If you’re seeking an incredibly simple yet profoundly delicious slow cooker recipe, these Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork Sandwiches are destined to become a staple in your family’s meal rotation. Imagine succulent, fork-tender shredded pork, infused with a unique homemade BBQ sauce, all achieved with minimal effort. With just a few minutes of prep time and a handful of readily available ingredients, you can set your slow cooker and return hours later to a truly mouthwatering dinner. This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a culinary experience that brings comfort and robust flavor to your table, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings.
Who’s ready for that delightful mess of BBQ sauce dripping down your chin, demanding multiple napkins, and a recipe that practically cooks itself? These Dr. Pepper BBQ Pulled Pork sandwiches consistently earn rave reviews, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Their versatility knows no bounds; serve them on soft slider buns for a quick and easy lunch, pile the flavorful pork high on hamburger buns for a hearty dinner alongside a basket of rolls, or get creative by incorporating them into pork tacos, loaded pork nachos, or even as a flavorful topping for a fresh salad. The juicy, tender, and deeply seasoned pork roast lends itself beautifully to countless culinary applications, making it an incredibly adaptable dish for any occasion.
The true magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It requires very little hands-on time, allowing you to go about your day while the slow cooker works its magic. This “set it and forget it” approach ensures a delicious meal is always waiting, even on the busiest of days.
Unlocking the Irresistible Flavor of Dr. Pepper BBQ Pulled Pork
This beloved recipe first made its debut in 2017, born from a collaborative effort with Paisley Farm Foods. They were on the hunt for a simple yet impactful recipe that would perfectly complement their popular Five Bean Salad, and a delicious, slow-cooked BBQ sandwich immediately came to mind. The concept was perfect: an easy-to-prepare meal that minimizes time in the kitchen and maximizes quality family time around the dinner table. In today’s fast-paced world, where families often juggle multiple commitments, having a flavorful, ready-to-eat meal simmering in the crockpot is a true lifesaver. It eliminates the need for last-minute drive-thru runs, offering a wholesome and satisfying alternative. Paired with a jar of Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad, dinner becomes not just easy, but a complete and balanced meal.
Why Dr. Pepper is Your Secret Ingredient for Perfect BBQ Pork
This easy Dr. Pepper pulled pork recipe is truly a culinary gem that feels almost too effortless for the incredible depth of flavor it provides. The combination of simple pantry staples and a can of Dr. Pepper soda transforms an ordinary pork roast into something extraordinary. With minimal preparation, your slow cooker takes over, gently cooking the meat to tender perfection while infusing it with a sweet, tangy, and subtly spiced homemade barbecue flavor. The carbonation and unique spice blend of Dr. Pepper work wonders, tenderizing the pork and adding a distinctive sweetness that sets this BBQ sauce apart. It’s a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting, guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.
Beyond its delicious taste, this recipe’s adaptability makes it a winner. Whether you’re hosting a game day party and need easy BBQ pork sandwiches, preparing pork sliders for a casual get-together, or looking for versatile leftovers to craft quick meals throughout the week, this recipe delivers. Its reputation for receiving rave reviews means it won’t be long before it earns a permanent spot as a cherished family favorite, continually requested and enjoyed.
Essential Ingredients for Your Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork Sandwiches
The beauty of this Dr. Pepper pulled pork recipe lies in its straightforward ingredient list. You likely have most of these items in your pantry already, making it an accessible and budget-friendly meal. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of sweet, savory, and tangy flavor that define this dish:
- Boneless Pork Roast: The foundation of our pulled pork. While I often use a pork loin for its leaner profile, a pork shoulder (also known as Boston butt) or boneless pork butt are excellent alternatives, known for their marbling and ability to become incredibly tender. Don’t hesitate to consult your local butcher for their recommendations on the best cut for juicy pulled pork.
- Brown Sugar: This provides a deep, molasses-rich sweetness that perfectly balances the tanginess of the other sauce components, contributing to that classic BBQ flavor.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These essential aromatics build a robust flavor base for the sauce, offering savory notes without the need for fresh chopping.
- Ketchup and Worcestershire Sauce: The cornerstone of any great BBQ sauce. Ketchup provides a sweet and acidic base, while Worcestershire sauce adds umami depth and a subtle fermented complexity.
- Honey: A touch of honey introduces a sticky, natural sweetness that enhances the overall richness and helps create a lovely glaze on the pork.
- Sriracha and a Dash of Cayenne Pepper (Optional): For those who enjoy a hint of heat, Sriracha delivers a vibrant, garlicky spice, and cayenne pepper adds a straightforward kick. Adjust the amounts to suit your preferred level of spiciness.
