Crock Pot Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

Crock Pot Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

This Crock Pot Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork is a juicy and tender recipe, which uses boneless pork shoulder roast and a can of Dr. Pepper. It’s a no-fuss take on the classic, ready in about 8 hours and 5 minutes.

Crock Pot Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork Ingredients

  • 4–5 pounds boneless pork shoulder roast or pork butt
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • 1 onion, sliced (optional)
  • 12 ounces Dr. Pepper (1 can)
  • ¾ cup barbecue sauce, or to taste
  • Rolls for serving
  • Prepared coleslaw for serving

How To Make Crock Pot Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

  1. Prep the slow cooker: Place sliced onion in the bottom of the crockpot if using.
  2. Season the pork: Rub the outside of the pork roast with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. Add soda and cook: Pour the Dr. Pepper over the pork. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4–5 hours or LOW for 7–8 hours.
  4. Shred the pork: Once the pork is tender, use two forks to shred the meat. Return it to the juices in the crockpot.
  5. Add barbecue sauce: Stir in barbecue sauce to taste. For deeper flavor, let it cook an additional 30–60 minutes.
  6. Serve and enjoy: Serve the pulled pork on crusty rolls with prepared coleslaw.
Crock Pot Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork
Crock Pot Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

Recipe Tips

  • Can I use a different soda? Yes, root beer or cola are great substitutes. Diet Dr. Pepper also works.
  • How do I know the pork is ready? It should shred easily with two forks. If it doesn’t, give it more time.
  • What if there’s too much liquid? Remove some of the juices before mixing in the shredded pork and sauce.
  • Can I keep it warm in the slow cooker? Yes, use the “warm” setting to keep it ready for serving.
  • How to make it spicier: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or mix in spicy barbecue sauce.

What To Serve With Pulled Pork

This sandwich-style dish goes perfectly with classic sides like:

  • Baked beans
  • Macaroni and cheese
  • Cornbread or biscuits
  • Pickles or pickled onions
  • Potato salad or fries

How To Store Pulled Pork

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze in portions with juices and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Pulled Pork Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 276
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 104mg
  • Sodium: 393mg
  • Potassium: 592mg
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Vitamin A: 70IU
  • Vitamin C: 1.4mg
  • Calcium: 31mg
  • Iron: 2.1mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and can be made a day in advance.

Do I need to sear the pork first?
No searing is needed; it will become tender from slow cooking.

Why is my pulled pork not shredding?
It likely needs more cook time. Keep it covered and let it cook longer.

Can I use pork loin instead of shoulder?
Pork loin is leaner and may be drier. Pork shoulder or butt is better for juicy pulled pork.

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Crock Pot Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

Recipe by Robert Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

8

hours 
Calories

276

kcal

Tender, juicy pulled pork slow-cooked in Dr. Pepper and barbecue sauce for the perfect sandwich filling.

Ingredients

  • 4–5 pounds boneless pork shoulder roast or pork butt

  • Salt

  • Black pepper

  • Garlic powder

  • 1 onion, sliced (optional)

  • 12 ounces Dr. Pepper (1 can)

  • ¾ cup barbecue sauce, or to taste

  • Rolls for serving

  • Prepared coleslaw for serving

Directions

  • Place sliced onion in bottom of crockpot (if using).
  • Season pork with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  • Pour Dr. Pepper over the pork. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4–5 hours or LOW for 7–8 hours.
  • Shred pork with two forks and return to juices.
  • Stir in barbecue sauce. Let cook 30–60 minutes longer if desired.
  • Serve on rolls with coleslaw.