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!
Reader Rating
“Oh my gosh, this is delicious!! We used sweet baby ray’s honey bbq sauce and SO FREAKING GOOD! 🤤” — Sarah
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!
The BEST Crock Pot Pulled Pork
written by Ashley Fehr
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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Jessica says
I just put this in the crock pot didnt have any juice or soda so I used Apple sauce instead… fingers crossed it works 😬. Thanks for the recipe 💕
Kristy Schwanker says
So I ended up using pork tenderloin instead of pork loin because the husband did the grocery shopping. I did everything else the same and this still turned out fantastic. My picky son had three sandwiches.
The Recipe Rebel says
Wonderful! Thank you Kristy!
M Simoni says
Do you remove the fat plate from the pork loin before putting in the crock pot or just leave it?
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi! You can trim if you desire or just leave it. Enjoy!
Sarah says
Oh my gosh, this is delicious!! We used sweet baby ray’s honey bbq sauce and SO FREAKING GOOD! 🤤
The Recipe Rebel says
Yay! Thanks Sarah!
Katie E Kalet says
I used Dr. Pepper in the recipe. We served this pulled pork at my son’s 1st birthday party for about 30 people, and everyone loved this! Would recommend!
Katie says
I made this over the weekend, and I’m over the moon in love with it! As soon as I open the container of leftovers, my mouth starts watering because of the aroma. A coworker sampled it today and loved it too! I can’t wait to make it again!
Lauren says
I have made it before but this time I wanted to try OJ or Cranberry juice instead of Apple would that be ok?
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Lauren! Yes it should work! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Cc says
Can you use a pork sirloin with this recipe?
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Cc! You should be able to use it. I’ve only used the pork loin so let me know how it goes!
Mariah says
How long should I cook a 2lb loin for this recipe?
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Mariah! I would reduce the temperature and start checking it at 4 hours. Hope you enjoy it!
Amber says
This recipe was a HUGE hit for my family, My 3 year old and 1 year old have been picky with meats but they ate this and wanted more. I wasn’t sure how many pounds my Pork Loin was, as it was gifted to us and the weight wasn’t on the packaging so I used a 12oz can of sprite in this recipe and it was perfect. I also ran out of Italian Seasoning before making this so I mixed some other seasonings (Parsley, Oregano, and I think Thyme). Anywho, this is great, Thank you for sharing, looking forward to making it again.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Amber! I’m so happy to hear that!
Wendy says
Can you use an instant pot to cook this recipe?
Ashley Fehr says
Yes! I have a similar recipe here: https://www.thereciperebel.com/instant-pot-pulled-pork/
Rachel K says
If it make this ahead of time and freeze, what’s the best way of reheating?
Or how long does it stay good refrigerated right after cooking it?
Ashley Fehr says
It should keep in the fridge up to 4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave, stove top or slow cooker — all would be great! You may want to add a splash of liquid or barbecue sauce when reheating
Lynda J Jennings says
Made this for dinner last nite. My husband was skeptical as I am no cook…but he is raving about it. Literally, easiest thing I have ever made!!!!!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Lynda! I’m so glad!
Ana says
If I do 8 lbs of pork loin instead of 4 will it need more time than the 8-10 hours or is it 8-10 regardless of the lbs we’re cooking?
Ashley Fehr says
If the crockpot is very full it will take longer to cook. I would probably add a 2-3 hours for 8lbs of meat
Toni says
This is absolutely amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Toni!
Jen says
This dinner is always a hit! Love making it in the summer so I don’t have to heat up the whole house by turning on the oven. It’s so easy to change up the sauces and make it new too.
Ashley Fehr says
Yes! It’s one of our favorites too!
Renee Goerger says
This is my favorite dish for feeding a crowd. Great tasting sandwiches. Thanks for the recipe!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Renee! mine too!
Heather Smith says
This has to be the most tender and juicy a tenderloin has ever turned out for me! I tweaked it a bit. I only had cranberry/pomegranate juice so I used that. I shredded part of it for bbq sandwiches and the rest was sliced for simple Sunday lunch. Plenty of food for the week ahead. I also cooked it on low for 2 hrs and then turned it to high for another 2hrs and it was perfect ! Thank you!
Ashley Fehr says
Thank you Heather! That juice sounds like the perfect addition!
Rosanna says
Hi! I am going to try this tomorrow. I don’t have apple juice. What else can I use? Beef broth, orange pop,coke or sprite? Lol
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Rosanna! You could use water or vegetable broth. Hope this helps!
Sandy Weaver says
CanI use pineapple juice instead of apple juice?
Ashley Fehr says
Absolutely!
Brenda says
Thanks for the tip!
Brenda says
That’s a great idea for using leftover pineapple juice from a can of pineapples! I’m so glad you shared that!
Brenda says
USE THE LIQUID! I used Sprite and 4 thick pork chops (approx 3 lbs). There was a lot of liquid left and the chops were dry. I shredded them and put it back in the liquid and as Ashley said in some comments, that’s where all the flavor is. PERFECT! Full of flavor and no longer dry. It also soaked up all the liquid. Thanks Ashley!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Brenda! A larger cut of meat also tends to be juicier, so that could help next time!
Pat says
Don’t want to beat this dead horse a dsorry if already answered, but is it the pork loin you use it the skinny long pork tederloin?
Ashley Fehr says
No problem! It is not a pork tenderloin, it’s a pork loin which is thicker and larger.
Mireya Sauer says
Hi! Do you think I can use half coke and half apple juice? Thank you!
Ashley Fehr says
Yes, I think that’d be great!