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Home » Recipes

The Best Pulled Pork in a Crock Pot!

Slow cooked BBQ pulled pork cooked in a Crock Pot

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This is some of the best pulled pork I've had in a long time (I've been working on perfecting this recipe for months!), and it also doesn't include any highly processed ingredients such as refined brown sugar, corn syrup, or ketchup.

My husband says it is so good that no BBQ sauce is necessary. Now, you know it’s good pulled pork when you don't reach for your favorite BBQ sauce. He would like me to pass on that he does like to dip it into a little hot sauce, although I for sure prefer mine with nothing added.

Try it both ways and decide for yourself. Either way, this is a great dish for serving (and pleasing!) a crowd. Try this Dutch Oven Pulled Pork or this Instant Pot Pork Roast too!

What type of meat is best for slow cooked pulled pork?

Pork shoulder is the most common cut used when making pulled pork. The shoulder includes the front leg and shoulder, and will likely come with a bone and plenty of marbling. The marbling is key because the fat is what will prevent the meat from drying out during the cooking process.

A full pork shoulder is a large cut of meat, so I recommend asking your grocery store's butcher to cut the shoulder down into two portions (3-5 lbs each). There are different names for the various parts of the pork shoulder that may be used—whether you use a pork butt, pork shoulder, Boston butt or picnic roast, they will all work just fine.

How long should you cook pulled pork in a Crock Pot?

The Crock Pot is great for pulled pork because you need to cook it low and slow for several hours. I usually cook 4 lbs of pork shoulder for 7 hours on low. Be aware though, pulled pork will dry out if overcooked.

Can you slow cook pulled pork on high?

I don’t recommend it. Pork is the most tender when cooked on low. Trust me, it’s worth the wait! For a quicker option, try this Instant Pot Pulled Pork.

What to put on a pulled pork sandwich

Pulled pork sandwiches are a super easy dinner idea or way to serve a crowd. If you use real food ingredients for your rolls and toppings, it’s also a healthier alternative to all that junk food you get at Superbowl parties or BBQ gatherings.

Whole wheat bread or bun

Start with any whole wheat slider bun, either homemade or store bought. Whole grain brioche is another delicious option or serve pulled pork sandwich style with homemade sandwich bread.

Vegetable toppings

Traditionally, pulled pork is served with coleslaw. You can also top your pulled pork sandwiches with lettuce, julienned carrots, onions, or arugula—almost any sandwich or burger fixings taste great on pulled pork!

Personally, I like to add veggies that give the sandwiches a bit of crunch. If you’re entertaining, offer toppings buffet style so people can pick their own.

Sauce

My husband says this recipe is great without BBQ sauce, and we avoid it because it’s usually full of sugar. An easy alternative is to drizzle a bit of the leftover juices onto your sandwich. Just don’t go overboard or your bun will get soggy!

Some other great sauce ideas are: hot sauce, tzatziki, and salsa.

Cheese

Not everyone agrees when it comes to cheese on pulled pork, but some popular choices are cheddar, mozzarella, and Havarti. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try Gruyère, Cotija cheese, or pepper jack. Try these pulled pork nachos too!

How to make this pulled pork recipe in an Instant Pot

Crockpots and Instant Pots cook things differently, but this is one recipe that does adapt well to pressure cooking. Here’s how to make this pulled pork recipe in an Instant Pot:

  1. Note: You’ll need an additional 1 cup of liquid for this recipe. Water will work, but chicken stock will be more flavorful.
  2. Prep the seasoning mixture.
  3. Heat a small amount of olive oil in the Instant Pot on the sauté setting.
  4. Meanwhile, cut your pork shoulder into quarters.
  5. Cover each pork piece with the seasoning mixture, then drop into the Instant Pot. Don’t overcrowd; you may have to work in batches.
  6. Brown the pork on all sides and remove.
  7. Turn off the Instant Pot, then toss in half a cup of water or stock and use wooden spoon to deglaze the pan.
  8. Place the pork back into the Instant Pot and add the remaining ingredients including the other ½ cup of water or stock. Note: Instant Pots heat from the bottom. Add the onion last and keep it mostly on top of the pork.
  9. Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. Once it’s done, natural release for at least 15 minutes.

