Dr. Pepper Crock Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
4 hrs
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Total Time
4 hrs 5 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
276 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Dr. Pepper Crock Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
Description
Dr. Pepper Crock Pot Pulled Pork Recipe starts with a sizable pork shoulder rubbed with basic seasonings and layered over sliced onion in a slow cooker. The addition of Dr. Pepper soda introduces gentle sweetness and tenderizing acids during the long cooking process, conducted on low or high heat for several hours to achieve shreddable meat. After cooking, the pork is shredded directly in its juices, preserving moisture and flavor, then combined with barbecue sauce to enhance taste and texture. This method yields juicy, tender meat that pairs well with crusty bread rolls and fresh coleslaw for a satisfying sandwich. The slow cooker approach allows for easy meal preparation with minimal supervision.
The final dish offers a mix of savory, sweet, and smoky elements contributed by the seasoning, soda, onions, and barbecue sauce. The slow cooking softens the pork to a point where it effortlessly shreds, providing tender meat strands that absorb the flavorful cooking liquid. Serving on rolls with crisp coleslaw adds texture contrast and freshness. This pulled pork is suited for casual dinners, gatherings, or sandwiches where hearty, flavorful pork is desired.
Several practical tips improve the outcome: different sodas like root beer or cola can substitute for Dr. Pepper, and diet versions also work. Larger roasts require longer cooking to reach tenderness. While shredding, excess liquid can be drained if too abundant before mixing in barbecue sauce. The cooked pork can be held warm in the slow cooker until serving without drying out.
Ingredients
- 4-5 pounds pork shoulder roast or pork butt, boneless
- salt
- black pepper
- garlic powder
- 1 onion sliced, optional
- 12 ounces Dr Pepper soda 1 can
- ¾ cup barbecue sauce or to taste
- bread rolls for serving
- coleslaw for serving, prepared
Instructions
- Place the onion in the bottom of the slow cooker. Rub the outside of the roast with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
- Pour the Dr. Pepper over the pork and cook on high 4-5 hours or on low 7-8 hours.
- The meat will be very tender. Using 2 forks, shred the pork and place back in the juices.
- Add barbecue sauce to taste. Allow to cook an additional 30-60 minutes if desired.
- Serve on crusty rolls with coleslaw.
Notes
- Root beer or cola can replace Dr. Pepper if desired, including diet versions.
- Adjust cooking time for larger pork roasts to ensure tenderness.
- If the pork isn't tender at the expected time, continue cooking covered until it shreds easily.
- Remove excess cooking juices before mixing shredded pork with barbecue sauce to prevent sogginess.
- Cooked pulled pork can be kept warm in the slow cooker until ready to serve.
- Nutrition info does not include the bread rolls used for sandwiches.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 276 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 276 | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 10g | 3% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 104mg | 35% |
| Sodium | 393mg | 16% |
| Potassium | 592mg | 13% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 70IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 1.4mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 31mg | 3% |
| Iron | 2.1mg | 12% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.