Crock-Pot® BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
These Crock-Pot® BBQ pulled pork sandwiches are a classic summer favorite for gatherings, potlucks, or a simple and delicious home cooked meal. These sandwiches are tucked with slow-cooked, tender pulled pork that are infused with smoky flavors of BBQ and it’s all cooked in the trusty Crock-Pot® slow cooker for an easy hands-off kind of meal.
Disclosure: This post is a sponsored post on behalf of Crock-Pot® Brand. As always, all opinions are my own.
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Into our second year of marriage, when I was finally getting the hang of cooking, we decided to add a Crock-Pot® slow cooker to our kitchen. Let me tell you, it was life changing to say the least.
Val and I were both working full time and had very little time to cook extravagant and delicious meals, especially after an exhausting work day. When this Crock-Pot® slow cooker came into our lives, we started meal planning ALL around it. From teriyaki chicken and bolognese to these comforting BBQ pulled pork sandwiches. These hand helds bring back very fond memories of our first 599 sq ft. apartment with our dated, faux wood laminated kitchen cabinets. Though our living situation may have changed, these pulled pork sandwiches have never left our dinner rotation.
Ingredient Notes
Pork Shoulder or Butt – Opt for a well-marbled cut of pork shoulder or butt. These cuts are ideal for slow cooking as they become tender and flavorful over time.
BBQ Sauce – Whisking together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, garlic powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce creates a tangy and flavor packed BBQ sauce. Optional: reserve a few tablespoons for serving.
Sandwich Fixings – Don’t forget the sandwich essentials like soft burger buns or rolls and coleslaw.
FAQs:
1. Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
While pork shoulder or butt is recommended for its tenderness and marbling, you can also use pork loin or tenderloin. However, keep in mind that leaner cuts may not result in as juicy and succulent pulled pork.
2. How long does it take to cook the pork in the Crock-Pot® slow cooker?
Cooking times can vary depending on the size of the pork and the temperature setting of your slow cooker. Typically, pork shoulder or butt will take 8-10 hours on LOW or 4-6 hours on HIGH to become tender and easy to shred.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, pulled pork often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. Simply store the cooked pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.
4. Can I make the pulled pork in the oven?
This recipe can be adapted for oven braising simply by adding the BBQ sauce ingredients into a Dutch oven (with a lid) and slow braising it at 275F for 6 hours or so. However, I highly recommend and LOVE using my Crock-Pot® Programmable 7-Quart Cook & Carry Slow Cooker with Sous Vide for this recipe. This Crock-Pot® slow cooker allows me to prepare this meal in a pinch without having to turn on the hot oven in the summertime, keeping the home at a cool temperature.
Here is a LINK to the one I LOVE: Crock-Pot® Programmable 7-Quart Cook & Carry Slow Cooker with Sous Vide
With its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and irresistible BBQ flavor, these BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches are sure to become a staple in your home. Happy cooking!
If you love this recipe, I bet you’ll love these too!
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Roasted Tomato Soup With Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo
If you make these Crock-Pot® BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I’d love to hear what you think about it, or better yet, see what you’re cooking! Tag me on Instagram, @fettysfoodblog with your creation.
Crock-Pot® BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 3-4 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt trimmed of excess fat
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoons garlic powder
- Hamburger buns or sandwich rolls for serving
- Coleslaw for serving (see note below)
Instructions
- Season the pork with salt and pepper.
- Place the pork at the bottom of the Crock-Pot® slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, brown sugar, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the pork in the slow cooker, making sure it covers the meat evenly.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours (recommended) or HIGH for 4-6 hours, until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
- Once the pork is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. Discard any excess fat.
- Toast the hamburger buns or sandwich rolls.
- Spoon the shredded BBQ pork onto the buns and top with coleslaw.
- Serve immediately.