What to serve with pulled pork

I have some great side choice options here on the blog that perfectly accompany this slow cooker pulled pork.

  • Collard Greens
  • Simple Corn Salad
  • Kale and Bacon Stuffed Potatoes
  • Southern Potato Salad (without mayo!)
  • Whole Grain Cornbread
  • Charred Corn Salad with Tomatoes and Avocados
pulled port and coleslaw on a plate

Pulled Pork in a Crock Pot

This simple pulled pork recipe for your slow cooker doesn’t include any highly processed ingredients like refined brown sugar, corn syrup, or ketchup. Make this for your next outdoor bbq or cookout!
361 Reviews / 4.6 Average
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Cook Time: 7 hours hrs
Total Time: 7 hours hrs 5 minutes mins
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Method: Slow Cooker
Diet: Dairy Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free, Peanut/Tree Nut-Free
Print Recipe
Servings: 6
Save Recipe Saved!

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tablespoons paprika
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon thyme (dried)
  • ½ cup honey
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion (peeled and cut in half)
  • 3-5 pounds pork shoulder (cut in half)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium size mixing bowl, mix together the first six ingredients (all of the spices) with a fork.
  • Pour in the honey, vinegar, and olive oil and stir to form a paste.
  • Place the onion in the bottom of the slow cooker. Top it with the 2 pieces of pork and then pour the honey paste over all sides of the pork pieces. It’s okay if some of it (or a lot of it) just drips down to the bottom.
  • Turn the slow cooker on to low and cook for 7 to 8 hours or until the meat is tender enough to be easily shredded with a fork.
  • Serve the shredded pork warm with fixings like homemade coleslaw and cornbread. My husband also likes his dipped in a little hot sauce. Refrigerate or freeze the leftovers.

Notes

I used a pork shoulder, but you could experiment with a pork roast or pork loin, although they won't be as flavorful. Another serving option is whole-wheat hamburger buns—pulled pork sandwiches!
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Pulled Pork in a Crock Pot
Amount Per Serving
Calories 444 Calories from Fat 189
% Daily Value*
Fat 21g32%
Saturated Fat 6g38%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 11g
Cholesterol 124mg41%
Sodium 1309mg57%
Potassium 773mg22%
Carbohydrates 28g9%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 24g27%
Protein 37g74%
Vitamin A 1811IU36%
Vitamin C 3mg4%
Calcium 46mg5%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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294.6K shares

About Lisa Leake

Lisa is a wife, mother, foodie, blogger, and #1 New York Times Best-selling author who is on a mission to cut out processed food.

Comments

  1. Joan Kelly says

    July 22, 2023 at 4:12 pm

    Will smoked paprika work well in this recipe?

    Reply
    • Addison LaBonte says

      July 22, 2023 at 6:14 pm

      Yes, that will give it a nice kick! Enjoy.

      Reply
  2. Sharina says

    June 29, 2023 at 4:12 am

    5 stars
    Made sandwiches with the leftovers of this pulled pork recipe and they are incredibly delicious and satisfying! Such a keeper!

    Reply
  3. Abby says

    January 17, 2023 at 6:37 pm

    4 stars
    I’ve never been one to add very much barbecue sauce to things so when I saw this recipe and it didn’t have barbecue sauce, I thought perfect. Add in the fact that it has simple ingredients, even better. I forget if this is my first or second time making this recipe, but it turned out great. The only issue is it has a little kick to it. I don’t know if I accidentally added too much of something, or if it’s just a little spicy. I didn’t see many comments about the spice level. I would for sure make it again. It turned out like it should, flavorful and pulling apart easily.

    Reply
  4. Lisa Linnell says

    December 31, 2022 at 8:05 pm

    5 stars
    Made this twice this week for guests. Everyone raved. Easy way to feed a crowd.

    Reply
  5. Tracy says

    December 30, 2022 at 9:52 am

    I feel like there is not enough liquid. The pork has the seasoning paste on it but it’s not covering it.. or soaking in liquid. Is this ok?

    Reply
    • 100 Days Admin says

      January 06, 2023 at 1:00 pm

      Hi Tracy, sorry we can not respond back in real-time. Did the pulled pork come out ok for you? - Nicole

      Reply
  6. Jeff Perkins says

    November 28, 2022 at 10:54 am

    I had a few pounds of thick pork chops in the freezer . They should work right ?