- Can of Dr. Pepper: The star of the show! This dark soda acts as both a tenderizer for the pork and the key flavor component, imparting its distinctive sweet and subtly spiced profile. If Dr. Pepper isn’t available or preferred, root beer or Coca-Cola can be used as effective substitutes, each offering a slightly different, yet equally delicious, twist.
- Cornstarch and Water: These are combined to create a simple slurry used to thicken the delicious cooking liquid into a rich, coats-the-pork BBQ sauce at the end of the cooking process.
How to Make Dr. Pepper BBQ Pulled Pork in a Slow Cooker
Crafting these delectable Dr. Pepper BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches is surprisingly simple, primarily thanks to the magic of slow cooking. Follow these easy steps to achieve perfectly tender and flavorful results:
Begin by combining all the sauce ingredients directly in the bottom of your slow cooker. This includes the ketchup, brown sugar, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and the can of Dr. Pepper soda. Give them a good stir to ensure they are well incorporated and form a cohesive liquid base.
Next, carefully place your boneless pork roast into the slow cooker, ideally with the fat side facing up. This allows the fat to render down as it cooks, basting the meat and adding extra moisture and flavor throughout the slow cooking process.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for approximately 8 hours, or on high heat for about 5 hours. The long, gentle cooking is key to breaking down the pork fibers, ensuring it becomes incredibly fork-tender and easy to shred. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model and the size of your roast, so always check for tenderness.
Once the pork is perfectly tender, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a large cutting board or a shallow dish. Using two forks, begin to shred the pork. It should be so tender that it practically falls apart with minimal effort.
While the pork is resting and being shredded, prepare your cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water until smooth. With the slow cooker still on high heat (or transfer the liquid to a saucepan on the stovetop), slowly whisk the cornstarch slurry into the simmering cooking liquid in the crockpot. Continue to whisk gently until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes in the slow cooker or just a few minutes on the stovetop.
For those who love extra sauce, consider reserving about a cup of the thickened BBQ sauce in a separate bowl for individual drizzling. Then, return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, stirring it well to ensure every strand is thoroughly coated in the rich, flavorful Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce. Serve this luscious pulled pork hot on soft hamburger buns, and prepare for a feast!
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If you’re as excited about this Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Pulled Pork recipe as we are, don’t let it get lost in your bookmarks! Make sure to save it for future cooking adventures. Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board now, so it’s always handy when those BBQ cravings strike!
Creative Serving Suggestions & Meal Pairings
The beauty of this Dr. Pepper BBQ pulled pork extends far beyond the classic sandwich. Its rich, adaptable flavor makes it a fantastic base for a variety of meals. Here are some creative ways to enjoy your delicious pulled pork:
- Sliders for Parties: Mini slider buns make for perfect party appetizers or kid-friendly meals.
- Pork Nachos: Spoon the warm pulled pork over crispy tortilla chips, then top with shredded cheese, jalapeños, red onion, and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for an irresistible snack or main dish.
- BBQ Pork Pizza: Use it as a flavorful topping on a homemade pizza crust with your favorite BBQ sauce, red onions, and a blend of cheeses for a unique take on pizza night.
- Baked Potato Topping: A generous scoop of pulled pork transforms a simple baked potato into a hearty and satisfying meal. Add a sprinkle of cheese and chives.
- Tacos or Burritos: Fill warm tortillas with pulled pork, shredded cabbage, a squeeze of lime, and your favorite salsa for a Tex-Mex twist.
- Quesadillas: Layer pulled pork and cheese between two tortillas and grill until golden and gooey.
- Salad Topping: For a lighter option, add a portion of chilled pulled pork to a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
- BBQ Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese: Elevate your grilled cheese by adding a layer of savory pulled pork and extra cheese. The combination is simply divine!
When it comes to side dishes, classic complements always hit the spot. Consider serving your pulled pork with creamy coleslaw, a refreshing cucumber salad, a hearty potato salad, or, as a perfect pairing, any of Paisley Farm’s delicious bean salads.
As mentioned, leftover pulled pork shines in a BBQ Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese Sandwich – a must-try for any comfort food enthusiast!
Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
Achieving perfectly tender and flavorful pulled pork is easier than you think, especially with a slow cooker. Here are some pro tips to ensure your Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork Sandwiches are always a hit:
- Don’t Skimp on the Cook Time: The “low and slow” method is crucial for pulled pork. While a higher setting can work in a pinch, cooking on low heat for the full duration (8 hours) allows the connective tissues in the pork to break down completely, resulting in incredibly tender meat that easily shreds.
- Trim Excess Fat (But Not All): While some fat renders down to add flavor and moisture, excessive fat can make the sauce greasy. A moderate amount of fat on the roast (fat side up) is ideal for basting the meat during cooking.
- Shredding Techniques: Two sturdy forks are the classic tool for shredding. For faster results, some cooks use electric hand mixers directly in the slow cooker (once the roast is cooked and removed from the heat source) for super fine shreds.
