Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork Crock Pot Recipe

This crock pot Dr. Pepper pulled pork recipe is one of those meals that tastes like you spent all day tending the smoker, but your slow cooker does almost all the work. The pork turns out tender, juicy, and packed with sweet, smoky BBQ flavor, making it a protein-rich dinner that's just as great for busy weeknights as it is for feeding a crowd at your next summer BBQ or party recipe.

Pin

The backstory.

Pulled pork has always been one of those meals I know everyone gets excited about. The funny thing is, the hardest part isn't making it - it's deciding how to serve it because there are so many good options. After testing different liquids over the years, I kept coming back to Dr. Pepper. It adds just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering the pork, and after hours in the slow cooker, the meat becomes so fork-tender that it practically shreds itself.

It's a must make.

The nice thing about this crock pot Dr. Pepper pulled pork recipe is that it's simple enough for a family dinner but impressive enough for game day, parties, and backyard cookouts.

• Ridiculously tender. Low and slow cooking transforms the pork into juicy, fall-apart shredded pork that's easy to pile onto sandwiches or enjoy on its own.
• Big BBQ flavor with very little work. The combination of Dr. Pepper, barbecue sauce, and pork rub creates sweet, smoky flavor while your slow cooker does the heavy lifting.
• Feeds a crowd. Whether you're planning a casual dinner, a party recipe, or a summer BBQ, this recipe makes plenty and stays delicious for leftovers.
• So many ways to serve it. From pulled pork sandwiches with coleslaw to rice bowls, tacos, baked potatoes, and sliders, you'll never run out of delicious ideas.

Let's talk flavor and texture.

Every bite is everything you want pulled pork to be. The pork is incredibly tender and juicy with just enough smoky flavor to balance the sweet notes from the Dr. Pepper and barbecue sauce. The outside pieces soak up all those rich BBQ flavors while the inside stays moist and succulent. Once it's tossed with a little of the cooking juices and extra sauce, every bite is savory, slightly sweet, and packed with melt-in-your-mouth goodness. It's the kind of comfort food that's hard to stop eating after the first bite.

What you'll need.

Pin

Making this crock pot recipe for Dr. Pepper pulled pork couldn't be much easier. Every ingredient works together to create flavorful, juicy pork without a long shopping list.

• Onion: Chopped onion creates a flavorful base while adding moisture as it cooks.
• Bone-in pork Boston butt roast or shoulder: This cut becomes incredibly tender after several hours in the slow cooker and is perfect for shredded pork.
• Pork dry rub: Adds layers of savory, smoky seasoning. If you're using a store-bought blend, start with less since many are saltier.
• Dr. Pepper: The secret ingredient that adds subtle sweetness and helps create unbelievably tender pork.
• Liquid smoke: Optional, but it adds an extra touch of smoky flavor if you're craving that classic barbecue taste.
• Barbecue sauce: Brings rich BBQ flavor and helps coat every bite after the pork is shredded.
• Salt and pepper: Adjust the seasoning at the end so every bite is perfectly balanced.

For exact ingredient quantities, please see the recipe card below!

How to make crockpot pulled pork recipe with Dr. Pepper.

Here's an overview on how to make this recipe. See the recipe card below for complete instructions. Enjoy!

1. Let the pork cook low and slow until it's very tender and easily pulls apart.
2. Transfer the roast to a cutting board and shred the meat, discarding any bones and excess fat.
3. Strain the cooking liquid, saving about a cup of the flavorful juices.
4. Return as much of the cooked onion as you'd like to the pork.
5. Add the shredded pork back to the slow cooker along with some of the reserved juices and the remaining barbecue sauce.
6. Stir well, adjust the seasoning if needed, then let everything warm through before serving.

Make it your way.

One of my favorite things about this crockpot pulled pork recipe with Dr. Pepper is how easy it is to make your own. Try one of these simple swaps or additions.

• Use your favorite barbecue sauce instead of a traditional sweet BBQ sauce for a tangier or spicier finish.
• Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce if you like a little heat.
• Add sliced jalapeños to the slow cooker for a subtle spicy kick while the pork cooks.
• Swap the Dr. Pepper for root beer if that's what you have on hand. It creates a similar sweet flavor.
• Mix in a spoonful of apple cider vinegar after shredding the pork for a little extra tang.
• Sprinkle on additional dry rub after shredding if you'd like even bolder barbecue flavor.
• Skip the liquid smoke if your barbecue sauce already has plenty of smoky flavor.
• Instead of pot roast seasoning, use a ranch seasoning packet.
• Sweeten the pork by adding brown sugar.

How to serve it.

Pin

There are so many delicious ways to enjoy this crock pot Dr. Pepper pulled pork recipe that you may find yourself making extra on purpose.

• Pile it high on toasted buns for classic pulled pork sandwiches with coleslaw.
• Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes with green beans or corn on the side.
• Spoon it over fluffy white rice or cilantro lime rice for an easy dinner.
• Stuff it into baked potatoes and top with shredded cheddar cheese and sliced green onions.
• Build BBQ sliders for parties with pickles and extra barbecue sauce.
• Fill tacos or burritos with shredded pork, crunchy slaw, and a drizzle of your favorite BBQ sauce.
• Add it to nachos with melted cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream for an easy game day meal.

Kori's tips.

• Don't throw away all the cooking juices - stirring some back into the shredded pork keeps every bite extra juicy.
• Start with less dry rub if you're using a store-bought blend since many are saltier than homemade seasoning mixes.
• Taste before serving - a little extra barbecue sauce or another sprinkle of dry rub can really bring the flavors together.
• Let the pork rest for a few minutes before shredding so that it stays moist and is easier to handle.
• Use two forks or meat claws to shred the pork quickly while it's still warm.

📌 Be sure to save this pin to Pinterest for later!

Pin