    Reply
    • 100 Days Admin says

      November 28, 2022 at 11:29 am

      Hi Jeff, you'll need a pork shoulder for this recipe. - Nicole

      Reply
  7. Lisa says

    September 08, 2022 at 2:19 pm

    Would this work for a brisket?

    Reply
    • 100 Days Admin says

      September 12, 2022 at 8:28 am

      We have not tried it with brisket. Since the pulled pork has plenty of fat to keep it moist and tender, there may need to be some tweaking to make the brisket work. - Nicole

      Reply
  8. Margo says

    August 05, 2022 at 5:11 am

    5 stars
    This has been my go-to recipe for years and i love it!
    I’ve recently moved to the other side of the globe and unfortunately couldn’t put my crockpot in my suitcase and am in a country with no crockpots (can you believe it?!).
    Could stove top or oven be an option?and if so, what changes would i need to make to the original recipe?
    Thanks a lot!

    Reply
    • Evelyne says

      April 29, 2023 at 7:49 pm

      5 stars
      Hi Margo,
      I don't use a crockpot as we don't have this kind of equipment where I live. Not sure to know what it is, actually. I still make this recipe, I simply use a dutch-oven with its lid and I put it in the oven, 140°C, 5 hours. I don't change the ingredients, except using smoked paprika but it's a personal choice. It's delicious, I made it several times, it's always a hit.

      Reply
  9. Terry says

    November 03, 2021 at 1:51 pm

    Absolutely delicious!!!
    Made this for the first time a few years ago and planning on making it this week!!

    Reply
    • 100 Days Admin says

      November 04, 2021 at 9:26 am

      Thanks! Glad to hear you enjoyed it and will be again :) - Nicole

      Reply
  10. Melinda says

    August 20, 2021 at 3:54 am

    I'm confused about the onion on the bottom, It's just 2 halves, then do you serve it with the meat?

    Reply
    • 100 Days Admin says

      August 20, 2021 at 10:15 am

      Hi Melinda, you can either serve them with the meat if you like or not. Otherwise, they help give a great flavor to the pork. - Nicole

      Reply
  11. Grace says

    February 24, 2021 at 3:58 pm

    Can I use a 4 lb pork shoulder boneless picnic rolled & tied? If so, should I leave it tied? Making this tomorrow. Thanks.

    Reply
    • 100 Days Admin says

      February 25, 2021 at 9:29 am

      Hi Grace, Sorry we can't always comment back in real-time. I would untie it if you decide to use it. - Nicole

      Reply
  12. Judy says

    December 25, 2020 at 10:34 am

    The first time I made this using 3 tablespoons pf paprika was way two much. All I could taste was paprika. Next time I reduced the paprika to 3 teaspoons or slightly over using half smoked paprika. Much better for me. A great recipe. Thank you!

    Reply
    • 100 Days Admin says

      December 28, 2020 at 9:08 am

      Glad you were able to find an amount of paprika that fits your liking! Thanks for sharing. - Nicole

      Reply
  13. Shelley Levine says

    December 21, 2020 at 8:06 pm

    My boyfriend likes barbecue beef and loved the pork recipe! Do you think subbing beef for pork will work?

    Reply
    • 100 Days Admin says

      December 22, 2020 at 10:34 am

      We have not tried it with beef. A really lean piece of meat won't work that great with this particular recipe. - Nicole

      Reply
  14. Erin says

    November 14, 2020 at 2:01 pm

    I love this recipe! Would it work with chicken as well?

    Reply
    • 100 Days Admin says

      November 16, 2020 at 9:52 am

      Hi Erin, while we have not tried it with chicken, other readers have and said it comes out great. One reader says "Just watch cooking times in the slow cooker- I find that chicken breasts are done in around 3 hours." - Nicole

      Reply
  15. Ariella Hamilton says

    September 07, 2020 at 3:56 pm

    Can I use maple syrup as a sub for the honey?

    Reply
    • 100 Days Admin says

      September 08, 2020 at 10:35 am

      Pure maple syrup would work, too. Let us know how it turns out for you. - Nicole

      Reply
      • Ariella Hamilton says

        September 17, 2020 at 9:21 pm

        5 stars
        It turned out delicious, this will for sure be a recipe to save!

