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Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork (Slow Cooker)

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Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork in the slow cooker is an easy weeknight dish the whole family will love. Tender pulled pork with sweet Dr. Pepper, and cayenne pepper for a bit of spice!

pulled pork sandwich on plate
Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork is excellent with spicy coleslaw!

Piled high on a toasted bun and topped with my spicy coleslaw recipe, you’ll have the perfect Carolina style bbq sandwich!

Because you are making the pork in the slow cooker, there is no need to fire up the smoker. It’s tender, easy to shred, and downright tasty.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Only 10 minutes prep!
  • Simple ingredients.
  • Will feed a crowd and makes great leftovers.
  • Sweet and spicy for a balance of flavors.
  • Can be made any time of year.
  • No need to fire up the grill.

Ingredients

  • Pork shoulder or butt
  • Light Brown Sugar
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Minced Garlic
  • Cayenne Pepper
  • Barbecue Sauce
  • Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Dr. Pepper

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How To Make Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

Step 1: Prepare the seasoning

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir well.

Note: It will have some lumps of brown sugar and pieces of garlic.

Step 2: Season the pork

Add the seasoning mixture all over the top of the pork.

Step 3: Add the liquids

Pour in the Dr. Pepper and apple cider vinegar. Set the slow cooker to high for 5 hours or low for 6-8 hours.

Step 4: Shred and sauce

After the pork has finished cooking, take 2 forks or meat claws and shred the meat apart. Add your favorite barbecue sauce and serve.

steps to make slow cooker pulled pork

Expert Tips

  • Buy pork to fit! Because you are making Dr. Pepper pulled pork in the slow cooker, you don’t want to buy a piece of meat that is too big for it. Be sure to stick with pork that will fit without any issues. If it doesn’t fit, you will need to cut it into chunks.
  • Add seasonings to taste. If you aren’t a fan of the seasonings I recommend, that is more than fine! Swap them for your own combination of flavors.
  • Broil if desired. After the pork is done in the slow cooker, remove it and place it on a baking sheet. Broil for 3-5 minutes or until the seasonings have caramelized some. Shred and serve!
  • Want it to be smoky? Add 1/2 – 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke to the slow cooker. It won’t be overwhelming, but will give you a delicious smoky flavor.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve on toasted buns to make a pulled pork sandwich.
  • Make pulled pork nachos.
  • Top baked potatoes.
  • Mix it in baked beans.
  • Add it to your omelet in the morning.
  • Top your quesadilla with pulled pork!

FAQs

Can I use different something besides Dr. Pepper?

Yes, absolutely! A can of your favorite cola or root beer are also tasty choices. And if you don’t want to use soda, you could certainly swap it for chicken or beef broth instead.

Can you freeze leftover Dr. Pepper pulled pork?

Absolutely, and it freezes beautifully. After you have let the pulled pork cool down, place it in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

How do you reheat pulled pork?

For best results, add the pulled pork to a skillet along with some beef broth and barbecue sauce. This will keep it moist as you reheat. Heat on low – medium heat until it’s hot. Note: The amount of broth and barbecue sauce is going to vary based on how big of a portion you are reheating.

Can I make pulled pork in the Instant Pot?

Yes! You’ll need to cut up the pork into 5-6 chunks and place it in the Instant Pot. Season and add liquids and cook on high pressure for 55 minutes. Natural release for 15 minutes then shred and serve.

Related Recipes

dr. pepper pulled pork in a dish

Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork in the slow cooker is an easy weeknight dish the whole family will love. Tender pulled pork with sweet Dr. Pepper, and cayenne pepper for a bit of spice!
Print Pin
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: crock pot recipe, pulled pork, slow cooker recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 213kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 4-5 pound pork butt or shoulder
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 tablespoon garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 can Dr. Pepper
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 1/2 cups barbecue sauce

Instructions

  • Place the pork inside of the slow cooker. Combine the brown sugar, garlic, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Mix well.
  • Add seasoning mixture to the top of the pork.
  • Pour in the apple cider vinegar and Dr. Pepper into the slow cooker.
  • Cook on high for 5 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
  • Using 2 forks or meat claws, shred the pork. Add barbecue sauce and mix. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Instant Pot Directions
Cut the pork into 5-6 large pieces. Add to the instant pot and season. Pour in the liquid and cook on high pressure for 55 minutes. Complete a natural release for 15 minutes, shred and serve. 

Nutrition

Calories: 213kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 1223mg | Potassium: 238mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 44g | Vitamin A: 306IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 1mg