This Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork is the perfect party food when you want to feed a crowd. This sweet, smoky, and undeniably delicious twist on the traditional pulled pork will become a true favorite.
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Why this Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork Recipe is a Keeper
Dr. Pepper’s unique blend of 23 flavors, including cherry, licorice, and citrus, adds a surprising depth to the pulled pork. It creates a subtle sweetness that caramelizes beautifully, a hint of smokiness that complements the BBQ flavors, and a touch of tang that cuts through the richness of the pork.
- Family Friendly: Perfect for game day or your family cookouts.
- Fall-Off-The-Bone Tender: The soda helps break down the connective tissues in the pork, resulting in incredibly juicy and tender meat.
- Crowd-Pleasing Potential: This unique twist on a classic is sure to impress your guests at any potluck or barbecue. Plus it’s so easy to make.
If you’re looking for more game day recipes, try these Loaded Baked Potato Salad, Southern Coleslaw and Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix.
Why is Dr. Pepper so good for cooking Pulled Pork?
Dr. Pepper contains a blend of sugars, including high fructose corn syrup and other sweeteners. These sugars help create a caramelized crust on the pork during the slow cooking process. This caramelization adds depth of flavor and a touch of sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the pork and BBQ spices.
Ingredient Notes for Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork
- Pork: I used a bone-in pork butt to make pulled pork.
- Spice rub: Brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, ground chipotle chili pepper
- BBQ Sauce: Dr. Pepper, ketchup, molasses, mustard and spices.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
Variations and Substitutions to Make Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork
- Additions: Load your buns with pulled pork, then add coleslaw, pickles or for a spicy kick, try jalapeno peppers or cayenne pepper.
- Alternate Method: You can use a pressure cooker or cook on low in a dutch oven on the stove top.
Special Equipment Needed for Pulled Pork in the Crock Pot
- Slow Cooker: This is my favorite – it’s a workhorse in my kitchen!
- Slow Cooker Liners: I always use these – clean up is super simple!
- Meat Shredding Forks: These make shredding pulled pork a cinch!
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Pro Tip
Wait until the pork is cool enough to handle safely, but still warm. This makes the meat easier to shred without falling apart.
How to Make Pulled Pork in Dr Pepper
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These are the basic steps for making this recipe. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions and nutrition information.
1. Spice Rub
First, combine all the ingredients for the spice rub in a bowl.
2. Place Pork in the Bottom of the Slow Cooker
Next, rub the entire pork roast with the rub and place fat side down in the slow cooker. Pour over the Dr. Pepper soda and slow cooking on high for 7 to 8 hours. Until the meat falls off the bone. The ideal internal temperature for shredded pork is 195°F (90°C).
3. Make the Barbecue Sauce
Meanwhile in a large pot, saute onion in vegetable oil over medium heat until softened but not browned. Then add all other ingredients and cook for 10-20 minutes, or until sauce thickens to desired consistency. Add all other ingredients and cook for 10-20 minutes, or until sauce thickens to desired consistency.
4. Shred Meat
Finally, remove the pork from slow cooker and place on a large rimmed baking sheet. Using two forks, shred pork, removing excess fat and bone. Lastly, place a helping of pork on roll and top with Spicy BBQ Sauce.
Pork with Dr. Pepper Recipe FAQs
The best cut of meat and undisputed king of pulled pork is the pork shoulder, also sometimes called a pork butt.
Really the possibilities are endless, serve it as a pulled pork sandwich, use the shredded pork to top nachos, add to tacos or even on top of baked potatoes.
1. Using Two Forks: This is the classic and most popular method. It’s simple, requires minimal equipment, and gives you good control over the size of your shredded pork.
2. Using a Stand Mixer with Paddle Attachment: This method is a great time-saver, especially for larger quantities of pork.
Expert Tips for Making This Dr. Pepper Recipe
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- Juice: Reduce down some of the leftover cooking liquid in a saucepan until thickened and syrupy for a homemade BBQ glaze.
- Add Spice: This great recipe is awesome for family gatherings but so add salt and pepper, worcestershire sauce or whatever they like.
- Variation tip: You can use boneless pork tenderloins in place of the pork shoulder. You can also use this recipe for chicken too.
- Acid: Balance the sweetness of the Dr. Pepper with a splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
More Slow Cooker Recipes
- Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Apple Cider Sauce
- Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
- Instant Pot BBQ Ribs
Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork
Equipment
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Ingredients
Pork
- 7 pounds Bone-in pork butt
- Spice rub, recipe below
- 12 ounces Dr Pepper
- 8 Sandwich rolls
- Spicy BBQ Sauce, recipe below
Spice Rub
- 2 tablespoons Dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Chili powder
- ¾ teaspoon Ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon Ground chipotle chili pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon Salt
Spicy BBQ Sauce
- 1 Large onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil
- 12 ounces Tomato paste
- 12 ounces Dr Pepper
- 6 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
- 4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 4 tablespoons Molasses
- 4 teaspoons Prepared mustard
- 2 cups Ketchup
- 2 teaspoons Chili powder
- 2 teaspoons Dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon All spice
- ¼ teaspoon Ground red pepper
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 3 teaspoons Liquid smoke
Instructions
Spice Rub
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
Pork
- Rub entire roast with spice rub and place fat side up in slow cooker.
- Pour Dr Pepper into slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for 7-8 hours or until meat falls off the bone.
- Remove pork from slow cooker and place on a large rimmed baking sheet.
- Using two forks, shred pork, removing excess fat and bone.
- Place a helping of pork on roll and top with Spicy BBQ Sauce.
BBQ Sauce
- In a large pot, saute onion in vegetable oil over medium heat until softened but not browned.
- Add all other ingredients and cook for 10-20 minutes, or until sauce thickens to desired consistency.
Christina’s Notes
- Juice: Reduce down some of the leftover cooking liquid in a saucepan until thickened and syrupy for a homemade BBQ glaze.
- Add Spice: This great recipe is awesome for family gatherings but so add salt and pepper, worcestershire sauce or whatever they like.
- Variation tip: You can use boneless pork tenderloins in place of the pork shoulder. You can also use this recipe for chicken too.
- Acid: Balance the sweetness of the Dr. Pepper with a splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
I’m going to make this recipe tomorrow! I just know it’s going to be super fire 🔥🔥❤️💯! Stay toon for my masterpiece,!
That sauce looks SO good! I need to give it a try.
I’m making this recipe this week, yum!! Pulled pork in the crock pot is one of my favorite things!ThanksChristina!!!
I’ve heard of putting Cola in with a boiled ham before – but never Dr Pepper with pulled pork. It sounds like a delicious match of flavours!
I made a dr. pepper pork recipe before and it was terrible. i think your bbq sauce is key. Thanks!
I am not a Dr.Pepper fan, but I am sure it would be good in the bbq. The pictures make it look really good.
Thanks for the tip about the metal skewers at Walmart! I need some for roasting marshmallow and doing shish kebobs (can’t spell it!)