This Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork is the perfect recipe for a busy weeknight. Combine all of the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do its thing. The result is tender, juicy pulled pork that is infused with the sweetness of Dr. Pepper. Serve it on a bun with your favorite BBQ sauce and you’ve got a meal that will please even the pickiest eaters. This recipe is a keeper!

Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork in a serving bowl

Pulled Pork Recipe

One of the best things about pulled pork is that it’s so versatile. You can serve it on a bun, in a salad, or even over a bed of rice. And while there are many different ways to make pulled pork, one of the simplest is to cook it in a slow cooker.

Dr. Pepper gives the pork a unique sweetness, and the longer it cooks, the more tender and flavorful the meat becomes. Plus, there’s no need to worry about babysitting the pork while it cooks. Just set it and forget it! If you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to make pulled pork, give this Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork recipe a try.

Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork Recipe

Super simple to make: put it together in the morning and enjoy it in the evening.
Tender and juicy: the pork is cooked low and slow until it’s fall-apart tender.
Unique taste: Dr. Pepper adds a unique sweetness to the sauce without being overbearing.

Ingredients Needed For Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

Yellow Onion
Pork Butt or Pork Shoulder
Dr. Pepper
Liquid Smoke
Honey
Garlic
Brown Sugar
Onion Powder
Salt
Paprika
Black Pepper
Cumin
BBQ Sauce
Hamburger Buns for Serving
Coleslaw (optional)

How To Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork?

1-Lightly spray 6-7 quart slow cooker with cooking spray.

2-Place an even layer of thinly sliced onions in the bottom of the slow cooker.

3-Place pork on top of the onions and pour Dr. Pepper over pork.

4-Combine liquid smoke, honey, and minced garlic in a small mixing bowl. Evenly spoon over top of pork.

5-In a small mixing bowl whisk together brown sugar, onion powder, salt, paprika, pepper, and cumin. Evenly sprinkle dry seasoning on top of pork.

6-Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours.

7-Once pork has finished cooking, transfer to a large baking dish and shred meat.

8-Pour your favorite BBQ sauce over pork and mix well.

9-Serve immediately on hamburger buns with coleslaw if desired. Enjoy.

slow cooker pulled pork served on a bun with coleslaw

Variation Options for Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

While this recipe is delicious as is, there are a few ways you can change it up to suit your taste.

For a spicier pulled pork, add a tablespoon or two of your favorite hot sauce to the slow cooker.
If you prefer a sweeter pulled pork, increase the amount of brown sugar in the recipe.
To make a gluten-free pulled pork, use a gluten-free BBQ sauce.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

There are endless ways to enjoy this pulled pork recipe. Here are a few of our favorites:

On a bun: Serve the pork on a toasted bun with your favorite BBQ sauce.
In a salad: Top a bed of greens with pulled pork, diced avocado, and crumbled blue cheese.
Over rice: Serve the pork over a bed of cooked white or brown rice.
As the main dish: Serve the pork with roasted potatoes and steamed vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

To reheat, add the pork to a skillet over medium heat and cook until warmed through. You can also reheat the pork in the microwave. Just be sure not to overcook it or the pork will become dry.

close up photo of slow cooker dr. pepper pulled pork

FAQ

What is the best cut of pork to use for pulled pork?

For this recipe, we recommend using a boneless pork shoulder or pork butt roast. These cuts of meat are well-marbled and will yield tender, juicy pulled pork.

Can I make pulled pork in the oven?

Yes, you can! Just follow the same cooking instructions, but cook the pork in a 325°F oven instead of a slow cooker.

What should I do with the leftover fat?

You can discard the fat or save it to render down and use for other recipes. Simply place the fat in a small saucepan over low heat and cook until it liquefies. Once it’s cool, transfer it to a jar or container and store it in the refrigerator for up to six months.

What is Dr. Pepper made of?

Dr. Pepper is a carbonated soft drink that is flavored with a unique blend of 23 different fruits. The exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, but the drink is known to contain sugar, caffeine, and sodium benzoate.

This delicious Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork recipe is super simple to make and requires little hands-on time. The pork is cooked low and slow until it’s fall-apart tender, and the unique flavor of Dr. Pepper gives the sauce a slight sweetness without being overbearing. If you make this recipe, leave us a comment below to let us know what you think.

Other Favorite Pork Recipes