Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Root Beer and BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 bone-in pork shoulder roast (approx. 4–6 lbs.)
- 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
- 12 oz bottle cane sugar root beer (because life’s too short for corn syrup)
- 16 oz jar of Blues Hog BBQ sauce (or your favorite sauce—no judgment)
Instructions
- Pork Prep
- Start by scoring the fat cap on the pork shoulder in a crisscross pattern. Don’t skip this step—it helps the flavors seep in and makes you feel fancy. Place the pork in your slow cooker, fat cap side up, like a boss.
- Sprinkle & Pour
- Sprinkle the dried minced onions generously over the fat cap like you’re seasoning a masterpiece. Then, pour the root beer around the sides of the pork—not on top of the fat cap. You want that beautiful fat to stay dry and render perfectly, not drown in soda.
- Slow Cook Magic
- Crank your slow cooker to high for the first hour (because we’re impatient), then switch it to low for 8–12 hours. Go about your day, run errands, or binge-watch your favorite show—your pork will handle itself.
- Separate & Shred
- Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker—it’s probably falling apart at this point, so use tongs or a slotted spoon or a spider. Pour the juices into a fat separator and let it work its magic. Save the good stuff (the cooking liquid) and toss the fat.
- Sauce It Up
- Return the pork to the slow cooker and shred it with tongs or two forks. Pour in the jar of BBQ sauce, then add enough of the reserved cooking liquid to coat the pork without making it soupy. Mix well, cover, and cook on low for another hour.
- Serve or Save
- Switch the slow cooker to “keep warm” until you’re ready to serve. It’s perfect in sandwiches, tacos, or just straight up with a fork! Bonus: This freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, portion it into vacuum-sealed bags or containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
Root Beer Tip: Use a cane sugar root beer for the best flavor. You deserve the good stuff.
Leftover Love: Add some of the pulled pork to baked potatoes, quesadillas, or even as a pizza topping. You’re welcome.
Final Thought:
This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is your secret weapon for feeding a crowd or meal prepping like a pro. Sweet, smoky, and ridiculously easy, it’s comfort food at its finest.
Final Thought:
This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is your secret weapon for feeding a crowd or meal prepping like a pro. Sweet, smoky, and ridiculously easy, it’s comfort food at its finest.