Whether you're a busy mom, stay-at-home parent, or single adult, slow cooker meals can be a lifesaver. Looking for a delicious and easy recipe for a large gathering like a summer BBQ or sports party? Try this recipe for Slow Cooker Dr Pepper BBQ Pulled Pork.
Using a slow cooker is a great way to make pulled pork, but this recipe takes it to the next level by adding a can of Dr Pepper to the mix! The soda's sweetness complements the smoky pork flavor perfectly and also helps to tenderize the meat as it cooks for eight hours. After the pork has cooked completely, it can be easily shredded.
With only 4 ingredients, it comes together in minutes. Let the slow cooker work all day and you'll have the ultimate comfort food, a blend of savory and sweet in every bite.
Serve the pulled pork on buns and top with the tasty BBQ sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick meal for a large group, so give it a try the next time you're in a pinch.
Recipe Ingredients
- Pork shoulder: A cut of meat that comes from the upper part of the front leg of the pig. It sometimes is called pork butt, and is ideal for slow cooker recipes.
- Dr Pepper: This popular drink adds sweet and tangy flavor to the pork. The liquid helps cook the meat while keeping it tender.
- Salt: A flavor enhancer, salt helps season the pork while it cooks.
- BBQ sauce: The sauce is drizzled on top of the meat sandwich for an extra sweet and tangy flavor burst.
- Hamburger buns: Use your favorite buns--hamburger buns work great, and so do brioche buns or other soft rolls.
How to Make Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork
Be sure to see the recipe card for full ingredients and instructions.
- Prep. Begin by placing the pork shoulder into a 6 qt slow cooker.
- Add ingredients. Sprinkle the pork with salt and cover the pork with 2 cans of Dr Pepper.
- Cook. Set the slow cooker to "Low" and cook for 8 hours.
- Shred. After the pork has cooked for 8 hours, remove the meat from the cooker and use 2 forks to pull it apart.
- Assemble. For pulled pork sandwiches, arrange the meat and drizzle with BBQ sauce if desired. Serve on hamburger buns or other soft rolls.
Recipe FAQ's
Yes, you can get a smaller 2-4 lb pork shoulder/tenderloin instead. For this smaller cut of pork, use 1 can of Dr Pepper and ½ teaspoon of salt. You will still need to cook it for 8 hours.
Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for this Dr Pepper pulled pork recipe. I used Sonny’s BBQ sauce but there are many great options!
Yes, pulled pork can be frozen. Cool the meat to room temperature and then store in resealable freezer bags or an airtight container. I suggest dividing the pulled pork into small portions--enough to feed your family for one dinner. This makes it easier to thaw and reheat. When you're ready to use it, thaw the meat in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave, then reheat.
Top Tips
- Pro tip: If you want the entire pork shoulder to be coated in BBQ sauce, after you finish cooking and shred the meat, remove the liquid from your slow cooker. Put the meat back in, pour BBQ sauce over the entire amount of meat, and stir. Set the slow cooker to "Warm" and let the sauce soak into the meat for about 15 minutes.
Recipe Variations
- Consider topping the sandwich with coleslaw for an extra crunch.
- Add diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the pork before cooking for a burst of spice and some smoky flavor.
Storage & Reheating
- To store: You can keep the pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- To reheat: Place the pulled pork serving in an ovenproof baking dish and add a splash of Dr Pepper or other liquid, such as broth or apple juice. Cover tightly with tinfoil and bake at about 225 degrees farenheit for 25 minutes. Check the meat at this point and return to the oven if it needs more heat, checking every 5 minutes.
- To freeze: Portion the Dr Pepper pulled pork into smaller servings and freeze in an airtight container or resealable freezer bags. Pulled pork will last in the freezer for around 2 to 3 months.
More Recipes
Easy Sides for Pairing with this Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
If you want to keep things super simple, pair your pulled pork with a side of steamed veggies or a garden salad. If you're up for putting in a little more effort, here are some easy side dish ideas that will go well with the flavors in this recipe:
- Coleslaw, dill pickles & potato chips
- Baked beans
- Cornbread
- Sweet potato fries
- Grilled Corn on the Cob
Did you make this recipe? Leave a star rating and I'd love to hear from you in the comments below.
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Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Pulled Pork
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 2 (12-ounce) cans Dr Pepper
- 10 pounds pork shoulder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- BBQ sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by placing the pork shoulder into a 6 qt slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the pork with salt. Cover the pork with two cans of Dr Pepper.
- Set the slow cooker to "Low" and cook for 8 hours.
- After the pork has cooked for 8 hours, remove the meat from the cooker and use two forks to pull it apart.
- For pulled pork sandwiches, assemble the meat and drizzle with BBQ sauce if desired.
- Serve with coleslaw, pickles, chips, and enjoy your delicious meal!
Notes
- Pro tip: If you want the entire pork shoulder to be coated in BBQ sauce, after you finish cooking and shred the meat, remove the liquid from your slow cooker. Put the meat back in, pour BBQ sauce over the entire amount of meat, and stir. Set the slow cooker to "Warm" and let the sauce soak into the meat for about 15 minutes.
- To store: You can keep the pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- To reheat: Place the pulled pork serving in an ovenproof baking dish and add a splash of Dr Pepper or other liquid, such as broth or apple juice. Cover tightly with tinfoil and bake at about 225 degrees farenheit for 25 minutes. Check the meat at this point and return to the oven if it needs more heat, checking every 5 minutes.
- To freeze: Portion the Dr Pepper pulled pork into smaller servings and freeze in an airtight container or resealable freezer bags. Pulled pork will last in the freezer for around 2 to 3 months.
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