Slow Cooker Dr.Pepper Pulled Pork (Sweet & Savory Delight)

Hey, hey, hey, my fellow foodies!

Today, I am absolutely stoked to share one of my all-time favorite family meal prep recipes: Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork.

Trust me, if you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and practically makes itself, you’re in for a mouthwatering treat!

This recipe is the real deal, combining tender, melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork with the sweet and sassy vibes of Dr. Pepper. 

Prepare to savor the succulent pulled pork, infused with the irresistible sweetness of Dr. Pepper, slow-cooked to perfection until it’s so tender that it practically falls apart.

It’s a party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited! (Cue the confetti cannons!)

As a food lover who loves whipping up scrumptious dishes, let me tell you, this Dr. Pepper pulled pork never disappoints.

No matter the occasion, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’ll have your guests coming back for seconds, thirds, and maybe even fifths. (Yes, it’s THAT good!)

Now, let’s talk about how incredibly easy this recipe is. Seriously, if I can accomplish it, so can anyone!

All you need is a trusty slow cooker and a handful of basic ingredients. It’s the kind of dish that practically cooks itself.

So you can spend more time enjoying the aromas wafting through your kitchen and less time slaving away over a hot stove.

Are you ready to elevate your cooking game and create a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite?

Then join me as I dive into the world of Dr. Pepper pulled pork. Let’s get cooking!

Essential Ingredients for Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

Discover the magic behind this delectable pulled pork dish as I unravel the secrets of its irresistible flavors. And savor a taste experience that’ll leave you craving more! 

Here are the incredible ingredients needed:

  • Pork Shoulder: Pork shoulder, also known as pork butt, is the MVP here.

    Its marbling and connective tissues work their magic during slow cooking, giving you tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat that’s pure perfection.
  • Dr. Pepper: Hold on to your chef hats because here comes the secret ingredient: Dr. Pepper! (Yep, you heard that right)

    This sweet, fizzy goodness infuses your pork with an extraordinary flavor that sets it apart from the crowd. Get ready for a taste sensation like no other!
  • Barbecue Sauce: Who doesn’t love a saucy partner in crime?

    Barbecue sauce comes to the rescue, adding that perfect balance of smokiness and sweetness to your pulled pork party.

    (It’s the dynamic duo you didn’t know you needed!)
  • Chicken Broth: Dry, bland pork? Not on my watch!

    With the chicken broth in the mix, it makes sure your meat stays moist and tender throughout its slow and delightful journey. (No desert-like pork here!)
  • Brown Sugar: Sweeten the deal with some brown sugar magic!

    This golden ingredient not only complements the slow-cooked pork but also adds a touch of caramelization to the mix.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Feeling the need for a tangy twist? Apple cider vinegar to the rescue!

    Its zesty and slightly fruity notes bring a refreshing brightness to our pulled pork symphony.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Say hello to the umami maestro: Worcestershire sauce!

    This flavor-packed addition takes our dish to new heights, creating layers of deliciousness that’ll leave you wanting more. 
  • Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Spice things up with garlic and onion powder!

    These aromatic powerhouses add depth and flavor to your pulled pork masterpiece
  • Smoked Paprika: Want to add a hint of smokiness without firing up the grill?

    Smoked paprika to the rescue! It brings that delightful smoky touch that complements our barbecue vibe like a charm.
  • Cayenne Pepper: Calling all heat seekers! Cayenne pepper brings a touch of fiery excitement to the mix.

    Adding a kick that balances out the sweetness and keeps you on your toes.
  • Salt and Pepper: Last but not least, let’s not forget the classics: salt and pepper!

    These seasoning superstars tie everything together, enhancing all the flavors in our pulled pork bonanza.


When these rockstar ingredients join forces and slow cook to perfection, the result is a mouthwatering symphony of flavors.

Dr.Pepper Pulled Pork

Recipe by TealnotesCourse: MainDifficulty: Easy
Servings

10

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

10

hours 

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs (1.4 kg) pork shoulder, boneless

  • 1 can (12 oz) Dr. Pepper

  • 1 cup barbecue sauce

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  • Season the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.

    Make sure to massage the spices into the meat, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
  • Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
  • In a bowl, mix the barbecue sauce, Dr. Pepper, chicken broth, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
  • Pour the sauce mixture over the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
  • Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low heat for 8 hours or on high heat for 4-5 hours.

    The pork should become tender and easily pull apart with a fork.
  • Once the cooking duration is finished, gently take out the pork from the slow cooker and position it on a cutting board.
  • With the aid of two forks, break the pork into smaller pieces.
  • Pour the remaining sauce from the slow cooker into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until it thickens slightly.
  • Pour the thickened sauce over the shredded pork and toss to coat evenly.
  • Serve the delicious Dr. Pepper pulled pork hot and enjoy!

Now you have a perfect slow cooker pork recipe that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Enjoy the delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, and let the slow cooker do all the magic while you savor every bite of this delicious pulled pork!

Delectable Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your dr. pepper pulled pork Experience

The versatility of Dr. Pepper pulled pork opens up a world of delicious serving options that will leave you spoilt for choice.