    • Ashley says

      August 30, 2022 at 10:38 am

      I do this every time as I am very allergic to honey. It's always a hit (:

      Reply
  16. Deb Rossi says

    August 30, 2020 at 3:35 pm

    I assumed that the dry ingredients were to be rubbed on the pork, then placed on the onion halves, then the paste poured on the sides, but not the top?I looked for other directions but could not find.

    When finished, do I shred the pork into the liquid and serve?

    thank you

    Reply
    • 100 Days Admin says

      September 01, 2020 at 2:06 pm

      Hi Deb, the instructions say to add the dry ingredients in a bowl, then add in the honey, vinegar, and olive oil in to make a paste that will then get poured over the pork.You can shred it in the slow cooker or pull it out on a separate dish if you like. It should easily pull apart for you. - Nicole

      Reply
  17. Cari says

    August 12, 2020 at 8:20 pm

    This is one of our favorite recipes!! Especially for big BBQs! I've recently been trying to be more mindful of the serving sizes I eat. I see the nutrition facts, but I've missed the serving size if it's there. Any idea how many ounces was considered a serving? Thanks for your time and help!

    Reply
    • 100 Days Admin says

      August 13, 2020 at 12:28 pm

      Hi Cari, this recipe calls for 3 pounds of meat, and there is roughly 16 ounces to a pound. This recipe is about 6 servings. - Nicole

      Reply
      • KK says

        December 01, 2020 at 4:28 pm

        I think your math/conversion is a little off here. :-)

        You said "there is roughly 16 ounces to a pound." -- there are exactly 16 oz to a pound.

        I would assume that 3 pounds of meat makes at least 12 servings, assuming a 4oz serving size.

        OR did you mean that 16oz of meat makes 6 servings? And so this recipe for 3# of meat makes 18 servings?

        Thanks! I just brought home 8# of pork loin (steal of a deal at Costco) and I will be making this recipe.

      • 100 Days Admin says

        December 02, 2020 at 9:19 am

        Hi, it really all depends on your serving size (4-8oz). If you stuck with the recommended 4oz serving size, you will definitely get more servings. - Nicole

  18. CTYankee says

    July 30, 2020 at 10:44 am

    5 stars
    My all-time favorite pulled pork recipe! I always bring to camp outs with the guys ... no leftovers ever.

    Reply
  19. Tay says

    July 13, 2020 at 1:19 pm

    5 stars
    I'm making this now. It doesn't need any liquid? Hubby asked. lol

    Reply
    • 100 Days Admin says

      July 14, 2020 at 9:59 am

      Hi, sorry we can't answer recipe comments in real-time, but the answer is no. This recipe will create SO much of its own natural liquid. Hope it turned out amazing for you. - Nicole

      Reply
  20. Nati says

    May 06, 2020 at 3:16 pm

    Could this be pressured cooked in instant pot?

    Reply
    • 100 Days Admin says

      May 08, 2020 at 9:13 am

      We have not tried it, but it could probably work. - Nicole

      Reply
    • Hannah Sharick says

      January 17, 2021 at 3:47 pm

      I make this all the time in my instant pot pressure cooker. I just add about a cup of chicken broth to the bottom and set it to cook for about 90 minutes. If you cut the pieces smaller it could probably cook faster.

      Reply
      • 100 Days Admin says

        January 18, 2021 at 9:25 am

        Perfect! Thanks for the information, I'm sure others will enjoy making it in the instant pot. - Nicole

  21. Tera says

    April 22, 2020 at 12:48 pm

    I can not cut the pork shoulder in half because of the bone, but it fits perfectly in the crock pot. Would you recommend trying to break it up towards the end? Will this change the flavor or cook time? Thanks!

    Reply
    • 100 Days Admin says

      April 24, 2020 at 10:37 am

      No, it will be the same. You should be able to easily shred it with a fork when it is done. - Nicole

      Reply
  22. Mary says

    April 06, 2020 at 6:50 am

    5 stars
    Love this recipe. Also added a tablespoon of liquid smoke. Makes a big difference. I also left out the red wine vinegar. Was a thick paste to start with but then the juice from the meat took care of that.
    Thanks for a great recipe!!!

