Dr. Pepper Crock Pot Pulled Pork is the perfect way to feed a crowd. This slow cooker pulled pork is easy, tender, delicious and everyone always loves it!
With just 5 minutes of prep, this pulled pork crockpot recipe is ready to go before heading off to work. You’ll come home to a slow cooker full of tender juicy pulled pork perfect for sandwiches or topping Baked Potatoes or Mac and Cheese.
Crock Pot Pulled Pork is Easy to Make
This easy Crock Pot Pulled Pork is an easy family favorite! Let the Slow Cooker do all of the work, and then pile this pulled pork on crusty buns and top with some fresh homemade coleslaw for a dish everyone raves over! This slow cooker pulled pork is perfect for Sunday supper, tailgating or even for parties (on slider buns) or piled on top of baked sweet potatoes!
The best part about this dish is that it cooks in the slow cooker and is ready when you are, which means it’s easy to make.
Pulled Pork Bar: If you are serving a crowd, you can easily turn your slow cooker pulled pork on low to keep it warm until guests are ready to eat. We just set out a basket of rolls and a bowl of slaw and our guests can create their own sandwiches!
What Kind of Pork for Pulled Pork?
While some people use a tenderloin for pulled pork, it’s so lean that it easily becomes dry and tough (it’s more suited to roasting to medium). Like most slow cooker recipes, a pork roast with lots of nice fat marbled throughout becomes very tender in the Crock Pot!
The best cut of pork for pulled pork is pork shoulder. It can go by different names (and names can vary by location). When looking for pork, I choose boneless (bone in still works just fine, may need a little bit extra time but not much). Any of the following will be great:
- shoulder butt roast
- shoulder roast
- blade roast
- pork butt
- boston butt
- picnic roast
- pork steaks (which is slices of pork butt)
Any of the cuts above benefit from cooking low and slow to break down the tissues and make it buttery and tender. Pulled pork crock pot recipes are ideal because of the cooking temperature.
How to Make Pulled Pork in the Crock Pot
- Line the bottom of the Crock Pot with sliced onion.
- Rub the pork roast with seasoning and add to the slow cooker (per recipe below).
- Pour Dr. Pepper (or Rootbeer) on top and let the Crock Pot work its magic.
- Once cooked, shred with 2 forks and stir back into the juices. Add additional BBQ sauce if needed and serve on crusty rolls!
How Long to Cook Pulled Pork in the Crock Pot
The following is for a 4lb boneless pork roast. If you are short on time, cut the pork into 3-inch cubes.
- Cook on High for 4-5 hours
- Cook on Low for 7-8 hours
Slow cooker pulled pork needs just a few simple ingredients to create a dish that is so juicy and delicious.
To tell if the pork is done, use a fork and pull off a small piece. It should be easy to remove and melt in your mouth tender. If the pork isn’t fall-apart tender, it’s not quite done yet so cook it a bit longer!
What to Serve with Crock Pot Pulled Pork
- Classic Coleslaw Recipe – Fast!
- Dill Pickle Coleslaw
- Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Crock Pot Corn on the Cob
- Baked Beans
- Fresh Corn Salad
Did your family enjoy this Pulled Pork Recipe? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Dr. Pepper Crock Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pork butt/pork shoulder roast 4-5 pounds
- salt, pepper, & garlic powder
- 1 onion sliced, optional
- 1 can Dr. Pepper
- ¾ cup barbecue sauce or to taste
- Rolls & coleslaw for serving
Instructions
- Place the onion in the bottom of the slow cooker. Rub the outside of the roast with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
- Pour the Dr. Pepper over the pork and cook on high 4-5 hours or on low 7-8 hours.
- The meat will be very tender. Using 2 forks, shred the pork and place back in the juices.
- Add barbecue sauce to taste. Allow to cook an additional 30-60 minutes if desired.
- Serve on crusty rolls with coleslaw.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Main Course
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Have you done this in the 7-8lb range? Should I just double everything? Feeling super nervous about the size of pork butt I bought.
Hi Chelsey, for the seasonings you just want a nice even coating on the whole roast. I would check it around 6 hours on high to see how tender the meat is or use a meat thermometer to see how close to 145°F the roast is. But it should only take about 8 hours on high. We would love to hear how it turns out for you!
All the recipes sound great!!! I’m going to make all of them!!!!
I can’t wait for you to try the recipes Gayle!
Can you use this recipe with chicken or is there a different recipe for that?
I have only tried this recipe with pork. If you try it with chicken, let me know how it turns out!
Making this with chicken right now – I will update once it is finished cooking! :)
Delicious and easy to make
Trying this today. The house already smells great!
Can you freeze the pork once cooked? If so, any tips?
Absolutely! This freezes very well Mary.
How much garlic powder, salt, and pepper do you use? I don’t see the amounts for those
Hi Stephanie, You just want to add a light sprinkling to the outside of the roast. So depending on the size of your roast, it will depend on how much you end up using.
Love this recipe! I use this every time I make pulled pork. Easy and a crowd pleaser!
Does the Dr. Pepper make the pork sweet tasting? I know sometimes soda can be used as a tenderizer and not for the flavor profile. I have a split family of palates. So, I normally make savory pork and have barbeque sauce on the side for my sweet eaters.
Thank you!
The Dr Pepper does add flavor and a slight sweetness to the pulled pork, but largely acts as a tenderizer.
First time making pulled pork and it turned out fantastic! Super crowd pleaser and went a long way! Kids and adults all loved it. Thank you!
This is the best slow cooker roast I have ever tasted! It seems too easy to be any good, but it is very good. Excellent flavor and texture. Thanks for the recipe!
I was wondering if this could be reheated and if so, do I need to add liquid to keep it moist?
I want to make ahead of time for a camping trip and not have to bring along a crockpot.
Yes, this recipe can be reheated. I would wait to add the BBQ sauce until you go to reheat.
Hi
Just wondering if it would work with a boneless pork leg also should I remove the rind
That should work just fine Liz! If you try it I would love to hear how it turns out!
My whole family LOVED my pulled pork! (8 people, 6 guys)
Everyone shut up and chowed down, came back for extra, and ate leftovers for 2-3 days after, which made it even better!
I didn’t use onions due to picky eaters, but used 1 cup of Dr. Pepper, and added brown sugar to the dry seasoning rub mixture.
I cooked on low for 12 hours (I checked it after 6, 8, & 10 hours and it just wasn’t tender enough.) 12 hours was perfect, and I let it rest outside of the crockpot for 30 minutes before shredding.
OMG it was SO Tender, juicy, and delicious!!! Won’t make it any other way after doing it this way with Dr. Pepper!
I made with homemade Coleslaw, potato salad, and baked beans, plus a homemade BBQ sauce (super easy).
do you cook it with the barbecue sauce in it? I’ve got everything ready
I add the barbecue sauce with the shredded pork in step 4. Enjoy Mary!
Has anyone tried this with Diet Dr Pepper? Is there much of a difference?
Diet soda works well in this recipe.
The recipe sounds delicious!! I’ve made it with Root Beer.
I have Dr. Pepper cream soda, do you think that will work with this recipe?
I haven’t tried it so I can’t say for sure Nona, but I think that should work just fine. If you try it I would love to hear how it turns out!
How do you read the reviews/comments ratings for your recipes?
Hi Robin, you scroll all the way to the bottom of the page or in the top header you can hit the star button and it will take you to the reviews and comments. I hope this helps!
Hi. I am about to make this recipe. I do not have a slow cooker large enough to accommodate my 7.81 # Bone In Boston Butt. I want to cook it in my oven. At what temperature and for how long should I Bake it?
We have never tried this recipe in the oven, Gloria. You could try cooking it at 300°F for about 4 to 5 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and is fork tender. Let us know how it goes!
Can this be made in an instant pot and still come out as tender?
Yes, that should work just fine. I would suggest using the cooking times/method in this Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe
I’m going to be cooking about 13 lbs in a crock pot. Would cutting the pork into smaller pieces reduce the cooking time? Any advice on cooking time? Thanks in advance!
Hi Nick, cutting into smaller pieces should reduce the cooking time. I haven’t tried this size so I can’t say for sure how long it will take. For optimal Crock Pot performance, you will want your Crock Pot to be between 1/2 and 3/4 full. If you try it I would love to hear how it turns out!
What is the serving size based on the calories listed?
Hi Casandra, one serving is approximately ½ lb or about one cup if using a 4lb roast.
Would love to read other comments. Can only read two. Also, video does not work.
Below the 2 comments is a button on the left hand side that says “Older Comments. This helps the page to load faster. The video is right below the instructions, it seems to be working for me. Enjoy the recipe.
I tried to watch your pulled pork video numerous times, but it keeps cutting off and going to another recipe.
Hi Joan, on the video around the 30 second mark there should be a “stay” button that you have to click. I hope this helps.