Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

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Tender, juicy, and dripping with bold BBQ flavor — this Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is everything a comfort food lover dreams of. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas and delivers fall-apart pork that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or just a big forkful straight from the pot.

What makes this recipe shine is its simplicity. You toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a rich, deeply flavored pork that practically shreds itself. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping for a game day crowd, or just want leftovers for days — this one checks all the boxes.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

• No-fuss prep: Just a few ingredients and your slow cooker does the magic.
• Super versatile: Great for sandwiches, nachos, bowls, and even breakfast hash.
• Feeds a crowd: Perfect for parties, gatherings, or batch cooking.
• Flavor-packed: A balance of sweet, smoky, tangy, and savory notes.

What Cut of Pork is Best for Pulled Pork?

The best cut for pulled pork is pork shoulder, also known as pork butt or Boston butt. It has just the right amount of fat and marbling to stay juicy and flavorful after hours of slow cooking. Boneless or bone-in both work, though boneless is often easier to shred and portion. For best results, look for a piece around 4–5 pounds to fill your slow cooker without overcrowding.

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Ingredients for the Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Each ingredient in this pulled pork brings its own unique role to the table, ensuring a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and irresistibly tender.

• Pork Shoulder (4–5 lbs): The star of the show — fatty, marbled, and perfect for slow cooking.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the savory and smoky flavors.
• Smoked Paprika: Brings depth and a gentle smokiness to the meat.
• Garlic Powder: A pantry essential that enhances the overall flavor.
• Onion Powder: Lends subtle sweetness and complements the garlic.
• Salt and Black Pepper: The foundation for seasoning — critical for bringing out every other flavor.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds acidity to cut through the richness and balance the dish.
• BBQ Sauce (your favorite kind): Gives the pork its signature sauciness and depth.
• Coleslaw (optional, for topping): Adds crunch and freshness to each bite if serving on buns.
• Brioche Buns or Sandwich Rolls: Soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for soaking up the juices.

How To Make the Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Step 1: Prep the Pork

Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub it generously with brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Layer into the Slow Cooker

Place the seasoned pork into your slow cooker. Pour in the apple cider vinegar around the sides and cover with a lid.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker to low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The pork should be tender enough to shred with a fork.

Step 4: Shred and Sauce It Up

Remove the pork and shred it using two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker and mix in BBQ sauce to your taste.

Step 5: Serve

Pile the saucy pulled pork onto brioche buns and top with crunchy coleslaw if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

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How to Serve and Store Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

This recipe easily feeds 6 to 8 people, making it ideal for gatherings or weekly meal prep. Serve it hot, right out of the slow cooker, piled high onto soft buns, tucked into tortillas, or layered over mashed potatoes or rice.

To store: Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep things juicy.

What to Serve With Slow Cooker Pulled Pork?

Coleslaw

A classic, crunchy contrast to the tender pork. Tangy and fresh.

Baked Beans

Smoky, sweet, and hearty — a BBQ must-have.

Cornbread

Soft and slightly sweet bread that soaks up every bit of sauce.

Pickles

The acidity cuts through the richness and adds a crisp bite.

Potato Salad

Creamy, cool, and comforting — a great balance to warm pulled pork.

Mac and Cheese

Indulgent and cheesy, it’s always a crowd-pleaser next to pulled pork.

Roasted Vegetables

Simple and savory, roasted veggies make the meal feel complete.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Fresh, charred corn slathered in butter pairs wonderfully with BBQ pork.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes! While pork shoulder is ideal, you can also use pork loin for a leaner version. Just be aware it may not be as juicy.

2. Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely. Pulled pork is even better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat with a little extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist.

3. What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Go with your favorite! Sweet, smoky, spicy — use what you love. Homemade or store-bought both work well.

4. How do I freeze pulled pork?
Let it cool completely, portion it into freezer bags, and press out the air. Label and freeze for up to 3 months.

5. Do I need to sear the pork first?
Not necessary for this recipe. The long, slow cook ensures flavor and tenderness, even without searing.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you serve it with slaw or go bunless? Did you try a spicy BBQ sauce?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook better, together.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to over and over again. It’s rich, flavorful, ridiculously easy, and perfect for just about any occasion. Whether you’re throwing a party or planning your weekly meals, this dish delivers every time. Don’t forget to bookmark or pin it — your future self will thank you!

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