Tender Dr. Pepper Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe

Tender, juicy pulled pork braised in dr.

pepper creates a mouthwatering meal that promises to delight your taste buds.

The sweet and tangy soda infuses the meat with an incredible depth of flavor unlike any traditional recipe.

Slow cooking transforms a simple pork shoulder into a succulent, melt-in-your-mouth dish that everyone will crave.

Each bite delivers rich, caramelized notes that dance across your palate with remarkable complexity.

The recipe requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation ensure you can effortlessly impress your guests with this crowd-pleasing main course.

Serve this irresistible pulled pork on soft buns or alongside your favorite sides for a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8-10 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 7

What Ingredients Make Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

• Pork Shoulder: Marbled cut perfect for slow cooking, providing rich flavor and tender texture when braised; choose a well-marbled piece with some fat cap intact for maximum juiciness.
• Garlic Powder: Adds deep, aromatic seasoning without raw garlic intensity; look for pure, no-additive versions for cleanest flavor profile.
• Onion Powder: Delivers concentrated onion essence without chopping; select finely ground powder for even distribution.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces smoky undertone and vibrant color; opt for Hungarian or Spanish varieties for more complex flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and helps tenderize meat; use kosher or sea salt for best results.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and sharp background notes; freshly ground offers most robust flavor.

• Dr. Pepper: Unique soda that tenderizes meat and adds caramel-like sweetness; select regular version for consistent flavor.
• Barbecue Sauce: Adds tangy, sweet complexity; choose thick, robust sauce that complements pork's richness.
• Onion: Creates aromatic base and adds moisture during slow cooking; sweet varieties like Vidalia work best.

• Buns, Tortillas, Baked Potato: Versatile serving options that complement pulled pork's rich flavor; select soft, fresh bread or starchy base.

Tools To Cook Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

• Slow Cooker: Essential for the magic of tender, fall-apart pork.
• Cutting Board: Perfect spot for trimming fat and shredding meat.
• Paper Towels: Helps pat the pork dry before seasoning.
• Two Forks: Ideal for pulling apart the cooked pork into delicious strands.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures the right amount of spices for perfect flavor.
• Sharp Knife: Great for trimming excess fat from the pork shoulder.

How To Make Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork Easily

• Flavor Foundation

Grab a beautiful pork shoulder and massage it with a blend of spicy and savory seasonings. Let those spices dance across the meat surface, creating a deep, rich flavor profile that’ll make taste buds sing.

• Slow Cooker Magic

Create a cozy bed of sliced onions in your slow cooker. Gently place the seasoned pork on top, like tucking it into a warm blanket of deliciousness.

• Liquid Love

Pour Dr. Pepper and barbecue sauce over the meat, allowing the sweet and tangy liquid to embrace every inch of the pork. This magical combination will transform your meat into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

• Tender Transformation

Let the slow cooker work its enchantment. After several hours of low and slow cooking, the pork will become so tender it practically falls apart with a gentle touch.

• Shredding Sensation

Transfer the succulent meat to a cutting board. Using two forks, pull the pork apart into delicate, juicy strands that will make everyone’s mouth water.

• Sauce Symphony

Return the shredded pork to its cooking liquid. Stir gently, letting the meat soak up all those incredible flavors. Add extra barbecue sauce if you’re craving more saucy goodness.

• Serving Celebration

Pile the pulled pork onto soft buns, stuff it into tacos, or crown a baked potato. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Flavor Tips For Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

• Meat Selection Magic: Choose a pork shoulder with good marbling for extra tenderness and rich flavor. The fat helps keep the meat juicy during slow cooking.
• Seasoning Secret Weapon: Let the dry rub sit on the meat for 30 minutes before cooking to help spices penetrate deeper and enhance overall taste.
• Liquid Level Wisdom: Ensure the pork is partially submerged in liquid to prevent drying out and create delicious, moist pulled meat.
• Fat Trimming Technique: Leave a thin layer of fat cap on the meat to add moisture and richness during the slow cooking process.
• Keto-Friendly Twist: Serve pulled pork over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps instead of traditional buns to reduce carbohydrates.
• Gluten-Free Option: Verify your barbecue sauce is gluten-free and serve with gluten-free bread or corn tortillas.
• Low-Sodium Approach: Use a low-sodium barbecue sauce and reduce added salt in the spice rub for a heart-healthy alternative.
• Spicy Lover's Upgrade: Add a splash of hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat and flavor.

