Ultimate Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches: An Easy Family Favorite
If you’re searching for deliciously effortless slow cooker recipes that promise maximum flavor with minimal fuss, these Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork Sandwiches are an absolute game-changer. This recipe is a proven family favorite that you’ll find yourself returning to again and again, whether for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. With just minutes of hands-on prep time and a handful of incredibly simple ingredients, your slow cooker will work its magic, transforming a pork roast into fork-tender, succulent shredded pork. By dinnertime, you’ll be treated to juicy meat generously coated in its own rich, homemade BBQ sauce, infused with the distinctive sweet and tangy notes of Dr. Pepper.
Who’s ready for that delightful mess of BBQ sauce dripping down your chin, demanding multiple napkins, and an incredibly satisfying crockpot recipe that requires little effort? These Dr. Pepper BBQ pulled pork sandwiches consistently receive rave reviews every single time they’re served. The versatility of this flavorful pork makes it suitable for countless occasions. Serve it classically on soft slider buns for a super easy lunch or appetizer, pile it high on hearty hamburger buns for robust pork sandwiches with a side basket of rolls, or get creative by incorporating it into pork tacos, loaded pork nachos, or even as a savory topping for a fresh salad. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to enjoy this incredibly juicy, deeply flavorful pork roast in a myriad of ways.
Perhaps the best part about this Dr. Pepper BBQ pork recipe is its convenience: it practically cooks itself while you go about your day. This “set it and forget it” approach is perfect for busy families, allowing you to return home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal with minimal stress and maximum satisfaction.
Discovering the Magic of Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork
I first introduced this fantastic Dr. Pepper BBQ pork recipe back in 2017, developed in a wonderful partnership with my friends at Paisley Farm. They were actively seeking an easy and complementary recipe to pair with their popular Five Bean Salad, and I immediately knew what to create! A mouthwatering BBQ sandwich, conveniently made in the crock pot, was the perfect idea to highlight the simplicity and deliciousness of a complete meal. From the outset, the goal was ease. This recipe is not time-consuming, requires minimal active cooking, and helps keep families gathered around the dinner table, preventing the need for quick drive-thru meals. Even on those notoriously busy nights when everyone in the family is heading in a different direction, dinner is patiently waiting, hot and ready, right there in the crock pot when they finally come home. Simply open a jar of Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad, and your perfectly balanced, satisfying dinner is effortlessly complete.
Why Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork is a Must-Try
This incredibly easy recipe for Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork is truly one of those culinary gems that feels almost too simple for the immense depth of flavor it consistently delivers. With just a few minutes of initial prep work and the slow cooker doing all the heavy lifting, you’ll ultimately achieve meat that is unbelievably tender, remarkably juicy, and absolutely bursting with rich, homemade barbecue flavor. The magic lies in the simplicity of its ingredients: nothing fancy or hard-to-find, just everyday pantry staples combined with a can of Dr. Pepper soda. Yet, when these humble components come together and slow cook, they create something truly special and unforgettable. The Dr. Pepper not only adds a unique, complex sweetness and subtle spice but also acts as a tenderizer, breaking down the pork fibers to achieve that perfect pull-apart texture.
Moreover, this recipe is wonderfully versatile, easily adapting to whatever your family’s schedule or occasion demands. Serve it as hearty sandwiches for game day gatherings, delightful mini pork sliders for a party appetizer, or purposefully make extra to enjoy the leftovers for quick and easy meals throughout the busy week. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply preparing a comforting meal for your loved ones, this Dr. Pepper pulled pork recipe is the kind of dish that consistently earns rave reviews and swiftly becomes a cherished family favorite, proving that extraordinary flavor doesn’t have to come with extraordinary effort.
Essential Ingredients for Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork
Creating this incredible Dr. Pepper BBQ Pulled Pork requires a straightforward list of ingredients, most of which you likely already have on hand. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:
- Boneless pork roast – The star of our dish! While I typically use a pork loin for its leaner profile, other cuts like a pork shoulder roast (also known as Boston butt) are excellent choices for pulled pork due to their higher fat content, which ensures maximum tenderness and flavor when slow-cooked. Don’t hesitate to consult your local butcher for their recommendation on the best cut of meat specifically for pulled pork, ensuring you get the perfect fall-apart texture.
- Brown sugar – This isn’t just for sweetness; brown sugar adds a deep, molasses-rich flavor that beautifully balances the tangy notes in the BBQ sauce, contributing to that classic, caramelized BBQ profile.
- Garlic powder and onion powder – These essential pantry staples are flavor powerhouses. They provide foundational savory notes that add incredible depth and aromatic complexity to the sauce, enhancing the overall taste without needing fresh chopping.
- Ketchup and Worcestershire sauce – The backbone of any classic American BBQ sauce. Ketchup provides a rich tomato base and a touch of sweetness, while Worcestershire sauce brings a savory, umami-rich complexity with hints of vinegar and spices, elevating the sauce’s profile.
- Honey – A little touch of natural, sticky sweetness from honey further enhances the sauce, contributing to its luscious texture and balancing the acidity from other ingredients, creating a glaze-like quality.
- Sriracha and a dash of cayenne pepper – These are entirely optional but highly recommended if you enjoy a hint of heat. Sriracha adds a garlicky, tangy spice, while cayenne pepper offers a clean, straightforward warmth, bringing a subtle kick that rounds out the flavor profile without overwhelming it. Adjust to your preference!
- Can of Dr. Pepper – This is the secret ingredient that gives our BBQ pork its signature name and unique flavor. The dark soda, with its blend of 23 flavors, tenderizes the pork beautifully while infusing it with a distinct sweet, spiced, and slightly caramel-like taste. If Dr. Pepper isn’t available, root beer or Coca-Cola are excellent substitutes, each offering a slightly different but equally delicious flavor twist.
- Cornstarch and water – Used to create a simple slurry for thickening the magnificent homemade BBQ sauce at the very end of the cooking process, ensuring it coats the shredded pork perfectly.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Dr. Pepper BBQ Pulled Pork in a Slow Cooker
Making this incredibly flavorful Dr. Pepper BBQ Pulled Pork is surprisingly simple, allowing your slow cooker to handle most of the work. Follow these easy steps to achieve perfectly tender, saucy pork:
First, gather all your sauce ingredients. In the bottom of your slow cooker, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and the entire can of Dr. Pepper soda. Give everything a good stir until the ingredients are well incorporated, forming the rich, aromatic base for your BBQ sauce.
Next, carefully place the boneless pork roast into the slow cooker, nestled into the sauce. If your roast has a fat cap, position it fat side up. This allows the fat to slowly render down during cooking, basting the meat and keeping it incredibly moist and flavorful as it cooks over several hours.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Now, the magic begins! Cook the pork on low heat for approximately 8 hours, or if you’re in a bit more of a rush, cook it on high heat for about 5 hours. The goal is for the pork to become incredibly fork-tender, meaning it can be easily shredded with minimal effort. Cooking it low and slow is generally recommended for the most tender and flavorful results.
Once the pork is perfectly tender, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a clean cutting board. Using a pair of sturdy forks (or even specialized meat shredding claws), begin to shred the pork. It should easily fall apart, creating those desired strands of delicious pulled pork.
While the pork is being shredded, it’s time to thicken the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water until a smooth slurry forms. Return the slow cooker to high heat, then stir the cornstarch slurry into the cooking liquid. Cover the slow cooker once more and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. For an even quicker thickening, you can carefully remove the crock from your slow cooker and microwave the sauce for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the perfect thickness.
Once the sauce is thick and glossy, you have a choice: you can reserve about a cup of the sauce in a separate bowl, just in case anyone wants a little extra to drizzle over their sandwich. Then, add the shredded pork back into the slow cooker with the remaining thickened sauce. Stir everything together gently to ensure every strand of pork is beautifully coated in the rich, sweet, and tangy Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce. Now, all that’s left is to grab some soft hamburger buns and dig into this incredible homemade meal!
Love It? Pin it! Save This Recipe for Later
If you’ve fallen in love with this incredibly easy and flavorful recipe for Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Pulled Pork, you’ll definitely want to keep it handy for future meal planning. Pinterest is the perfect place to save your favorite recipes, and this one is certainly worthy of a spot on your board! Pin it to your favorite “Weeknight Dinners” or “Slow Cooker Recipes” Pinterest board before you go, so you can easily find it whenever that BBQ craving strikes or you need a reliable, crowd-pleasing meal.
Tips, Creative Variations, and Serving Suggestions
This Dr. Pepper BBQ pulled pork recipe is incredibly versatile, extending far beyond just pork sandwiches. Its delicious flavor and tender texture make it a fantastic base for numerous other dishes and meal ideas. Here are some creative ways to enjoy it:
- Party Pleaser: Serve the shredded meat on mini slider buns for a perfect appetizer or party food that’s easy to handle and always a hit with guests.
- Loaded Nachos: Spoon the savory pork over a bed of crispy tortilla chips, then top with melted cheese, jalapeños, red onions, sour cream, and cilantro for an irresistible platter of pork nachos.
- Gourmet Pizza Topping: Use it as a flavorful topping for homemade BBQ pork pizza. Spread a layer of extra BBQ sauce on your crust, add mozzarella, the pulled pork, and a sprinkle of red onion before baking.
- Baked Potato Extravaganza: Pile a generous amount of warm pulled pork onto a fluffy baked potato, then add your favorite toppings like sour cream, chives, cheese, or even some coleslaw for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Quesadillas or Burritos: Incorporate the pork into cheesy quesadillas or hearty burritos for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner with a Tex-Mex twist.
- Mac and Cheese Booster: Stir a scoop of pulled pork into your creamy macaroni and cheese for an elevated, comforting dish that’s rich in flavor and protein.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
This recipe is excellent for meal prep! Leftover pulled pork keeps exceptionally well. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring freshness. For longer storage, you can freeze it in good-quality freezer bags or freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave. To maintain its succulent texture, add a splash of reserved cooking liquid, chicken broth, or even a little extra Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out.
Perfect Side Dishes:
To make it a complete and balanced meal, pair your Dr. Pepper BBQ pork with classic and refreshing side dishes. Paisley Farm bean salads, particularly their Five Bean Salad, are a perfect accompaniment, offering a bright, tangy contrast. Other excellent options include creamy cucumber salad, a hearty and classic potato salad, or a crisp, tangy coleslaw. Corn on the cob, a simple green salad, or some fluffy cornbread also make fantastic additions.
And don’t forget, leftover pulled pork also makes an absolutely amazing BBQ Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese Sandwich – a truly comforting and indulgent treat!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dr. Pepper BBQ Pulled Pork
- What’s the best cut of meat for pulled pork? For truly fall-apart, tender pulled pork, a pork shoulder (often labeled as Boston butt or pork butt) is generally considered the best choice. Its higher fat content and connective tissue break down beautifully during long, slow cooking, resulting in incredibly moist and flavorful meat. However, leaner options like pork loin can also work well, just be mindful to cook it until fork-tender without letting it dry out.
- Can I use a different soda? Absolutely! While Dr. Pepper offers a unique and complex flavor profile with its 23 distinct flavors, other dark sodas make excellent substitutes. Root beer will impart a creamier, sweeter, and slightly vanilla-like flavor, while Coca-Cola or Pepsi will give a classic, slightly more tangy and syrupy BBQ taste. Experiment with different sodas to find your personal favorite!
- How do I thicken the sauce? The easiest and most reliable way to thicken the delicious cooking liquid into a rich BBQ sauce is by using a cornstarch slurry. Simply mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until completely smooth, then stir it into the hot cooking liquid in the slow cooker. Allow it to simmer on high heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency. You can always add more slurry if you prefer an even thicker sauce.
- Can I make this ahead? Yes, this Dr. Pepper BBQ Pulled Pork is a fantastic make-ahead meal! Once the pork is shredded and mixed with the sauce, let it cool completely. Store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of leftover liquid, broth, or even a little water to keep it wonderfully moist and juicy.
Looking for more delightful bean-inspired recipes to complement your meals? Be sure to try this refreshing Italian Bean Salad, this vibrant Mexican Bean Salad,or this addictive Asian Bean Dip! They’re perfect for any occasion.
SEE ALL OF MY PAISLEY FARM RECIPES HERE
This Dr. Pepper pulled pork recipe stands out as a phenomenal way to create an easy, delicious dinner that feels incredibly special with minimal active effort. The unique blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes from the homemade Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce transforms a simple pork roast into a memorable meal. Whether you choose to serve it traditionally as classic pork sandwiches with your favorite fixings, as delightful sliders for a party, or get creative by incorporating the flavorful leftovers into other dishes, it consistently hits the spot and brings smiles to the table. No matter the time of year or the occasion, this tender and juicy pulled pork is the perfect main dish, and it pairs beautifully as a savory sidekick to Paisley Farm’s vibrant and refreshing bean salads for a truly complete and satisfying meal.
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Print Recipe
Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork Sandwiches (Slow Cooker Recipe)
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
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Place contents in slow cooker. Give a stir to incorporate and spoon over the top of the roast.
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Cover and cook on low 8 hours or on high for 5 hours.
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Remove roast. Set aside.
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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. (if you want to really speed this process up, place the crock from your crock pot in your microwave and it will thicken in a couple of minutes.)
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Shred pork.
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Add pork back into the thickened sauce and stir to combine. (I reserved about a cup of extra sauce for additional if anyone wanted a little extra)
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Serve hot on buns.
Notes
Nutrition
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Paisley Farm, but the opinions are all my own. Thank you for supporting the companies and products that make An Affair from the Heart possible.
This recipe was originally posted on March 25, 2017. It has been updated to improve user experience, add more comprehensive tips and variations, and reshared on September 30, 2025.
Where to Find Paisley Farm Products and More Inspiration
You can easily pick up delicious Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad, or any of their other fabulous pickled and jarred vegetable products, by visiting their website to find a store near you. Their products are perfect for adding flavor and convenience to your meals. Be sure to follow Paisley Farm on their social media channels for year-round inspiration, including great recipes, serving suggestions, and updates: find them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. You’ll discover countless ways to incorporate their quality ingredients into your family’s meals, making cooking simpler and more delicious.