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Dr Pepper Pulled Pork
Dr pepper pulled pork is sweet, smoky, and slow cooked until it’s juicy and tender. Use it for tacos, sandwiches, or nachos anytime.
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Make dinner fun with this dr pepper pulled pork recipe that’s sweet, smoky, and packed with bold flavor. The pork cooks low and slow until it’s juicy and fork-tender. You only need a few ingredients to make it at home. Pile it on buns, tacos, or nachos for a crowd-pleasing meal everyone loves.
This recipe is easy to make, and you can follow the simple step-by-step guide below. We’ve added clear photos and directions to help you out. Don’t miss our pro tips, tricks, and answers to the most frequently asked questions!
Make dr pepper pork in the slow cooker with just ten minutes of prep and let the flavor build all day. The soda adds rich, sweet depth while chipotle peppers bring a little kick that keeps every bite interesting.
This pork works great for busy weeknights, game day, or weekend get-togethers with friends. Serve it on buns, tacos, or loaded nachos for a fast and crowd-pleasing dinner.
Ingredients
What you'll need to make this crockpot pulled pork with dr pepper:
- 1 medium-size sweet yellow onion (1 ½ cups), sliced thin
- 4 to 5 pounds pork butt or pork shoulder
- 1 ½ cups or 12-ounce bottle/can of Dr Pepper
- 2 tablespoons liquid smoke
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce
- Hamburger buns or deli rolls
- 15-ounce container of coleslaw, optional
Substitutions and Additions
Dr Pepper: Any dark soda including coca cola or root beer will work in this recipe. The soda works to tenderize the meat and keep it moist and juicy. Avoid diet Dr Pepper or other diet sodas, as the sugar substitutes don’t stand up to the heat well, and tend to leave an unpleasant aftertaste.
Pork butt or shoulder: Although butt and shoulder are the best cut of meat for pulled pork, a pork loin roast is also a good choice. Tenderloin is leaner and won’t shred as well.
Spicy: If you are a fan of spicy pulled pork, you can add your favorite hot sauce, a dash of cayenne pepper or even smokey chipotle peppers to the slow cooker as well.
These changes let you mix it up while still keeping it easy and fun to make!
How to Make Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork
Follow along with our step-by-step instructions and helpful pictures to make this pulled pork in Dr Pepper. Don’t miss the pro tips and tricks below to create the most flavorful, tender pork ever. Let’s get started and make this recipe unforgettable!
Pro Tip
PRO TIP: To make cleanup easier, line the bottom of the slow cooker with aluminum foil or a crockpot liner, which can be found in most grocery stores.
FIRST STEP: Lay the sliced onion evenly in the bottom of a 6 to 7 quart slow cooker.
SECOND STEP: Place the pork on top of the onions then pour the Dr Pepper over the meat.
THIRD STEP: Mix the liquid smoke, honey, and garlic in a small bowl. Evenly cover the pork with the sauce with a basting brush or pastry brush.
Pro Tip
If you don’t have a brush, you can spread the sauce evenly using the back of a spoon.
FOURTH STEP: In another small bowl stir together the brown sugar, onion powder, kosher salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cumin.
Pro Tip
Smoked paprika has a distinctive, smoky flavor that adds an authentic barbecue taste to any dish. Along with the liquid smoke, it will make your slow cooker pork taste like it came from a smoker.
FIFTH STEP: Evenly sprinkle the dry seasoning mixture over the smoke sauce.
SIXTH STEP: Cook on high heat for 4 hours or low heat for 6 hours. When pork is done, it will be tender and easy to shred.
SEVENTH STEP: Shred the pork in the slow cooker or in a large serving dish or on a cutting board using two forks or tongs.
Pro Tip
To save time (and your hands!), you can also shred pork using either a stand mixer or sturdy hand mixer.
EIGHTH STEP: Add the BBQ sauce and toss with the tongs to coat the shredded meat evenly.
How To Serve Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Pulled Pork
Crock pot pulled pork is a versatile lunch or dinner that works for any season, occasion, or crowd. Whether serving kids, adults, or a mix of both, this recipe is sure to impress. Here are some fun ways to enjoy it:
- Family Dinners: Serve it with cheesy mashed potatoes or Mississippi mud potatoes and buttery cornbread for a comforting meal everyone will love. Add air fried vegetables on the side for a complete dinner.
- Parties and Potlucks: Crockpot pulled pork with Dr Pepper shines at gatherings and potlucks. Serve it with slider buns or warm tortillas for an easy-to-grab option. Pair it with a classic coleslaw or baked mac and cheese for a crowd-pleasing menu.
- Seasonal Celebrations: This dish fits perfectly into any season! Serve it in summer with corn on the cob or in winter with hearty vegetarian chili. Its tangy sweetness makes it a hit year-round for festive meals.
