Slow Cooker Carolina Gold Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Carolina Gold Pulled Pork: Easy Crockpot Meals Win!

By Amara Vitalis June 4, 2025

Table of Contents

Okay, let's get cooking! This Slow Cooker Carolina Gold Pulled Pork Sandwiches recipe is gonna be your new fave. Are you ready for some seriously tasty foods ?

Craving Comfort: Carolina Gold Pulled Pork, Made Easy

Forget spending hours slaving over a hot stove. this crockpot meal prep recipe is all about that set-it-and-forget-it life. think of tender, juicy pork, practically falling apart in your mouth, slathered in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy carolina gold bbq sauce.

Seriously, it’s amazing . this recipe is inspired by the rich culinary traditions of the carolinas, where bbq is practically a religion.

It’s dead easy, suitable even for complete beginners and takes about 8- 10 hours on low. this makes 6-8 hearty sandwiches.

Why You'll Love This Crockpot Pulled Pork

Honestly, who doesn't love pulled pork? but this version is next level. a top reason to love it: you'll get a boost of protein, which is great for building muscle and feeling full.

This crock pot meal prep recipe is absolutely perfect for a summer barbecue, a casual get-together, or even a cosy night in.

What makes this recipe special? the carolina gold sauce, without a doubt. it's that unique blend of mustard, vinegar, and spices that really sets it apart.

Plus, it's one of the easier slow cooker recipes you will ever try.

The Good Stuff: Ingredients You'll Need

Alright, enough chat, let’s talk ingredients. you'll need a pork shoulder roast (about 3-4 pounds), olive oil, salt, pepper, onion, garlic, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar for the pork itself.

Don't panic you probably already have most of that kicking about.

For that golden carolina gold sauce, you’ll need yellow mustard (french's is ideal, you know, proper stuff), apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper (or more, if you're feeling brave!).

And finally, grab some hamburger buns and coleslaw. seriously, don't skimp on the coleslaw. it complements the pork perfectly.

Right then, let's get down to brass tacks, shall we? we're talking about the all-important bits and bobs that make our slow cooker carolina gold pulled pork sandwiches sing! and honestly, this is easier than falling off a log.

It's crockpot meals at their finest.

Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

Okay, so first things first, the pork. you'll need a 3-4 pound (1.36-1.81 kg) pork shoulder roast. now, listen up.

Look for a roast that's well marbled with fat. don't be scared of a bit of fat it's what makes the pork super tender and juicy when it's been hanging out in the crockpot all day.

A bone-in is great, adds flavour but boneless works too.

Then, for our pork bath, we need: 1 tbsp (15 ml) of olive oil , 1 tsp (5 ml) of salt , 1/2 tsp (2.

5 ml) of pepper , 1 large chopped yellow onion , 2 minced garlic cloves , 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth , and 1/4 cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar .

Simple, innit?

Seasoning: The Secret Sauce

Now, for the carolina gold bbq sauce this is where the magic happens. get your mitts on 1 cup (240 ml) of yellow mustard none of that fancy dijon stuff, we're talking proper yellow mustard.

Then add 1/2 cup (120 ml) apple cider vinegar , 1/2 cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar , 2 tbsp (30 ml) honey , 2 tbsp (30 ml) worcestershire sauce , 1 tsp (5 ml) smoked paprika , 1/2 tsp (2.

5 ml) garlic powder , and a pinch of cayenne pepper (1/4 tsp or 1.25 ml) . feel free to up the cayenne if you fancy a kick, i am not responsible for any fiery after effects though!

Honestly? The paprika really makes it. I actually used to skip it because I thought it was unnecessary, but Oh my gosh, it makes the whole dish.

Flavor enhancers and aromatics like smoked paprika and garlic powder can be switched out depending on your tastes. If you fancy it you can add garlic granules.

And of course, you will need: 6-8 hamburger buns . The cheapo value ones are fine or you can go bougie.

Essential Equipment: Nothing Too Flash

Right, what do you need to actually make this crockpot cowboy supper? . well, a 6-quart (5.7 liter) slow cooker (crockpot) is the main thing.

A large skillet is optional but is useful if you fancy searing the pork - makes the house smell amazing.

