Crockpot Pulled Pork is tender, flavorful as can be, and SO easy to make! This is a true set it and forget it recipe that always hits the spot. Apple juice, a mixture of bold seasonings and barbecue sauce make this fall-apart pulled pork irresistible.
Enjoy more easy slow cooker recipes like Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, Crockpot Meatloaf and Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Glaze.
Table of Contents
- Reader Rating
- Why we love it:
- Crockpot Pulled Pork Ingredients:
- How to make Crockpot Pulled Pork
- Variations and Substitutions
- How to store Crock Pot Pulled Pork
- Can I freeze Crockpot pulled pork?
- What is the best cut of meat for crock pot pulled pork?
- Serving suggestions:
- The BEST Crock Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
Crockpot pulled pork is about as easy as it gets! Simple ingredients, hassle-free steps, and amazing results every single time. This is the definition of foolproof!
I love tossing a serving of this slow cooker pulled pork on top of a homemade hamburger bun with coleslaw and some Homemade BBQ Sauce for a seriously good sandwich. However, it’s great a number of different ways – scroll down to the serving suggestions for more ideas.
No matter how you choose to enjoy this bbq pulled pork recipe, you’re going to be obsessed!
Why we love it:
- Family friendly – Everyone from great grandparents to little picky eaters loves this classic pulled pork recipe! It’s a great way to make sure everyone gets their fill of protein.
- Low stress – Dinner doesn’t need to stress you out, especially when you can just plug in the Crockpot and let it do all the work for you.
- Inexpensive – Yes! We love a good budget friendly recipe, especially when it’s as filling as this one. Spend a little and serve a lot – the best of both worlds.
- So tender and flavorful – It’s melt-in-your-mouth tender and shreds so easily! It’s got great flavor, thanks to a garlic herb rub that I use on my slow cooker pork loin recipe as well.
Crockpot Pulled Pork Ingredients:
- Pork loin: I always use a boneless pork loin or pork shoulder for pulled pork. A shoulder will have more fat, but I find that the leaner pork loin stays nice and juicy with this slow cooker preparation!
- Apple juice: Soda (like Dr. Pepper) also works if preferred.
- Bbq sauce: Feel free to go the extra mile with Homemade Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce!
- Seasonings: A medley of Italian seasoning, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder and black pepper is all you need to make this pulled pork recipe incredibly flavorful.
How to make Crockpot Pulled Pork
Ready, set it, forget it! This easy Crock pot pulled pork recipe is great for those busy days when you just don’t have time to fuss over dinner. Scroll to the bottom of this page for more detailed instructions.
- Place the pork loin in the Crockpot and cover with apple juice and seasonings.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours. Shred with two forks.
- Toss the bbq sauce and pork together.
- Keep the pulled pork warm in the Crockpot.
Variations and Substitutions
- Mix up the liquid: Try a can of soda — try Cranberry Ginger Ale, Sprite, Coca-Cola, Dr. Pepper or go totally in your own direction and try something new!
- Add buffalo: Try tossing it in buffalo sauce for a pork-y twist on buffalo chicken — great for game day sandwiches!
- Add honey garlic: Stir in some honey garlic sauce and serve with rice or noodles.
How to store Crock Pot Pulled Pork
Once it cools to room temperature, you can store leftover bbq pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Add a splash of moisture (water, broth, juice, or sauce) and reheat for 30 seconds at a time in the microwave, stirring each time it stops, until warmed all the way through.
Can I freeze Crockpot pulled pork?
Yes! It freezes perfectly for up to 3-4 months in a heavy duty freezer bag or freezer container. Don’t forget to date and label! It’s one of our favorite freezer meals!
What is the best cut of meat for crock pot pulled pork?
I always recommend using either boneless pork loin or pork shoulder for pulled pork! See my reasons for each down below.
The best meat for pulled pork really depends on your preferences: sometimes I prefer leaner, boneless cuts of meat (if I don’t want my pulled pork too fatty), and other times I reach for higher fat cuts for more juiciness.
Either way this slow cooker pulled pork recipe is going to be tender, juicy and delicious after a long, slow cooker!
Using Pork Loin for pulled pork:
It’s an easy-to-cook, fairly lean cut of meat so you don’t have to deal with any bones. This way, I get the most bang for my buck, I don’t have to do a lot of trimming, and it’s just plain delicious.
Pork loin also tends to go on sale often for a great price, and I will pick up a few to store in the freezer until a craving for this slow cooker pulled pork hits.
Since we are slow cooking our shredded pork, the loin stays moist during the long cook time.
Using Pork Shoulder for Crockpot Pulled Pork:
Pork shoulder also gives great results! The pork shoulder is high in fat which will make a very juicy pulled pork and it is another great option.
Pork shoulder is a great option for the slow cooker as well as oven and smoked preparations as the fat ensures it doesn’t dry out.
