheese crumbles and a drizzle of ranch dressing cool things down. Some places add celery sticks right on the sandwich for that classic buffalo flavor combination. The bun gets completely overwhelmed by the saucy, spicy pork.
Did you know buffalo sauce was invented by accident in 1964? Now it’s everywhere, including on these massive sandwiches.
5. Spicy Southwest Kick
If you like heat, this variation will make your taste buds dance. The breading includes cayenne pepper, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes that give every bite a serious kick. Some restaurants add fresh jalapeño slices right into the coating before frying.
After cooking, they pile on chipotle mayo or spicy ranch dressing. The combination of crispy, spicy pork with cooling sauce creates an amazing contrast. Your bun practically disappears under all that fiery goodness.
I always ask for extra napkins with this one because things get messy fast. The heat builds with each bite, but it’s totally worth it.
6. Ranch and Veggie Topped
Sometimes you want to pretend you’re eating something healthy, even when you’re not. This version loads up the massive tenderloin with fresh lettuce, tomato slices, and red onion. A generous squirt of creamy ranch dressing ties everything together.
The vegetables add a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the hot, crispy pork. Your bun becomes more of a suggestion than an actual sandwich holder. You’ll need to eat the overhanging edges with a fork before the middle becomes manageable.
I love how the cool veggies balance out the rich, fried coating perfectly.
7. Mushroom and Swiss Upgrade
Earthy sautéed mushrooms and nutty Swiss cheese make this sandwich feel fancy despite its enormous size. The mushrooms get cooked in butter with garlic until they’re tender and golden. They pile them high on top of the fried pork along with thick slices of melted Swiss.
The cheese stretches when you take a bite, creating those satisfying cheese pulls. Your bun practically vanishes under the mountain of toppings. This combination works so well because the mild Swiss doesn’t overpower the pork’s flavor.
It’s my go-to order when I want something filling but a little more sophisticated.
8. Double Meat Madness
For those times when one massive piece of pork just isn’t enough, some brave Arizona restaurants offer a double version. They stack two full-sized tenderloins on top of each other with cheese in between. The result is absolutely ridiculous in the best possible way.
The single bun looks like a tiny button holding up a tower of meat. You’ll definitely need a knife and fork for this challenge. Most people can’t finish it in one sitting, but that just means leftovers for later.
Only attempt this if you’re extremely hungry or planning to share with friends.
9. Honey Mustard Glazed Giant
Sweet meets savory in this golden-brown masterpiece that stretches far beyond its bun’s wildest dreams. The honey mustard glaze adds a tangy sweetness that cuts through the rich, crispy coating, making each bite an adventure for your taste buds. You’ll find this beauty at diners across Arizona where portion sizes are taken seriously.
What makes this version stand out is the perfect balance between the sticky glaze and the crunchy exterior. The pork itself stays juicy and tender despite being pounded thin and fried to perfection. Most people need both hands and a strategic eating plan to finish this beast.
Don’t forget to grab extra napkins—this sandwich is deliciously messy. The honey mustard tends to drip everywhere, but that’s part of the fun and charm of tackling such an oversized creation.
10. Jalapeño Cheddar Explosion
For those who like their sandwiches with a kick, this variation brings the heat without holding back on size. Melted cheddar cheese blankets the massive cutlet while fresh jalapeño slices add pops of spicy flavor throughout every monstrous bite. The combination transforms an already impressive sandwich into something truly unforgettable.
The cheese acts as an anchor, trying desperately to keep everything together while the jalapeños provide bursts of heat that wake up your palate. Many Arizona spots serve this with a side of ranch dressing for those who want to cool things down between bites.
Fair warning: your first attempt at eating this will likely result in toppings sliding off everywhere. Embrace the chaos and enjoy the ride, because fighting with your food has never been this delicious or worthwhile.