You'll also want: A Whisk for the sauce, some measuring cups and spoons . Nothing too fancy, I mean who actually uses measuring spoons?

And that's it! see? told you it was easy. next thing you know, you'll be whipping up the slow cooker cowboy casserole for all your mates and everyone will be wanting the crock pot cowboy casserole .

I am already looking forward to trying the slow cooker cowboy casserole recipe . tasty foods are easy with the beef stew casserole type dishes.

And the best part? it's all thanks to the magic of slow cooker recipes freezer meals . crock pot meal prep is a breeze.

So ditch the takeaway, grab your ground beef crock pot , and let's get cooking!

Right, let's get stuck in! slow cooker carolina gold pulled pork sandwiches, coming right up! honestly, i can almost smell that sweet and tangy sauce already.

You know when a recipe just screams comfort food? this is it! it's a right crowd pleaser, especially on a chilly evening.

Plus, it’s proper easy even i can’t mess this one up.

Prep Like a Pro: Setting the Stage for Success

Essential Mise en Place

Before you even think about switching on that crockpot , let's get our ducks in a row. chop that large yellow onion.

Mince those two cloves of garlic. trim any excess fat from the 3-4 pound (1.36-1.81 kg) pork shoulder roast.

Get all your ingredients measured out and ready to go. you know the drill: mise en place is your best mate in the kitchen.

Time Saving Organization Tips

Seriously, chucking everything in willy nilly is a recipe for disaster. make the carolina gold bbq sauce while the pork is cooking; it's a total time saver.

Whisk the 1 cup (240 ml) yellow mustard, 1/2 cup (120 ml) apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon (2.

5 ml) garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) cayenne pepper together in a bowl. trust me, you will thank yourself later.

These freezer meals are great for busy weeknights too.

Safety First!

Right, let's not be daft. when searing the pork, the olive oil can spit! honestly, keep a safe distance. wash your hands after handling raw pork, and make sure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 195- 205° f (90- 96° c) .

We don't want any dodgy tummies, now, do we?

step-by-step to Pulled Pork Perfection

Let's do this!

Season the pork shoulder with 1 teaspoon (5 ml) kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) black pepper.
Optional, but highly recommended: Sear the pork in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil over medium high heat until browned on all sides.
Place the chopped onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a flavour base for the dish. Place the seared pork on top of this base.
Pour in 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth and 1/4 cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar to infuse moisture.
Cover and cook on low for 8- 10 hours or on high for 4- 6 hours until the pork shreds easily.
Shred the pork with two forks, discarding any excess fat.
Mix shredded pork with the sauce in the crockpot , cooking on low for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Serve on hamburger buns with a dollop of coleslaw.

Pro Tips: Turning Good to Great

Expert Techniques

Searing adds a right depth of flavour! Always check your pork with a thermometer. No guessing!

Common Pitfalls

Don’t overcook the pork or it'll be mush. Avoid adding the sauce too early!

make-ahead Magic

The carolina gold bbq sauce can be made days in advance. making things easier is always the best! these slow cooker recipes are great to save time and enjoy great tasty foods.

We can even call this one crockpot cowboy supper , or even crock pot cowboy casserole it is all about marketing and flavours, a great beef stew casserole or a slow cooker cowboy casserole recipe .

The perfect crock pot meal prep for the whole family!

Honestly, this recipe brings back so many memories of summer barbecues with mates, chucking the rugby ball about and generally having a laugh.

Remember that time i tried to make it on the grill and completely burnt it to a crisp? lesson learned: crockpot meals are foolproof! i mean, who doesn't love slow cooker cowboy casserole ?

Right, let's dive into some extra bits about this Slow Cooker Carolina Gold Pulled Pork Sandwiches recipe, shall we? Honestly, these notes are just as important as the recipe itself!

Recipe Notes

Ace Serving Suggestions

Okay, so presentation matters. not like "masterchef" levels, but still! pile that juicy pulled pork high on those buns. you know? and get yourself some proper coleslaw .

Seriously, ditch the fancy pants stuff and go for that creamy, slightly sweet kfc-style slaw. trust me.

As for drinks? sweet tea, lemonade, or a cold beer are all belters. a pint of proper bitter will do too.

I reckon that some crispy chips goes great with these tasty foods . also, think about having a bottle of the carolina gold bbq sauce on the side.

Some folks like to really slather it on!

Top-Notch Storage Tips

Right, so if you're lucky enough to have leftovers (which, let's be real, is unlikely!), get them in the fridge.

This should keep for about 3-4 days. make sure to store the pork separate from the buns. nobody likes a soggy bun, do they?.

Freezing is an option too. portion it into freezer bags, squeeze out the air, and you're good to go for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and then warm it up in a pan on the hob or in the microwave.

Easy peasy! this makes it ideal for crock pot meal prep .

Variations - Keep it Fresh

Want to mix things up a bit? No sweat! For a dietary adaptation, try using gluten-free buns, obviously! This is also great as part of Freezer Meals .

Seasonally, you could swap out the regular coleslaw for a summery corn and black bean salad when the weather gets warmer.

Also, think about using a smoky paprika during the autumn for the slow cooker recipes , this works a charm!.

Nutrition Basics (The Boring Bit, but Important)

Alright, let's keep this simple. a serving of crockpot meals will give you roughly 450 calories. you are getting a good chunk of protein, around 40g.

It also provides around 25g of fat and 15g of carbs. and about 800mg of sodium, that can be controlled by not over salting the pork shoulder.

Remember, this is just an estimate! this beef stew casserole is a great source of protein.

The real win here is the protein. which is great for building muscle and keeping you feeling full. this slow cooker cowboy casserole recipe is also packed with flavour.

Who said tasty food can't be kinda good for you too?

Look, this crock pot cowboy casserole is proper comforting grub. so give it a go! don't be afraid to tweak it to your liking.

After all, cooking is all about having a bit of fun, isn't it? you could even call it crockpot cowboy supper or cowboy stew recipe ground beef crock pot .

You got this!.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these Slow Cooker Carolina Gold Pulled Pork Sandwiches if I'm short on time?

Absolutely! That's the beauty of crockpot meals! While the ideal cook time is 8-10 hours on low, you can cook it on high for 4-6 hours. Just keep an eye on it and make sure the pork is easily shredded. Searing the pork is optional and can be skipped if you're really up against it.

Think of it as a flavour bonus if you've got the time, like adding a cheeky splash of Worcestershire sauce to your gravy!

How do I store leftover pulled pork, and how long will it last?

Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It'll keep for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist - nobody wants dry pulled pork, it's like a soggy biscuit - no one likes that!

What if I don't have all the ingredients for the Carolina Gold BBQ sauce? Are there any substitutions?

No worries, mate! If you're missing something, there are a few easy swaps you can make. White vinegar works in a pinch of Apple Cider Vinegar. For the brown sugar, coconut sugar or maple syrup can step in.

The key is to taste as you go and adjust to your liking - a bit like tweaking the volume on your favourite tune until it's just right.

I'm watching my sodium intake. How can I reduce the sodium in these crockpot meals?

Great question! Sodium can be a sneaky blighter. Use low-sodium chicken broth, and be mindful of the Worcestershire sauce, which can be high in sodium. You can also reduce the amount of salt you add to the pork and rely more on the flavour of the spices and vinegar.

Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away - a bit like getting a dodgy tattoo after a few too many pints!

My Carolina Gold BBQ sauce is too tangy! How do I balance the flavor?

The tang in Carolina Gold BBQ sauce comes from the mustard and vinegar, but we can certainly tame it! Add a touch more honey or brown sugar to sweeten it up and counteract the tanginess. Start with a teaspoon at a time, give it a good stir, and taste as you go.

Think of it like adding milk to your cuppa - a little bit can make all the difference!

Can I use a different cut of pork for these Slow Cooker Carolina Gold Pulled Pork Sandwiches?

While pork shoulder is ideal for pulled pork because of its fat content which renders down during the slow cooking process, keeping the pork moist and flavourful, you could use pork butt.

If you do use a leaner cut, consider adding a tablespoon or two of olive oil or butter to the slow cooker to help keep the pork moist. Using a leaner cut might be like swapping your roast dinner for a salad it’ll work, but it’s just not quite the same comfort food experience!