Serving suggestions:
Honestly, we usually eat this alone with some Brioche Buns and maybe some pickles and chips, but here are a few great side options that go well with pulled pork:
- Easy Potato Salad Recipe — a summer must have!
- Creamy Ranch Bowtie Pasta Salad Recipe — easy to prep ahead!
- No Mayo Garlic Herb Potato Salad — simple and delicious.
Don’t forget to serve with a tall glass of Easy Homemade Pink Lemonade or Strawberry Lemonade!
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Pin this recipe to your favorite boardThe BEST Crock Pot Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- 4 lb boneless pork loin or pork shoulder (trimmed if desired)
- 1 cup apple juice (or soda)
- 1 tablespoon seasoning salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried mustard
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups barbecue sauce as desired
Instructions
- Place pork loin in a 4-6 quart crock pot and pour in apple juice.
- Combine seasoning salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, mustard, onion powder and black pepper and sprinkle half over pork loin. Turn and sprinkle on the remaining half.
- Cover and cook on low until fall apart tender — 8 to 10 hours.
- Shred with two forks, discarding excess fat. Toss in remaining juices and coat with barbecue sauce as desired. Serve on hamburger buns.
Notes
Ingredients and Substitutions:
Pork: I often use pork loin but it is leaner and will result in a leaner pulled pork. I don’t find that this is a problem because the slow cooker and juices keep the pork so moist that we don’t miss the extra fat. Pork shoulder is typically the best cut of meat for pulled pork because it is fatty, which makes it very tender when cooked. You choose which you prefer! Apple juice: I love apples and pork, so this is my favorite liquid, but you can use broth, water or soda (Dr. Pepper or Root Beer are both delicious!). Barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite barbecue sauce, or try my Homemade BBQ Sauce, this Easy Homemade Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce or this Homemade Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce.Nutrition Information
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Olga says
Can I use sugar free soda ?
Ashley Fehr says
Definitely!
Max says
There is a lot of juice leftover in my crockpot. Is this normal? After shredding the meat, do I return it back to the juices then add the bbq sauce?
Ashley Fehr says
I usually add some of the juices back in, just as much as the meat will soak up, and then drain the rest and add barbecue sauce. It’s normal to have quite a bit of liquid!
Allie says
I was wondering if you could cook this recipe on high instead of low?
Ashley Fehr says
Yes! I usually figure about half as much time on high. Low is my preferred way, but high will work fine
Mandy Hebert says
Call I cook this on high for just a little bit to speed up the process?
Ashley Fehr says
Yes! I generally figure about half of the cook time on high
Mary Zimmerman says
What would you cook this on if you wanted to cook it on high?
Ashley Fehr says
On high I usually halve the cook time
Rachel says
Don’t have apple juice what kind of soda can I use
Coke or club soda or ginger ale? Thank you
Ashley Fehr says
You can definitely use either of those and it will work just fine!
Laurie J Davis says
I want to try this recipe…But I bought the boneless Boston Butts before I found it. Any tweaks I need to know about? I plan to trim it anyway.
Becky Hardin says
Pulled pork is the best!!!
Ashley Fehr says
Yes! Thanks Becky!
Cyd says
I just love a good crock pot recipe! My kids love this pulled pork!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Cyd! Us too!
Melissa says
So delicious and so tender! Thank you!
Ashley Fehr says
THanks Melissa!
Beth Pierce says
Made this for dinner last night and everyone loved all the flavor! We made sandwiches and had smiling faces all around the dinner table!
Ashley Fehr says
THanks Beth! It’s one of our favorites too!
Chelsea says
This pulled pork is seriously amazing!! Thanks so much for sharing!
Ashley Fehr says
THanks Chelsea! I’m so happy to hear that!
Julie says
It says “toss in remaining juices” Which juices? More of the apple juice? Am I missing something?
Ashley Fehr says
Just the juices that are left in the crockpot — there will be quite a bit of liquid remaining. This keeps it juicy!
Lindsey says
When you say seasoning salt do you mean a seasoned salt like Lawry’s? Or big granular salt like Kosher Salt. Looking forward to trying this!
Ashley Fehr says
I use Lawry’s!
Jocelyn says
This is so good that we never have leftovers!
Ashley Fehr says
I’m so glad to hear that!
Natasha says
Oh boy do I love a good pulled pork sandwich! The crock pot looks like it would make this so easy!!
Ashley Fehr says
It definitely does!
Anna says
I love how easy this pulled pork is to make! Everyone loved it and I can’t wait to make it again.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Anna!
Jamie says
This is our go-to recipe! It’s so easy and delicious!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Jamie!
Stephanie says
This pulled pork recipe is the best! Can’t wait to make it again!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Stephanie!
Emily says
Have you tried this in instant pot? Any thoughts on how long to cook it?
Ashley Fehr says
For a pork roast or loin in the Instant Pot I usually cut into 1 lb chunks and cook for 45-70 minutes.