This The BEST Crock Pot Pulled Pork recipe is perfect for any gathering, from game day to family dinners. The slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you free to enjoy tender, flavorful pork that melts in your mouth. With a simple garlic herb rub and a cooking time of 8 to 10 hours, this dish is both convenient and delicious. Serve it on buns for an easy meal that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Just season the pork and let the slow cooker do the rest!
- Flavorful Outcome: The garlic herb rub infuses the meat with incredible taste.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on buns, tacos, or on its own for any occasion.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for parties, picnics, or family gatherings—everyone will ask for seconds!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delightful recipe, make sure you have the right tools at hand. These essentials will help you create the best pulled pork with ease.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Forks (for shredding)
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow Cooker: This is the heart of the recipe. It ensures even cooking and tenderness over long periods.
- Mixing Bowl: Essential for mixing your spice rub evenly before applying it to the pork.
- Forks: Perfect for shredding the meat once it’s cooked to perfection.
Ingredients
For the Pork
- 4 pounds boneless pork shoulder or loin
- 1 cup apple juice
For the Rub
- 1 tablespoon seasoning salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon pepper
For Serving
- 2 cups barbecue sauce (or as desired)
- Buns (as desired)
How to Make The BEST Crock Pot Pulled Pork
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
Place the pork into a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker and pour in the apple juice.
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Step 2: Mix and Apply Seasoning
In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. 1 tablespoon seasoning salt
2. 1 tablespoon garlic powder
3. 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
4. 1 teaspoon ground mustard
5. 1 teaspoon onion powder
6. ½ teaspoon pepper
Sprinkle half of this mixture over the pork, then turn it over and apply the remaining seasoning.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low for about 8 to 10 hours until the pork is fall-apart tender.
Step 4: Shred and Serve
Once cooked, use two forks to shred the pork, discarding any excess fat. Toss it with remaining juices from the slow cooker and coat with barbecue sauce as desired. Serve on buns or however you like!
How to Serve The BEST Crock Pot Pulled Pork
Serving The BEST Crock Pot Pulled Pork can elevate your meal and impress your guests. Whether it’s for a casual gathering or a special occasion, here are some delicious ways to enjoy this flavorful dish.
On Classic Buns
- Toasted buns – Serve the pulled pork on toasted hamburger buns for a classic sandwich.
- Soft slider buns – Perfect for smaller portions at parties or gatherings.
With Coleslaw
- Creamy coleslaw – Add a scoop of creamy coleslaw on top of the pulled pork for a crunchy texture contrast.
- Vinegar-based slaw – For a tangy bite, serve with a vinegar-based slaw on the side.
As BBQ Nachos
- Tortilla chips – Layer pulled pork over tortilla chips, topped with cheese, jalapeños, and barbecue sauce for a fun appetizer.
- Drizzle of ranch – Add ranch dressing to enhance the flavors even more.
In Tacos
- Corn tortillas – Use corn tortillas filled with pulled pork, diced onions, and cilantro for a Mexican twist.
- Avocado slices – Top your tacos with fresh avocado slices for added creaminess.
As a Meal Bowl
- Rice base – Serve pulled pork over rice, topped with black beans and corn for a hearty meal bowl.
- Fresh salsa – Add fresh salsa on top to brighten up the flavors.
With Pickles
- Dill pickles – Serve dill pickle slices on the side to complement the richness of the pork.
- Pickled jalapeños – For those who like it spicy, add pickled jalapeños for an extra kick.
How to Perfect The BEST Crock Pot Pulled Pork
To achieve tender and flavorful pulled pork every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose the right cut – Use boneless pork shoulder or loin as they become tender when slow-cooked.
- Use enough liquid – Ensure you add enough apple juice or broth to keep the meat moist throughout cooking.
- Season well – Apply your garlic herb rub generously; it enhances flavor during cooking.
- Cook low and slow – Stick to low heat settings (8-10 hours) to allow the meat fibers to break down properly.
