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
- Prep the slow cooker: Place sliced onion in the bottom of the crockpot if using.
- Season the pork: Rub the outside of the pork roast with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- 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.
- Shred the pork: Once the pork is tender, use two forks to shred the meat. Return it to the juices in the crockpot.
- Add barbecue sauce: Stir in barbecue sauce to taste. For deeper flavor, let it cook an additional 30–60 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the pulled pork on crusty rolls with prepared coleslaw.

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.
Try More Recipes:
Crock Pot Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings5
minutes8
hours276
kcalTender, 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.
