Crock Pot Bourbon Pulled Pork

This tender, smoky Crock Pot Bourbon Pulled Pork is made with a boneless pork shoulder, bourbon, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and crispy bacon. This recipe delivers a sweet and savory dish with melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, layered flavor. It takes about 8 hours and 40 minutes from start to finish and serves 8. Enjoy it piled high on buns, tucked into tacos, or even over mashed potatoes or coleslaw for a hearty twist.

Crock Pot Bourbon Pulled Pork Ingredients

• 2–3 pound boneless pork shoulder
• 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce
• ½ cup bourbon
• 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
• 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. smoked paprika
• ½ tsp. black pepper
• ½ tsp. red pepper flakes
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

How To Make Crock Pot Bourbon Pulled Pork

1. Add pork to slow cooker: Place the pork shoulder in the crock pot.
2. Mix the sauce: In a bowl, combine all remaining ingredients except for the bacon.
3. Cook the pork: Pour the mixture over the pork and cook on high for 6 hours or on low for 8 hours.
4. Shred the meat: Once tender, shred the pork with two forks right in the pot.
5. Add bacon and finish: Stir in the crumbled bacon and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
6. Serve: Spoon the pulled pork onto buns, tortillas, or your favorite base and enjoy.

Recipe Tips

• Pick your favorite BBQ sauce: Sweet, spicy, or smoky sauces all work—use your favorite to customize the flavor.
• Deglaze with bourbon: For extra depth, heat the bourbon slightly before mixing it in.
• For crispy edges: After shredding, spread the pork on a baking sheet and broil for 5–7 minutes.
• Make it ahead: This pork tastes even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead meal.
• Skip the alcohol: Substitute apple juice or beef broth for a non-alcoholic version.

Best Sides For Pulled Pork

This pulled pork is delicious with creamy coleslaw, baked beans, or mac and cheese. Cornbread and pickles also make excellent accompaniments. For something lighter, pair it with a simple green salad or roasted veggies.

How To Store Pulled Pork

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot.
Freeze: Cool the pork completely, then freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Pulled Pork Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 425
• Total Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Sugar: 33g
• Protein: 29g
• Sodium: 1113mg

FAQs

Can I make this without bourbon?
Yes! Substitute apple juice, beef broth, or even cola for a non-alcoholic alternative with great flavor.

What kind of buns work best?
Soft brioche, potato rolls, or even pretzel buns work beautifully with the juicy pork.

Can I use a different cut of meat?
Pork butt or picnic roast also work well—they’re both ideal for slow cooking and shredding.

Is it spicy?
It has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes. Adjust the heat by adding more or less, depending on your preference.

Can I cook this overnight?
Yes, cooking it on low overnight works well. Just shred and finish it in the morning.

Try More Recipes:

• Crock Pot Boneless Pork Ribs
• Crock Pot BBQ Pork Steaks
• Crock Pot Bacon-Wrapped Pork Loin