Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Name: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Yield: 6 - 8 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1 5-6 lb. bone-in pork shoulder roast; 6 cloves garlic; 4 tsp. kosher salt; 1 tbsp. brown sugar; 2 tsp. ground mustard; 3 tsp. ground black pepper; 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced; 8 sprigs of thyme; 1 c. apple cider; dijon mustard; 12 pretzel rolls, split and toasted

Let an appliance do the hard work!

By Erin MerharUpdated: Jan 3, 2024

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4 Ratings

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the pioneer woman's slow cooker pulled pork recipe

Caitlin Bensel

Yields:

6 - 8 serving(s)

Prep Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

6 hrs 10 mins

Fall means football season and slow cooker pulled pork is an essential part of any game day food buffet. Meltingly tender and seriously easy, this pulled pork recipe includes a flavorful rub spiked with brown sugar and dry mustard, sweet onions, and even apple cider to make it a comforting fall recipe. The best part about it? No need to sear on the stove before cooking. Serve it on toasted pretzel rolls with a smear of sharp mustard, and it's ready for feeding a hungry crowd at the tailgate or even as an easy family meal.

What is the best cut of meat for slow cooker pulled pork?

This Crock-Pot recipe calls for bone-in pork shoulder, which is sometimes labeled picnic roast. (Pork butt or Boston butt roasts will also work for this recipe.) You can use a boneless cut as well, but the bone gives both the meat and cooking liquid a flavorful boost as the roast cooks slowly. When finished, the meat is tossed with the cooking liquid, so build flavor by seeking out that bone-in roast!

Does pulled pork in the slow cooker need liquid?

The pork will release a lot of moisture when cooking, so while it is not entirely necessary to add liquid to the slow-cooker, we like the flavor that the apple cider adds to the finished dish. If you don't have apple cider, use chicken broth or beef broth, or even beer.

How long does pulled pork take in the slow cooker?

At high heat, the pork shoulder will take about six hours in the slow cooker to become meltingly tender. At low heat, plan on 8 to 10 hours.

Is it better to cook pulled pork on high or low?

This depends on the amount of time that you have. Either temperature will yield fork-tender pork. Got a late start to the day? Set on high to expedite the cook time. Starting this before a long day at work? Choose low heat and come home to a meltingly tender meal.

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Ingredients

1
5-6 lb. bone-in pork shoulder roast
6
cloves garlic
4 tsp.
kosher salt
1 Tbsp.
brown sugar
2 tsp.
ground mustard
3 tsp.
ground black pepper
1
large yellow onion, thinly sliced
8
sprigs of thyme
1 cup
apple cider

To Serve:

dijon mustard
12
pretzel rolls, split and toasted

Directions

1. Step 1Trim the fat of the pork shoulder to about 1/4-inch thick. Cut 12 slits all over the pork.
2. Step 2Slice each clove of garlic in half, lengthwise, and press 1 piece into each slit.
3. Step 3Combine the salt, brown sugar, ground mustard, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub all over the pork shoulder. Place fat cap side down in the insert of a slow cooker. Add the onions, thyme, and apple cider around the sides. Cover and cook on high for 6 hours, or low for 8 to 10 hours until pull-apart tender.
4. Step 4Remove the sprigs of thyme. Using two forks, pull the pork into bite-sized pieces. Gently toss with the onions and juices in the slow cooker. Hold on warm for up to 4 hours while serving.
5. Step 5To serve: Spread dijon mustard on the insides of each pretzel roll. Top with pulled pork and onions.

Make this up to 2 days ahead. Remove the insert of the slow-cooker and let it cool to room temperature. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, remove the slow cooker insert from the refrigerator; sit at room temperature for 30 minutes; return to the slow cooker on high heat for 1 to 2 hours, until heated through. Hold on warm for up to 4 hours.

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