More Recipes ⭐ Crockpot Apple Pork Tenderloin | Slow Cooker Coca Cola Chicken | Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Why You'll Love this Slow Cooker Recipe for Pork
This might be the best pulled pork in a crock pot you'll ever make. Here's why readers keep coming back to it:
- Bursting with Bold Flavor: This recipe blends the sweet and tangy flavor of Dr. Pepper with smoky spices for a rich, unforgettable taste. The slow-cooked pork becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, making every bite irresistible.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it's a casual weeknight dinner or a festive celebration, Dr. Pepper pulled pork fits every menu. It's great for tacos, sandwiches, or rice bowls.
- Simple and Foolproof: This recipe is easy to follow, even for beginners, with step-by-step instructions that guarantee success. The prep takes just a few, stress-free minutes!
Dr. Pepper pulled pork isn’t just a recipe—it’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again!
Recipe FAQ
Can I make slow cooker barbeque pulled pork in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make pulled pork in the oven. Use a Dutch oven and bake it at 325°F for three to four hours.
Does the pork need to be seared before slow cooking?
No, you don't need to sear the pork before slow cooking. The meat cooks up tender and flavorful without that extra step.
What cut of pork works best for dr pepper pulled pork?
Use pork shoulder or pork butt for pulled pork. These cuts cook down juicy and shred easily every time.
Can I cook this recipe on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook dr pepper pulled pork on high. It takes about four hours instead of the usual six on low.
Do I need to stir the pork during cooking?
No, you don't need to stir pork while it cooks. Just cover it and let the slow cooker do the work.
Should I trim the fat before cooking the pork?
Only trim excess fat from the pork before cooking. This helps prevent greasy sauce and makes it easier to shred later.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Yes, you can double dr pepper pulled pork for a party or potluck. Just make sure your slow cooker is big enough.
What’s the best way to shred the cooked pork?
Shred the pork using two forks or a hand mixer on low for fast, even results.
Do I need to reduce the liquid after cooking?
Yes, if it’s too soupy, you can simmer the dr pepper pulled pork uncovered for ten to fifteen minutes to thicken the sauce.
Serving FAQ
What’s the best way to serve dr pepper pulled pork at a party?
Serve the pork in a slow cooker on warm with tongs, and set out buns, tortillas, and toppings for easy build-your-own plates.
Should I serve dr pepper pulled pork on sandwiches or tacos?
You can serve it both ways! Pulled pork sandwiches feel hearty, while tacos are great for mixing in fresh toppings.
What kinds of toppings go well with dr pepper pulled pork?
Yes, you can top it with coleslaw, pickled onions, avocado, or cheese for extra crunch, flavor, and color.
How much pulled pork should I serve per person?
Plan on serving about ½ cup of dr pepper barbacoa pulled pork per person when making sandwiches or tacos.
Can I use dr pepper barbacoa pulled pork as a main dish?
Yes, serve the pulled pork as a main dish with simple sides like corn, beans, or a fresh salad to round it out.
Should I serve the sauce with the pulled pork or keep it separate?
Mix the shredded pork with some sauce before serving, and keep extra on the side for guests who want more.
Storage FAQ
How long can I keep dr pepper pulled pork in the refrigerator?
Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container for up to five days
Can I freeze leftover pulled pork?
Freeze leftover pork in a container or freezer bag for up to four months. Thaw in the refrigerator the day before you plan to reheat and serve it.
Dr Pepper Pulled Pork
Dr pepper pulled pork is sweet, smoky, and slow cooked until it’s juicy and tender. Use it for tacos, sandwiches, or nachos anytime.
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Ingredients
- 1 medium-size sweet yellow onion sliced thin (1 ½ cups)
- 4 to 5 pounds pork butt or pork shoulder
- 12 ounces Dr Pepper 1 ½ cups
- 2 tablespoons liquid smoke
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon garlic fresh minced
- ¼ cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
- hamburger buns or deli rolls
- 15 ounces coleslaw optional
DIRECTIONS
- Line a 6 to 7 quart slow cooker with aluminum foil or a crock pot liner.
- Evenly layer the thinly sliced onion in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Place the pork on top of the onions then pour the Dr Pepper over the pork.
- In a small mixing bowl add the liquid smoke, honey, and minced garlic. Stir to combine the ingredients. Use a basting brush to evenly brush the smoke sauce onto the pork.
- In a small mixing bowl combine the brown sugar, onion powder, kosher salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cumin.
- Evenly sprinkle the dry seasoning on top of the pork.
- Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours.
- When the pork has finished cooking, either leave the pork in the crockpot or transfer the meat to a large baking dish. Carefully use 2 forks or a set of tongs to shred the pork.
- Pour the BBQ sauce over the top of the shredded pork. Then use tongs to toss the pork and sauce.
- Serve on either hamburger buns or deli rolls, and coleslaw.
WATCH THIS RECIPE VIDEO
Nutrition
Calories: 391kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 121mg | Sodium: 1001mg | Potassium: 891mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 339IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 3mg
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Comments
Janet says
SOOO GOOD!!! I will be making this for the 2nd time. my bf is obsessed! thanks for the recipe (:
Amy T says
Oh this is a good recipe, for sure! We're glad you enjoyed it, Janet!
Shelly says
Am going trying them . It’s something different to fix’s. I am tried of same old things