Effortless Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork Recipe

Simmering Dr.

Pepper pulled pork creates a mouthwatering meal that transforms ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

This magical combination of sweet soda and tender meat will make you the culinary hero of your household.

Barbecue lovers understand the power of unexpected ingredients that bring depth and richness to classic dishes.

The slow cooker becomes your secret weapon, infusing every fiber of meat with incredible flavor.

Tender, juicy pork that falls apart with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that dance across your palate.

When you serve this crowd-pleasing dish, expect immediate requests for seconds and your recipe.

Tips For Juicy Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

• Trim Like a Pro: Remove most fat from the pork shoulder, keeping a thin layer for extra flavor and moisture during slow cooking.
• Spice Blend Magic: Create a balanced dry rub by mixing garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper for deep, complex taste.
• Liquid Gold Technique: Dr. Pepper adds sweetness and helps tenderize the meat, creating a unique flavor profile that sets this pulled pork apart from traditional recipes.
• Shredding Secrets: Let the meat rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to make shredding easier and prevent burning your fingers.
• Versatile Serving Hack: Store leftover pulled pork in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months for quick and easy meals later.

How To Store And Reheat Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover pulled pork to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let the meat cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freeze: Pack cooled pulled pork in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Reheat in Microwave: Place pulled pork in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of Dr. Pepper or broth to maintain moisture. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Oven Reheating: Spread pulled pork in a baking dish, drizzle with extra sauce, cover with foil, and warm at 325°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. This method helps restore the meat's original juiciness and flavor.

Tasty Pairings For Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

• Craft Bold Flavor Companions: Pair this Dr. Pepper pulled pork with tangy coleslaw for a refreshing crunch that cuts through the rich meat's intensity. The crisp, vinegar-based slaw balances the sweet and smoky notes perfectly.
• Select Complementary Beverages: Reach for a cold amber ale or craft IPA to match the recipe's robust flavor profile. The beer's hoppy complexity will enhance the pulled pork's deep, caramelized undertones from the Dr. Pepper and barbecue sauce.
• Design Delicious Side Kicks: Whip up some jalapeño cornbread or sweet potato fries to accompany the pulled pork. These sides provide a delightful textural contrast and add an extra layer of Southern-inspired comfort to your meal.
• Create Zesty Condiment Combinations: Mix a quick pickled red onion or serve with a spicy chipotle mayo to elevate the pulled pork's flavor. These bright, tangy additions will cut through the meat's richness and add an exciting kick to each bite.

Different Flavors For Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

• Spicy Pepper Punch: Replace Dr. Pepper with chipotle-infused cola and add diced jalapeños for a fiery kick that transforms the classic pulled pork recipe.
• Mexican Street Style: Incorporate Mexican adobo seasoning and swap barbecue sauce with salsa verde for an authentic street taco-inspired pulled pork experience.
• Bourbon Caramel Charm: Substitute Dr. Pepper with bourbon and dark brown sugar to create a rich, deeply caramelized pulled pork with complex flavor notes.
• Apple Cider Comfort: Use apple cider instead of Dr. Pepper and mix in apple butter and sage for a sweet, autumn-inspired pulled pork variation that brings warm, comforting flavors to the table.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

• Why use Dr. Pepper in this pulled pork recipe?

Dr. Pepper adds a unique sweet and slightly spicy flavor that helps tenderize the meat and creates a delicious caramelized coating while cooking.

• Can I use a different type of pork cut?

While pork shoulder (or pork butt) works best due to its fat content and tenderness, you can substitute with a similar cut like pork roast. Just ensure it has enough marbling for a juicy result.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe is not inherently spicy. The spices used are mild and provide depth of flavor. If you want heat, you can add some red pepper flakes or use a spicy barbecue sauce.

• How do I know when the pork is fully cooked?

The pork is ready when it easily shreds with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 195-205°F. This typically takes 8-10 hours on low heat in the slow cooker.