Here are some fantastic ideas to make the most of this delectable dish:

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Pile that succulent pulled pork onto soft burger buns or sandwich rolls. And top it with some creamy coleslaw for a delightful crunch and a burst of freshness.

The combination of tender pork and coleslaw creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will have everyone raving about your BBQ pulled pork sandwich skills.

Sliders

For a fun and flavorful party treat, serve the pulled pork on mini slider buns.

Add a slice of cheese, a pickle, and a dollop of barbecue sauce to create adorable and scrumptious mini sandwiches. (These sliders are guaranteed to disappear fast!)

Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork Tacos

Dr. Pepper pulled pork tacos on top of a wooden surface

Embrace a Tex-Mex twist by filling soft corn or flour tortillas with luscious pulled pork.

Top it with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, and a drizzle of lime crema for a burst of fresh and tangy flavors.

It’s a slow-cooked pork tacos that will surely be a hit.

Loaded Nachos

Dr. Pepper pulled pork nachos on top of a parchment paper

Transform the pulled pork into a mouthwatering topping for nachos.

Pile tortilla chips on a baking sheet, layer them with shredded cheese, and add dollops of the pulled pork.

Bake until the cheese melts, and then garnish with jalapenos, sour cream, and fresh cilantro. Irresistible!

Pulled Pork Pizza

Elevate your pizza game with pulled pork as a unique and savory topping.

Spread barbecue sauce as the base, add shredded mozzarella, and then scatter the delicious pulled pork over the top.

And finish with sliced red onions and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley.

Mouthwatering Side Dishes

  • Coleslaw: A classic side dish that complements pulled pork perfectly.

    Its crisp and refreshing texture offers a delightful contrast to the warmth and savoriness of the pork, pleasing even the most discerning palates.
  • Cornbread: Serve up some deliciously moist cornbread on the side.

    Its slightly sweet and crumbly texture pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the pulled pork.
  • Baked Beans: Nothing says barbecue quite like a side of baked beans.

    Their sweet and smoky profile complements the savory pulled pork beautifully.
  • Sweet Potato Fries: Swap traditional fries for crispy sweet potato fries.

    Their natural sweetness balances the savory pork, and they’re a healthier alternative too. Perfect for your healthy eating meal prep.
  • Grilled Vegetables: Add some color and nutrition to your meal with a side of grilled vegetables.

    Zucchini, bell peppers, and onions drizzled with olive oil make a fantastic accompaniment to the dish.

Choose any of these serving ideas and side dishes to elevate your Dr. Pepper pulled pork experience to a whole new level.

Whichever way you decide to enjoy it, this delightful dish is sure to become the favorite of the whole family and even the star of your gatherings!

And there you have it, the scrumptious journey through the world of Dr. Pepper pulled pork!

This incredible dish brings together the sweetness of Dr. Pepper, the smokiness of barbecue sauce, and the tender goodness of slow-cooked pork shoulder.

(Resulting in a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible)

As you’ve seen, making this delectable dish is a breeze, thanks to the slow cooker doing most of the work.

The combination of simple ingredients and minimal effort makes this recipe a winner for your busy family weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings with friends.

So, why not treat yourself and your loved ones to a delightful meal that will leave everyone’s taste buds singing with joy?

Gather around the table, savor every bite, and create beautiful memories together over this mouthwatering Dr. Pepper pulled pork.

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With my meal planner, you’ll have the perfect companion to stay on top of your grocery shopping, save time in the kitchen, and indulge in nourishing, flavor-packed meals!

So, don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to enhance your cooking journey.

Download your free printable meal planner now and let’s start creating unforgettable moments around the dinner table!

FAQ

Why is Dr. Pepper used in cooking?

Dr. Pepper is a popular choice in cooking, especially for dishes like pulled pork, due to its unique flavor profile.

The sweet and slightly tangy taste of Dr. Pepper adds a delightful depth to the dish, infusing the pork with a rich and distinctive taste.

As it cooks, the flavors of Dr. Pepper blend with the other ingredients, creating a deliciously caramelized and tender meat that’s perfect for pulled pork.

How do I enhance the flavor of my pulled pork?

To enhance the flavor of your pulled pork, consider these tips:

  • Season the pork generously with a blend of spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.

  • Allow the pork to marinate in the seasoning for a few hours or overnight to intensify the flavors.

  • Use a quality barbecue sauce that complements the sweetness of Dr Pepper.

  • Slow-cook the pork on low heat for an extended period, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender and infused with the sauce.

Can I use Dr. Pepper as a brine?

Yes, you can use Dr. Pepper as a brine for meats, including pork.

The sweetness and unique flavors of Dr. Pepper can add an interesting twist to your brining process.

To make the brine, combine Dr. Pepper with water, salt, and any additional seasonings you prefer.

Submerge the meat in the brine and let it rest in the refrigerator for the desired time (usually several hours to overnight) before cooking.

The brine will not only enhance the flavor but also help tenderize the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful end product.

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