Description

Sweet, smoky, and tangy, these Dr Pepper Pulled Pork Sandwiches are slow-cooked to perfection. Tender pork is infused with the flavor of Dr Pepper and finished with barbecue sauce, making them an easy and flavorful comfort food favorite for any occasion.

Ingredients

3–4 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

1 large onion, sliced

1 (12 oz) can Dr Pepper

1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce, divided

Sandwich buns, for serving

Coleslaw (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

Pat the pork dry with paper towels and rub it with olive oil.
In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Rub the seasoning all over the pork.
Place the sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker and set the seasoned pork on top.
Pour the Dr Pepper around the pork, cover, and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.
Remove the pork, shred it with two forks, and discard any large fat pieces.
Drain most of the liquid, reserving about 1/2 cup. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker with 1 cup of barbecue sauce and the reserved liquid. Stir to combine.
Cook on LOW for another 15–20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Serve on sandwich buns with extra barbecue sauce and coleslaw if desired.

Notes

Swap Dr Pepper with root beer or cola for a flavor variation.

Add hot sauce or chipotle peppers for extra heat.

Use vinegar-based barbecue sauce for a Carolina-style twist.

Serve on slider buns or baked potatoes for different presentations.

Toast the buns for added crunch and flavor.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 390
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 85mg