- Taste and Adjust the Sauce: Before thickening, taste the sauce. You might want to add a little more brown sugar for sweetness, a dash more Sriracha for heat, or even a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra tang, depending on your preference.
- Don’t Over-Thicken: When adding the cornstarch slurry, add it gradually and allow a few minutes for the sauce to come to a simmer and thicken before adding more. You can always add more thickener, but it’s hard to thin it out once it’s too thick.
- Resting the Pork: After removing the roast from the slow cooker, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum moisture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork
- What’s the best cut of meat for pulled pork? For truly melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork, a pork shoulder (often labeled as Boston butt or pork butt) is the most popular choice due to its ideal fat content and connective tissue. However, a pork loin or boneless pork butt also works wonderfully, especially if you prefer a leaner result.
- Can I use a different soda? Absolutely! While Dr. Pepper offers a unique spice blend, root beer or Coca-Cola are excellent dark soda alternatives. Each will impart a slightly different, yet equally delicious, sweet and tangy flavor to the BBQ sauce. Experiment to find your favorite!
- How do I thicken the sauce? The easiest and most effective way to thicken the sauce is with a cornstarch slurry. Simply whisk equal parts cornstarch and cold water (e.g., ½ cup cornstarch to ½ cup water) until smooth, then stir it into the simmering cooking liquid in your slow cooker. Continue stirring until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Can I make this ahead? Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prepping! Once the pork is shredded and mixed with the thickened sauce, let it cool completely. Store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in good-quality freezer bags for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or extra sauce to maintain moisture.
Looking to explore more delicious bean-inspired recipes to complement your meals? Be sure to try this refreshing Italian Bean Salad, the vibrant Mexican Bean Salad, or this irresistible Asian Bean Dip!
Discover More Paisley Farm Recipes Here
Conclusion: Your New Go-To Slow Cooker Recipe
This Dr. Pepper pulled pork recipe truly stands out as an exceptional way to create an easy dinner that feels both special and indulgent, all with minimal effort. Whether you choose to serve it as classic pork sandwiches generously slathered in its signature barbecue sauce, as delightful sliders for a party, or get creative with the versatile leftovers throughout the week, it consistently delivers satisfying flavor. Regardless of the season, it serves as the perfect partner to Paisley Farm’s exquisite bean salads, ensuring a complete and unforgettable meal every time. Embrace the simplicity and savor the incredible taste of this slow cooker sensation – it’s guaranteed to impress!
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Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork Sandwiches (Slow Cooker Recipe)
Make these mouthwatering BBQ pork Sandwiches right in your crock pot. Slow cooking a pork loin roast all day and making its very own Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce. Grab a napkin!
Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 8 hrs | Total Time: 5 hrs 5 mins
Course: Pork | Cuisine: American | Keyword: crockpot, Dr. Pepper, Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork Sandwiches, pulled pork, sandwiches, slow cooker
Servings: 12 sandwiches | Calories: 476 kcal | Author: Michaela Kenkel
Ingredients
- 4.5 pound Pork Loin Roast
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup raw honey
- 2 cup ketchup
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha (add more if you want to really spice them up)
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 12 ounce can Dr. Pepper or Dr. Pepper Cherry soda
- 1/2 cup corn starch mixed into 1/2 cup water
- 12 Hamburger buns for serving
Instructions
- Place all sauce ingredients in slow cooker. Give a stir to incorporate and spoon over the top of the roast.
- Cover and cook on low 8 hours or on high for 5 hours.
- Remove roast and set aside.
- Place your crock pot on high. Add 1/2 cup corn starch mixed into 1/2 cup of water. Whisk into sauce. Cover and let simmer in the pot for about 15-20 mins. Sauce will thicken. (To speed up thickening, you can microwave the crockpot insert for a couple of minutes).
- Shred pork using two forks.
- Add shredded pork back into the thickened sauce and stir to combine. (I reserved about a cup of extra sauce for additional serving if desired).
- Serve hot on buns.
Notes
Leftover pork keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or you can freeze it in good quality freezer bags for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently over low heat and add a splash of leftover liquid to keep it moist.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1 sandwich | Calories: 476kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 699mg | Potassium: 839mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 208IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 3mg
This content was originally created in partnership with Paisley Farm. All opinions expressed are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make my culinary endeavors possible.
This recipe was originally published on March 25, 2017. It has been thoroughly updated and re-shared on September 30, 2025, to enhance user experience and provide more comprehensive information.
Where to Find Paisley Farm Products
You can easily discover delicious Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad, along with their extensive range of other fantastic products, by visiting their official website to find a store near you. Stay connected and get inspired by following Paisley Farm on their vibrant social media channels for a constant stream of great recipes and updates throughout the year: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.