Why Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork Is Sweet, Tender, And Easy

• Create Effortless Flavor Explosion: Slow cooker method transforms plain pork shoulder into a mouthwatering meal with minimal hands-on cooking, letting Dr. Pepper and barbecue sauce work magic for deep, rich taste.
• Enjoy Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Long, slow cooking breaks down tough meat fibers, resulting in incredibly tender pulled pork that shreds perfectly and practically dissolves on your tongue.
• Master Versatile Meal Solution: This pulled pork adapts to multiple serving styles like sandwiches, tacos, or loaded potatoes, making it ideal for casual gatherings, game days, or easy family dinners.
• Unlock Hands-Off Convenience: Simply season the meat, pour in liquid ingredients, and let the slow cooker do all the hard work while you enjoy your day without constant kitchen monitoring.

Everything Needed For Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

• Pork Shoulder: Classic cut for pulled pork, tender and flavorful with good marbling for slow cooking. Choose a well-marbled piece for maximum juiciness.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provide deep background flavor without raw texture. Fresh alternatives can be used for more intense taste.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky depth and rich color to the meat. Look for high-quality versions for best results.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the meat's natural taste. Freshly ground black pepper offers more robust flavor.

• Dr. Pepper, Barbecue Sauce: Create a sweet and tangy liquid base for braising. The soda adds complexity and helps tenderize the meat. Choose a barbecue sauce with balanced sweetness and tang.
• Onion: Provides aromatic base and subtle sweetness to the cooking liquid. Adds depth to the overall flavor profile.

Steps To Make Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

Step 1: Prep the Succulent Pork Shoulder

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Step 2: Create a Flavor Foundation

Slice a sweet onion into rings and spread them across the bottom of your slow cooker. Lovingly place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onion bed.

Step 3: Pour in the Magic Liquid

• Dr. Pepper (the secret weapon of flavor)
• Tangy barbecue sauce

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let the magic happen. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The pork is ready when it falls apart at the gentle touch of a fork.

Step 5: Shred with Love

Carefully transfer the tender pork to a cutting board. Using two forks, pull the meat apart into delicate, mouth-watering shreds. Discard any unwanted fatty pieces.

Step 6: Bathe in Delicious Juices

Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Lovingly mix the meat with the cooking juices. Add extra barbecue sauce if you’re craving more saucy goodness.

Step 7: Serving Suggestions

Get creative with your pulled pork! Pile it high on soft buns for classic sandwiches, stuff into warm tortillas for tacos, or crown a fluffy baked potato for a hearty meal.

Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Succulent Dr. Pepper pulled pork delivers a Southern-style comfort meal that melts in your mouth with tangy, sweet barbecue perfection. Slow-cooked meat promises a crowd-pleasing dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 4.5 pounds (2 kilograms) pork shoulder (or pork butt)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 (12 ounces/340 milliliters) can Dr. Pepper (or any cola)
• ½ cup barbecue sauce (plus more for serving)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly trim the pork shoulder, preserving a modest layer of fat for enhanced flavor. Meticulously massage the meat with a robust blend of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Create a savory foundation by layering thinly sliced onions across the bottom of the slow cooker. Gently nestle the seasoned pork shoulder atop the onion bed.
3. Generously cascade Dr. Pepper and barbecue sauce over the pork, ensuring complete coverage and infusing the meat with deep, caramelized notes.
4. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the pork to transform through a low and slow cooking process. For tender, fall-apart results, cook on low temperature for 8-10 hours or accelerate on high for 4-5 hours.
5. Once the pork reaches peak tenderness, transfer it to a spacious cutting board. Utilizing two forks, methodically deconstruct the meat into succulent, delicate strands, carefully eliminating excessive fatty portions.
6. Return the shredded pork to its aromatic cooking liquid. Gently fold the meat into the remaining juices, adjusting with additional barbecue sauce to achieve desired moisture and flavor intensity.
7. Present the pulled pork as a versatile centerpiece – nestled in soft buns, wrapped in warm tortillas, or cascading over a fluffy baked potato.

Notes

• Choose a well-marbled pork shoulder to ensure maximum tenderness and rich flavor during slow cooking.
• Pat the meat dry before seasoning to help the spices adhere better and create a delicious crust.
• Experiment with different sodas like root beer or cola for subtle flavor variations that complement the pork.
• Use low-sodium barbecue sauce to control salt content and prevent the dish from becoming too salty during long cooking times.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg