Dr Pepper Pulled Pork the Crockpot Champion
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever wondered how to make killer pulled pork without slaving over a smoker all day? I’ve got you. These recipes with crockpot will show you how! This Dr.
Pepper Pulled Pork is sweet, smoky, and unbelievably tender.
Brief Overview
Pulled pork is American BBQ at its finest. It's slow cooked to perfection. This recipe is easy to make and takes about 6- 8 hours on low or 3- 4 hours on high.
It yields about 8-10 servings. Perfect for a crowd.
Main Benefits
The best part about this Healthy Crockpot Recipes is that they are relatively low maintenance. You just set it and forget it.
Easy Crockpot Dinners like this Dr. Pepper version bring an amazing flavor. It's perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a lazy Sunday dinner.
Ingredients You'll Need
For this Dr. Pepper Crockpot Dishes , you’ll need pork shoulder. A 3-4 lb piece is ideal. You'll also need Dr.
Pepper, your favorite BBQ sauce, and some spices. Don't forget the apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce! Crockpot Recipes Slow Cooker are all about simplicity.
Let's Talk About the Pork
Pork shoulder is the key, y'all. It's got enough fat to keep it moist during the long cooking time. You can use bone-in or boneless.
Just make sure you trim off any excess fat beforehand. Searing is optional, but trust me, it adds a ton of flavor!
Why Dr. Pepper?
Honestly, the Dr. Pepper is magic! It adds a subtle caramel sweetness. It also helps tenderize the pork. Don’t knock it 'til you try it! This Dr Pepper Crockpot Recipe is a game changer.
It's one of those Dinner Recipes Crockpot you'll make again and again.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipes on toasted buns. Top with coleslaw and pickles. Potato salad and baked beans are great on the side.
This recipe for Crockpot BBQ Recipes also goes great with some good friends. Serve with iced tea, lemonade, or a cold beer!
You could even turn this into Slow Cooker Sandwich Recipes , adding your own unique toppings.
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's talk about what you'll need to make this Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork sing! Honestly, the magic of recipes with crockpot is that you don’t need a ton of fancy equipment.
Plus, this is perfect for easy crockpot dinners .
Main Ingredients
Here’s the shopping list, folks. Don't worry, I tried to make it super straightforward!
Pork Shoulder: 3-4 lbs (1.3-1.8 kg) . Look for good marbling for maximum flavour! If you can't find a shoulder, you can use a pork loin, but don't blame me if it ends up a bit dry, okay?.
I always go to the butcher.
Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml) . For searing, optional, but trust me, it's so good!.
Smoked Paprika: 1 tsp (5 ml) . Get the good stuff, the one that is so dark is smells like a campfire!.
Garlic Powder: 1 tsp (5 ml) .
Onion Powder: 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) .
Ground Cumin: 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) .
Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) (Optional). For a little kick. Don't overdo it unless you like sweating.
Salt and Pepper: To taste. Freshly ground pepper makes a difference.
Dr. Pepper: 1 (12 oz/355 ml) can . No diet stuff! The real deal. Dr Pepper Crockpot Recipe are normally awesome, this is no exception!
BBQ Sauce: 1 cup (240 ml) . Your favourite! I am from kansas, so I chose Kansas City style.
Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tbsp (30 ml) . Adds a nice tang.
Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tbsp (15 ml) . That umami bomb.
Yellow Mustard: 1 tbsp (15 ml) .
Onion: 1 small , finely chopped.
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
Seasoning Notes
Honestly, don’t be afraid to play around! For crockpot BBQ recipes , I always like to start with a good base of smoked paprika, garlic, and onion.
It's a classic. I use that on my Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipes !
Worcestershire sauce is essential. It adds a savoury depth that you just can’t get anywhere else. Don't have smoked paprika? A dash of liquid smoke will do in a pinch.
Equipment Needed
Okay, so you'll absolutely need a slow cooker . A 6-quart (5.7-liter) or larger is ideal. I have dinner recipes crockpot almost weekly!
A large skillet for searing the pork is recommended, but not mandatory. If you are one of those persons who prefer flavor, do it.
Two forks for shredding the pork. No need to get fancy!
Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork The Crockpot Champion!
Oh my gosh, are you ready for some seriously good grub? I'm talking about Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork made right in your crockpot! Honestly, this is one of those easy crockpot dinners that’s a total game changer.
It's sweet, smoky, tangy, and fall apart tender. Plus, the crockpot recipes slow cooker method means minimal effort for maximum flavour.
Let’s dive in!
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Like a Boss
First, let's get organized. We need our 3-4 lb pork shoulder, all those spices, Dr. Pepper, BBQ sauce, and other goodies.
Chop your onion and mince the garlic. Honestly, good prep makes everything smoother. Safety first! Wash your hands before you start, and handle raw meat carefully.
step-by-step: Slow Cooker Magic
Here's how to whip up this magic, step-by-step:
- Rub your pork shoulder with a mixture of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the pork in olive oil for a few minutes per side. (Optional, but highly recommended).
- Place chopped onion and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Put the seared pork on top of the onions and garlic.
- Whisk together Dr. Pepper, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard.
- Pour the sauce over the pork.
- Cook on low for 6- 8 hours or on high for 3- 4 hours .
- Shred the pork and return it to the sauce.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Pulled Pork
Want to take this to the next level? Sear the pork! It adds a delicious crust. A common mistake is overcooking the pork.
It should shred easily but not be dry. Did you make too much? Leftovers are your best friend! This makes amazing slow cooker sandwich recipes .
You can even make Crockpot BBQ Recipes with it!
This Dr. Pepper pulled pork is just begging to be piled high on buns with coleslaw and pickles. Don't forget the iced tea! This recipes with crockpot is amazing.
Serve dinner recipes crockpot on a budget and with ease. I promise, you will not regret making this recipe! And remember, you can get more Healthy Crockpot Recipes right here.
Recipe Notes for the Best Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork
This Dr Pepper Crockpot Recipe is practically foolproof. It's one of those easy crockpot dinners that just works . Honestly, I've made it dozens of times.
My family loves it! Here are a few notes to help you nail it every time.
Ace Your Serving Game
Okay, so you've got this amazing, tender pork. Now what? Presentation is key! Pile that Crockpot BBQ Recipes high on a toasted brioche bun.
Add a scoop of coleslaw for some crunch. Try different Slow Cooker Sandwich Recipes . For sides, think potato salad, corn on the cob, or even just some simple pickles.
And don't forget the drinks! Iced tea or a cold beer are perfect companions. Trust me, you'll feel like a BBQ champion!
Storage Superpowers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Crockpot Dishes is even better the next day. Refrigerate the pulled pork in an airtight container for up to three days.
To freeze, let it cool completely. Then, pop it into freezer bags. It'll last for up to three months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or Dr.
Pepper to keep it moist. You can use the microwave, oven, or even the crockpot again on low. The sauce is the key here.
Twist It Up!
Want to mix things up? I get it! For a healthier version, use a leaner cut of pork. You may need to reduce the cooking time.
If you're looking for healthy crockpot recipes , try adding some veggies to the slow cooker. Bell peppers or onions would be delicious.
For a seasonal twist, use peach BBQ sauce in the summer. Or, add a pinch of cinnamon in the fall.
It's all about having fun! I tried a Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder once that was amazing.
Nutrition Nuggets
Let's keep it real. Pulled pork isn't exactly a health food. But, it does offer a good source of protein.
Protein keeps you full and energized. It helps build muscles. Remember to check nutrition labels for more accurate information. Enjoy it in moderation! You should know that the calories can be around 450, with 35g of protein, 25g of fat, and 20g of carbohydrates.
This dinner recipes crockpot is a classic for a reason. So, get out your crockpot recipes slow cooker . Don't be afraid to experiment.
Have a great time! You've got this! And if you try the Dr. Pepper tip, I want to hear about it, okay?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork recipe with crockpot on high instead of low if I'm short on time?
Absolutely! While cooking on low for 6-8 hours yields the most tender results, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours. Just keep a close eye on it, as cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker. You'll know it's ready when the pork easily shreds with a fork like butter wouldn't melt in its mouth!
I'm not a big Dr. Pepper fan. What can I substitute in this recipes with crockpot pulled pork?
No worries, mate! If Dr. Pepper isn't your cup of tea, you can use Coca Cola, root beer, or even pineapple juice for a tangy twist. You could also try beef broth or apple cider for a less sweet, more savoury flavour. Think of it like choosing your favourite beer at the pub - find what suits your taste!
How long does leftover Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork last, and what's the best way to store it?
Leftover pulled pork will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing, and consider portioning it out for easy thawing. A good container will be air-tight!
Is searing the pork really necessary? I'm trying to keep this as simple as possible.
While you can skip the searing step to save time, browning the pork first creates a beautiful crust and adds an extra layer of flavour through the Maillard reaction it's like giving your pork a tan before the slow cooker spa day! Think of it as adding a little extra "oomph" to the final dish.
If you have the time, it's well worth the effort. But if you're looking for super duper simple, don't sweat skipping it!
Can I make this recipe healthier? What are some ways to reduce the sugar and fat content in this recipe with crockpot?
Absolutely! To reduce the sugar, opt for a sugar-free Dr. Pepper or use a naturally sweetened alternative like apple juice (though this will change the flavour profile). Choose a BBQ sauce with lower sugar content, or make your own from scratch!
To cut back on fat, trim as much excess fat as possible from the pork shoulder before cooking, and skim off any excess fat from the sauce after shredding the pork. Consider serving with a vinegar based slaw rather than a creamy one to balance the richness!
What are some serving suggestions besides just putting the pulled pork on a bun?
Crikey, there are loads of options! Get creative! Try it in tacos or quesadillas, piled high on nachos, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. You could also toss it with pasta for a comforting meal, or use it as a filling for lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
Think about it - pulled pork as the centerpiece, it can even go on pizza!
Dr Pepper Pulled Pork The Crockpot Champion
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 20g |