How To Serve Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork Right

• Picnic Perfect Platter: Serve the pulled pork on a large wooden board with soft slider buns, tangy coleslaw, and quick pickles for a crowd-pleasing spread that lets everyone build their own delicious sandwich.
• Loaded Potato Extravaganza: Spoon the tender pulled pork over crispy baked potatoes, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for a hearty meal that satisfies serious comfort food cravings.
• Taco Night Upgrade: Transform the Dr. Pepper pulled pork into zesty street-style tacos by tucking the meat into warm corn tortillas, adding fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime for a flavor-packed dinner that brings excitement to the table.
• Meal Prep Magic: Store the pulled pork in airtight containers for quick weekday lunches – it reheats beautifully and stays moist, making busy days easier with a delicious protein option ready to go.

Store Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork The Easy Way

• Refrigeration Runway: Store shredded pork in airtight containers for up to 4 days, keeping meat moist and fresh inside the refrigerator.
• Freezer Friendly Feast: Seal pulled pork in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air, and freeze for 2-3 months for quick future meals.
• Smart Reheating Strategy: Warm refrigerated or thawed meat in microwave or skillet, adding small splashes of Dr. Pepper or barbecue sauce to maintain juiciness and prevent drying.
• Meal Versatility Hack: Transform leftover pulled pork into nachos, quesadillas, salad toppers, or stuffed peppers for exciting culinary adventures without wasting ingredients.

Tender Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Succulent Dr. Pepper pulled pork delivers a Southern classic with irresistible flavor and tender meat. Slow cooking infuses rich spices and sweet soda, creating a mouthwatering dish you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

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• 4.5 lb (2 kg) pork shoulder (or pork butt)
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 (12 oz/340 ml) can Dr. Pepper (or any cola)
• ½ cup barbecue sauce (plus more for serving)
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Trim pork shoulder, maintaining a thin fat layer. Craft a dynamic spice rub using garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Thoroughly massage the meat with the seasoning blend.
2. Slow Cooker Setup: Spread a foundation of thinly sliced onions across the slow cooker base. Carefully position the seasoned pork shoulder on the onion layer.
3. Liquid Infusion: Pour Dr. Pepper and barbecue sauce over the pork, ensuring complete coverage. The liquid will tenderize and enrich the meat’s flavor profile.
4. Cooking Process: Cover and cook on low temperature for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The prolonged, gentle heat will transform the pork into meltingly tender strands.
5. Shredding and Finishing: Extract the pork onto a cutting board. Using two forks, methodically pull the meat apart, discarding excess fat. Reintroduce the shredded meat to the cooking liquid, blending thoroughly and adjusting with additional barbecue sauce for optimal moisture and taste.
6. Serving: Showcase the pulled pork in diverse presentations – tucked into soft buns, wrapped in tortillas, or elegantly draped over a baked potato.

Notes

• Trim with Precision: Remove excess fat while keeping a thin layer to boost flavor and juiciness, preventing dry meat.
• Seasoning Secret: Create a robust spice rub by generously massaging dry seasonings into every surface of the pork shoulder for maximum flavor penetration.
• Liquid Magic: Dr. Pepper provides unique sweetness and tenderizing properties, helping break down meat fibers and creating rich caramelization.
• Shredding Technique: Allow meat to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to help fibers separate more easily and retain moisture when pulling apart with forks.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg