Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Pulled Pork Recipe | Sweet Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Pulled Pork is one of the easiest and most flavorful comfort food recipes you can make when you want something hearty, tender, and packed with sweet and savory barbecue flavor. This easy slow cooker pulled pork recipe uses simple ingredients like pork shoulder, Dr Pepper, and barbecue sauce to create juicy, fall apart meat that is perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Simple Slow Cooker Recipe

• Quick prep with minimal effort. This slow cooker Dr Pepper pulled pork comes together in just minutes of prep before the crockpot does all the work.
• Perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week in sandwiches, bowls, and wraps.
• Budget friendly. Pork shoulder is an affordable cut of meat that feeds a crowd.
• Fall apart tender. Slow cooking creates incredibly juicy, tender pork that shreds effortlessly.
• Versatile serving options. Serve it on buns, over rice, in tacos, or even on baked potatoes.

This entree is perfect for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, or anytime you want an easy slow cooker recipe with minimal cleanup.

What Does Dr Pepper Pulled Pork Taste Like?

Dr Pepper pulled pork tastes sweet, smoky, savory, and incredibly rich. The soda helps tenderize the meat while adding a subtle caramel like sweetness that blends perfectly with barbecue sauce. The pork becomes juicy and flavorful as it cooks low and slow, creating a melt in your mouth texture that pairs perfectly with soft buns or fresh sides.

Ingredients To Grab

• Pork roast– Pork shoulder is the best cut for slow cooker pulled pork because it has enough fat to stay juicy and tender during long cooking. It shreds easily and absorbs flavor well.
• Dr Pepper– Dr Pepper adds sweetness and helps tenderize the meat. It creates a rich, slightly caramelized flavor that makes this pulled pork unique.
• Barbecue sauce– Barbecue sauce brings smoky, tangy flavor and coats the shredded pork for that classic pulled pork taste.
• Garlic powder– Garlic powder adds depth and enhances the savory flavor of the pork.
• Salt– Salt enhances all the flavors and helps season the meat evenly.
• Black pepper– Black pepper adds a mild kick and balances the sweetness.

How To Make Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Pulled Pork

Prepare the pork. Chop the pork into 3 to 4-inch chunks. This will help the pork roast cook faster and more evenly. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Trim excess fat if needed, but leave some for flavor and moisture.

Season the meat. Sprinkle brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper evenly over the pork. Pour the Dr Pepper around the pork, not directly on top of the seasoning, so it stays in place.

Slow cook. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Shred the pork. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat. Reserve 1 cup of the liquid from the slow cooker and discard or repurpose the rest in another recipe.

Add barbecue sauce. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix with barbecue sauce and the reserved cooking liquid until it is evenly coated.

Serve and enjoy. Serve warm on buns, in tacos, or however you like your pulled pork.

Tips And Tricks

Making crockpot Dr Pepper pulled pork is simple, but these tips will help you get the best results:

• Use the right cut of meat. Use pork shoulder or pork butt for the most tender results.
• Don’t rush the cook. Cook low and slow for the best texture and flavor.
• Trim the fat. Skim excess fat from the cooking liquid if needed.

Variations

This easy slow cooker pulled pork recipe is very versatile and easy to customize.

• Add some heat. Make it spicy by adding chili flakes or hot sauce.
• Swap out the soda. Use root beer or cola instead of Dr Pepper for a different flavor twist. If you’re on a budget, use Dr. Thunder (thanks, Walmart) for a similar flavor.
• Extra aromatics. Add sliced onions or garlic for extra depth.
• Coat with more spices. Use a dry rub before cooking for more bold flavor.
• Swap out the sauce. Try different barbecue sauces like honey, smoky, or spicy.

What To Eat With Dr Pepper Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is incredibly satisfying, but pairing it with the right sides makes it even better.

• Coleslaw– Adds a cool, crunchy contrast that balances the rich pulled pork.
• Baked beans– A classic barbecue side that complements the sweet and smoky flavors.
• Slow Cooker Mac and cheese– Creamy and comforting, it pairs perfectly with tender pulled pork.
• Cornbread Muffins– Slightly sweet and soft, it soaks up all the delicious sauce.
• Potato salad– Adds a creamy, tangy balance to the dish.

How Long Does It Last?

Slow cooker Dr Pepper pulled pork lasts about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes. Pulled pork freezes very well. Store it in freezer safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

If you love this slow cooker Dr Pepper pulled pork as much as we do, make sure you share it with your friends and family so they can try it too. Don’t forget to save it for later so you always have an easy crockpot dinner ready to go.

Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Pulled Pork Recipe | Sweet Pulled Pork

5 from 2 votes

This Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Pulled Pork recipe is the perfect family-friendly weeknight meal! Loaded with tons of flavored from the pork roast, seasonings, BBQ sauce and Dr Pepper, this slow cooker dinner is a great solution for your BBQ cravings!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

4 hours hrs

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 251

Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 3 pound Pork Picnic Roast
• 1 cup Dr Pepper
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce Sweet Baby Rays or similar

Method

 

1. Chop the pork into 3 to 4-inch chunks. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Trim excess fat if needed, but leave some for flavor and moisture.
2. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper evenly over the pork. Pour the Dr Pepper around the pork.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
4. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat. Reserve 1 cup of the liquid from the slow cooker and discard the rest.
5. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix with barbecue sauce and the reserved cooking liquid until it is evenly coated.
6. Serve warm on buns, in tacos, or however you like your pulled pork.

Nutrition

Calories: 251kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 21gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 563mgPotassium: 420mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 47IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 2mg

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If you love this recipe, be sure to check out more easy and flavorful pork recipes like air fryer pork steak, pork lo mein, or pork slow cooker carnitas for even more simple dinner ideas your family will enjoy.