Best Side Dishes for The BEST Crock Pot Pulled Pork
Pairing side dishes with The BEST Crock Pot Pulled Pork can make your meal even more delightful. Here are some fantastic options that complement this dish perfectly.
- Cornbread – Sweet and fluffy cornbread provides a nice balance to savory pulled pork.
- Baked Beans – Rich and smoky baked beans are delicious alongside pulled pork.
- Macaroni and Cheese – Creamy mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with the richness of the pork.
- Grilled Vegetables – Seasoned grilled vegetables add freshness and color to your plate.
- Potato Salad – A creamy potato salad offers a cool contrast that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
- French Fries – Crispy fries are always a hit; serve them on the side for some crunch!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making The BEST Crock Pot Pulled Pork, it’s easy to run into some common errors. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
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Using the wrong cut of meat: Choosing a leaner cut can result in dry pork. Stick with boneless pork shoulder or loin for the best flavor and tenderness.
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Not seasoning enough: Skipping or skimping on the spice rub can lead to bland pulled pork. Be generous with the seasoning mix to enhance the overall taste.
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Overcrowding the slow cooker: Filling the slow cooker too much can prevent even cooking. Make sure there’s enough space for steam to circulate around the meat.
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Cooking on high heat: Rushing the cooking process by using high heat can lead to tough meat. Always cook on low for 8 to 10 hours for that perfect fall-apart texture.
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Neglecting resting time: Shredding pork immediately after cooking can make it dry. Allow it to rest in its juices before shredding to retain moisture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Make sure it cools down before sealing, as excess heat can cause condensation.
Freezing The BEST Crock Pot Pulled Pork
- Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Label containers with date and contents for easy identification later.
Reheating The BEST Crock Pot Pulled Pork
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Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pulled pork in an oven-safe dish covered with foil and reheat for about 20-25 minutes, adding a splash of barbecue sauce if desired.
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Microwave: Place pulled pork in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
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Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a little liquid (apple juice or barbecue sauce) if it seems dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to cook The BEST Crock Pot Pulled Pork?
Cooking typically takes about 8 to 10 hours on low heat for perfect tenderness.
Can I use frozen pork shoulder in my crockpot?
Yes, you can use frozen pork shoulder; however, increase cooking time by about an hour. Ensure it’s fully thawed before shredding.
What is the best way to serve The BEST Crock Pot Pulled Pork?
Serving on soft buns topped with coleslaw or pickles adds great texture and flavor. You can also enjoy it over rice or in tacos!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free barbecue sauce to keep this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
What sides pair well with pulled pork?
Popular sides include baked beans, corn on the cob, coleslaw, and potato salad. They complement the flavors of pulled pork beautifully.
Final Thoughts
The BEST Crock Pot Pulled Pork is not just delicious but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for gatherings or simple weeknight meals. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or sauces! Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
The BEST Crock Pot Pulled Pork
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
Description
Indulge in The BEST Crock Pot Pulled Pork, a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from game day gatherings to cozy family dinners. This succulent pulled pork is seasoned with a zesty garlic herb rub and slow-cooked to perfection, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful. With minimal preparation required, you can set it and forget it, allowing the slow cooker to transform a simple pork shoulder into a delicious feast. Serve it on soft buns with your favorite barbecue sauce or get creative with tacos and nachos. This versatile dish promises to impress your guests and keep them coming back for more!
Ingredients
- 4 pounds boneless pork shoulder or loin
- 1 cup apple juice
- 1 tablespoon seasoning salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups barbecue sauce (as desired)
- Buns (as desired)
Instructions
- Place the pork in a slow cooker and pour in the apple juice.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the seasoning salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, ground mustard, onion powder, and pepper.
- Sprinkle half of the rub over the pork; turn it over and apply the remaining rub.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours until tender.
- Shred the pork using two forks, mix with juices from the cooker, and add barbecue sauce as desired before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 to 10 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces (113g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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