This Dr. Pepper pulled pork crock pot recipe is delicious and easy to make. You'll love the sweet and smoky barbecue flavor of this succulent pork. A family favorite for sure!
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- Dr. Pepper Crock Pot Pulled Pork is Easy to Make
- What Kind of Pork for Pulled Pork?
- Ingredients For Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork in Crock Pot
- How To Make Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork
- How Long To Cook Pulled Pork in the slow cooker?
- What To Serve With Crock Pot Pulled Pork
- Variations
- Slow Cooker Tips
- FAQ's
- 📖 The recipe.
- More Crockpot Recipes To Try
- 💬 What readers are saying.
Dr. Pepper Crock Pot Pulled Pork is Easy to Make
Making Dr. Pepper pulled pork is super simple! All you need is a few simple ingredients, such as a can of Dr. Pepper, a jar of BBQ sauce, seasoning, and a pork butt. Add the pork and sauce to the slow cooker, then pour in the Dr. Pepper. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and easy to shred.
Once cooked and shredded, mix in more BBQ sauce and serve it on a bun—voila! You've got unforgettable pulled pork that’s sure to please!
What Kind of Pork for Pulled Pork?
The best kind of pork to use for pulled pork is either a pork butt or pork shoulder roast! I prefer a bone-in pork butt, but both of these cuts are well-marbled with fat, which helps keep the meat juicy and tender during the long cooking process. Pork shoulder and pork butter are affordable cuts of meat too!
Ingredients For Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork in Crock Pot
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this crock pot pulled pork with Dr. Pepper:
- Bone-in Pork Butt or Shoulder Roast
- Dr. Pepper: use the brand name soda or a generic store brand.
- Onion: I used a yellow onion, but you can use what you have on hand.
- Pork Dry Rub Seasoning Mix: you can make this version from our sister site, or buy premade rub.
- Liquid Smoke (optional): adds that smoked all day taste, but it is optional!
- Barbecue Sauce: use any favorite brand.
- Salt and Pepper: I used kosher salt.
For exact ingredient quantities, please see the recipe card below!
Be sure to pin this pin to Pinterest for later! 😉
How To Make Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork
Here's how to make this easy slow cooker pulled pork recipe:
1. Add onions and pork roast to the slow cooker. Top with remaining ingredients.
2. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or until the pork can easily be shredded with a fork.
3. Remove the roast and shred pork with two forks. Remove any fat or bones.
4. Remove the liquid from the pot and strain any solids. Set aside 1 cup of the pot juices.
5. Add the shredded pork back to the slow cooker or a large bowl. Add ½ cup pot juices and add barbecue sauce to taste.
6. Adjust moisture and seasoning to taste. Cover and warm in the slow cooker if needed. Serve and enjoy!
For full instructions, please see recipe card below.
How Long To Cook Pulled Pork in the slow cooker?
Pulled pork in the crock should be cooked on low heat for 7 to 10 hours - or until the meat can easily be shredded with forks. The amount of time depends on how hot your slow cooker runs on low setting.
What To Serve With Crock Pot Pulled Pork
Here's how to serve your Dr. Pepper pulled pork:
Serve on it's own with a side of mashed potatoes or rice. Or, wrap it in lettuce, or on a hamburger bun.
Meal idea! Make pulled pork sandwiches and serve on a hamburger bun topped with coleslaw and additional barbecue sauce. Serve with a side of baked beans.
What Sides Go With Pulled Pork?
- Macaroni and cheese
- Pasta salad
- Baked potato - a buttery baked potato topped with pulled pork and bbq sauce is delicious!
- Potato salad
- Biscuits, cornbread, or rolls.
- Tossed green salad
Variations
Here are some suggestions for customizing your slow cooker Dr. Pepper pulled pork:
- Instead of pot roast seasoning, use a ranch seasoning packet.
- Garlic powder or mince fresh garlic can be added.
- Minced dried onion can be added instead of fresh onion.
- Omit the bbq sauce, and pot roast seasoning, and add pepperoncini, ranch seasoning, and a gravy packet to make a Mississippi-style pulled pork.
- There are endless varieties of barbecue sauce, play around with different kinds.
- Sweeten the pork by adding brown sugar. Then add some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to give it some kick and a sweet and spicy flavor.
Slow Cooker Tips
Tip #1: This recipe can easily be scaled up or down depending on how much pulled pork you need.
Tip #2: If it seems like a lot of shredded pork, don't worry. You can freeze any of it you don't eat!
FAQ's
For this Dr. Pepper pulled pork recipe, use 1 (12-ounce) can of Dr. Pepper per 4 to 5-pound pork roast.
The best soda to use in this pulled pork recipe is Dr. Pepper, coca-cola, root beer, and even ginger beer. Use either brand name or generic.
Let the pork cool then place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 4 months.
Reheat slowly in a microwave or a crock pot on low heat until warmed through. Add in broth, a little soda, or bbq sauce to moisten if needed.
📖 The recipe.
Dr. Pepper Crock Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 1 (4 to 5-pound) bone-in pork boston butt roast or shoulder
- ½ cup pork dry rub (if using a store-bought rub, start with only ¼ cup and add more after cooking)
- 12 ounces dr. pepper
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke (optional)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce, divided (plus extra to taste)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add onion to the bottom of the slow cooker. Place pork roast on top of onions. Add fry rub, Dr. Pepper, liquid smoke (if using), and ½ cup of barbecue sauce.
- Cover and slow cook 8 to 9 hours or until very tender and can be pulled apart easily with a fork.
- Remove the roast from the crock pot and set it aside on a large cutting board. Using two forks shred the meat, removing any excess fat and bones.
- Remove the liquid from the pot and strain the onion from the juices. Remove and discard any fat, cartilage, or bones. Save 1 cup of the juices (and any onion that you want to add back).
- Add the shredded pork to the slow cooker, ½ cup of the pot juices, and ½ cup of the remaining barbecue sauce. Add more juices to increase moisture and adjust any seasoning with salt, pepper, and dry rub as needed. Cover and cook on low to warm if needed.
Notes
- Don't miss all of our helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes that can be found in our post. Check it out!
- VARIATIONS: Salt and pepper the pulled pork to taste, or add more pot roast seasoning.
- SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Serve on it's own with a side of mashed potatoes or rice, wrap in lettuce, or serve on a hamburger bun with a side of coleslaw and baked beans.
Nutrition
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