    Reply
  23. John says

    January 31, 2020 at 5:32 am

    5 stars
    I've been wanting to perfect my pork shoulder cooking both on the grill and in the crock pot. On the grill I am 0 for 1 and in the crock pot I am 1 for 2. My 1 in the crock pot was a GRAND SLAM thanks to this simple recipe. The flavor is amazing and the pork pulls apart effortlessly. The only mistake I made was doubling the entire recipe because I had twice the meat (pork shoulder). Doubling works for everything except the cayenne. Although it's fantastic to me (I love spicy foods) no one in my family, except my 9 year old, will touch the stuff. Next time I make this recipe, which will be soon, I'll double the recipe but keep the cayenne as recommended. Thank you for saving my average. Looking forward to trying it again so the whole family can experience the greatness.

    Reply
    • Samantha says

      July 02, 2020 at 3:28 pm

      Can this be made the day before? And if so, how would you suggest it be re-heated?

      Reply
      • 100 Days Admin says

        July 03, 2020 at 11:43 am

        Some of our readers have made it the day before and then re-heated in the crockpot on low. - Nicole

  24. Amber Faust says

    January 28, 2020 at 5:02 pm

    5 stars
    I don't know why my comment didn't take. But this looks amazing y'all!

    Reply
  25. Amber Faust says

    January 28, 2020 at 5:02 pm

    Okay this is going on the list. It looks so good!

    Reply
  26. Shawna says

    January 19, 2020 at 4:15 pm

    Can I cook this on high for 4 hours?

    Reply
    • 100 Days Admin says

      January 24, 2020 at 10:00 am

      Hi Shawna, this one is best and most tender when cooked slower. - Nicole

      Reply
  27. Jackie @ SyrupAndBiscuits says

    January 16, 2020 at 9:42 pm

    Pulled pork is one of my favorite things to cook in a slow cooker. I make mine similar to yours. For added flavor, I put a dried spice rub on the pork, wrap in plastic wrap and allow to sit overnight in the refrigerator prior to cooking.

    Reply
  28. Krista says

    January 11, 2020 at 10:01 am

    I made this for the first time for my husband's 50th birthday dinner. It was a hit! Easy to make, the house smelled fantastic and everyone loved it. We did pulled pork tacos with marinated onions, guacamole and coleslaw. This will be a new fave. YUM!

    Reply
  29. Stacy says

    October 05, 2019 at 10:00 am

    5 stars
    Love, love, love this. I've made it multiple times and it's always a favorite.

    Reply
  30. j baker says

    September 15, 2019 at 4:50 pm

    1 star
    I tried this recipe. Followed instructions exactly and added exact amounts of required ingredients. The roast was tender and fell apart but the flavor was bland and so sweet that nobody liked it. The honey in this recipe is too much. It was "edible", but my opinion is we ruined a fine pork shoulder.

    Reply
    • 100 Days Admin says

      September 17, 2019 at 9:53 am

      I'm sorry to hear about this. You can always adjust the sweetness and taste to your liking. - Nicole

      Reply
  31. Kim Colvin says

    August 29, 2019 at 2:51 pm

    5 stars
    I made this last night. Started the crockpot before I went to bed at 11 pm and at 7 am, I shredded the meat. It was delicious. Great recipe. Very easy.

    Reply
    • 100 Days Admin says

      September 04, 2019 at 11:22 am

      So glad to hear you liked it! - Nicole

      Reply
  32. Amy says

    July 02, 2019 at 10:56 am

    Has anyone done this in an Instapot? Is there an Instapot conversion recipe?

    Reply
    • 100 Days Admin says

      March 30, 2020 at 4:13 pm

      We have not tried it yet in the Instapot. Let us know if you found a concersion! - Nicole

      Reply
  33. Ana says

    July 01, 2019 at 11:36 pm

    I’m making this tomorrow with about 2x the meat. Should I double the rest of the recipe and cook time?

    Reply
    • 100 Days Admin says

      April 02, 2020 at 3:23 pm

      Sorry we didn't answer in real time. Did you end up doubling and how did it turn out? - Nicole

      Reply
    • Susan says

      November 18, 2022 at 9:17 am

      I would like to know this as well. Did you double everything?

      Reply
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