Savory Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe

Slow cooker pulled pork becomes a game-changing dinner sensation that elevates weeknight meals from mundane to magnificent.

This culinary marvel turns an ordinary pork shoulder into a tender, flavor-packed delicacy that practically melts on your tongue.

Traditional barbecue techniques blend seamlessly with modern convenience, creating a dish that’s both nostalgic and innovative.

Robust spices and gentle heat work their magic, transforming tough meat into silky, succulent strands bursting with rich flavor.

Each forkful tells a story of patience and passion, celebrating the art of low-and-slow cooking.

Regional influences shimmer through the recipe, promising a taste experience that connects family and friends around the dinner table.

Unleash a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 8

What Goes into Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

• Pork Shoulder: Select a well-marbled cut with consistent fat distribution for maximum tenderness and flavor.
• Garlic Cloves: Choose fresh, firm garlic with smooth, unbroken skin for robust, vibrant aromatic punch.

• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Opt for coarse-ground varieties that provide intense, layered seasoning depth.
• Brown Sugar: Pick fresh, moistureless brown sugar that crumbles easily for smooth rub consistency.
• Ground Mustard: Select high-quality, freshly ground mustard for sharp, zingy flavor profile.

• Apple Cider, Onion, Fresh Thyme: Select crisp, unfiltered apple cider with rich color; choose sweet yellow onions; pick bright green thyme sprigs with strong herbal fragrance.
• Pretzel Rolls, Dijon Mustard: Look for soft, golden pretzel rolls with glossy exterior; select robust, tangy Dijon mustard with authentic European character.

Crockpot Gear for Pulled Pork Prep

• Sharp knife: Perfect for trimming fat and making precise cuts in pork shoulder.
• Cutting board: Stable surface for all meat preparation tasks.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry seasoning ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately portion salt, sugar, and spices.
• Measuring cups: Precise measurement for apple cider.
• Slow cooker: Key appliance for tender, slow-cooked pulled pork.
• Two forks: Ideal for shredding meat into delicious bite-sized pieces.
• Tongs: Helpful for handling and transferring cooked pork.

Making Tender Pulled Pork in a Slow Cooker

• Prep the Meat

Trim excess fat from pork shoulder, creating small cuts and stuffing each with garlic. This helps infuse deep flavor throughout the meat.

• Create Flavor Explosion

Blend dry spices and massage aggressively into every surface of the pork. The seasoning will create a mouthwatering crust that locks in moisture and adds incredible taste.

• Build the Cooking Environment

Layer sliced onions and fresh thyme around the seasoned pork in the slow cooker. Gently pour apple cider along the side, ensuring the spice rub stays perfectly intact.

• Transform Meat into Tender Deliciousness

Cook on high for 6 hours or low for 8-10 hours. The slow cooking process breaks down muscle fibers, creating impossibly soft and succulent meat that falls apart effortlessly.

• Craft Irresistible Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Shred the pork using two forks, mixing with caramelized onions and rich cooking juices. Toast pretzel rolls, spread with Dijon mustard, and pile high with the juicy meat. Serve immediately for maximum flavor and enjoyment.

Sauce Ideas and Pulled Pork Tips

Explore exciting flavor twists and cooking methods that elevate this classic dish.

Replace ground mustard with smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a bolder, more intense flavor profile. Each spice brings a unique warmth that transforms the meat’s taste completely.

Experiment with different cooking liquids like bourbon, beer, or orange juice instead of apple cider. These alternatives infuse the pork with rich, unexpected depth that will surprise your taste buds.

Try oven braising at 325°F for 3-4 hours or using a pressure cooker for faster results. Each method produces slightly different textures while maintaining the pork’s incredible tenderness.

Prepare pulled pork up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container. Reheat gently with a splash of saved cooking liquid to maintain moisture and preserve the meat’s juicy characteristics.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

• Picnic-Perfect Plating: Layer the pulled pork on a rustic wooden board with pickles, coleslaw, and extra rolls for a casual, inviting spread that screams summer gathering.
• Flavor Boost Sides: Pair the sandwich with crispy sweet potato fries, tangy apple slaw, or a zesty corn salad to complement the rich, tender pork.
• Family-Style Feast: Create a build-your-own sandwich station with various toppings like pickled jalapeños, crispy onions, fresh cilantro, and additional barbecue sauce, letting everyone customize their meal.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining pulled pork into tacos, nachos, or stuffed into baked potatoes for an easy next-day meal that keeps the deliciousness going.

Keeping Pulled Pork Moist After Cooking

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Portion and Freeze: Divide leftover pulled pork into meal-sized portions, storing in airtight freezer containers for up to 3 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn and maintain rich flavor.
• Smart Refrigeration: Keep cooked pulled pork in sealed containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Always use clean utensils when handling to prevent bacterial contamination.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated pork in microwave or skillet, adding a splash of apple cider to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Versatile Meal Prep: Transform leftover pulled pork into tacos, nachos, pizza toppings, or salad protein for quick and delicious meal variations throughout the week.

Tender Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Melissa’s pulled pork delivers mouthwatering Southern comfort through tender meat infused with smoky barbecue sauce. Slow cooking creates rich, hearty flavors you’ll savor with family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5–6 lbs (2.3–2.7 kg) bone-in pork shoulder roast
• 4 tsp kosher salt
• 3 tsp ground black pepper
• 2 tsp ground mustard
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 6 cloves garlic
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 8 sprigs of thyme
• 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Trim pork shoulder, leaving a thin fat layer. Create strategic incisions and insert garlic cloves into each cut for enhanced flavor infusion.
2. Seasoning Technique: Blend kosher salt, dark brown sugar, ground mustard, and black pepper into a dynamic rub. Thoroughly massage seasoning across the entire meat surface, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Position meat in slow cooker with fat layer facing downward.
3. Aromatic Foundation: Layer thinly sliced onions and fragrant thyme sprigs around the pork perimeter. Gently pour apple cider into the slow cooker, carefully maintaining the seasoning coating.
4. Slow Cooking Process: Cover and set slow cooker to high (6 hours) or low (8-10 hours). Cook until meat becomes incredibly tender and easily separates with minimal fork pressure.
5. Finishing and Shredding: Remove thyme sprigs. Use two forks to methodically shred meat, incorporating caramelized onions and cooking liquid for maximum flavor complexity.
6. Sandwich Assembly: Toast pretzel rolls until golden. Spread Dijon mustard inside each roll. Pile pulled pork and caramelized onions generously, creating a mouthwatering sandwich experience.

Notes

• Precision in Fat Trimming: Keep a thin 1/4-inch fat layer to ensure juicy, flavorful meat that doesn’t become greasy or dry during slow cooking.
• Garlic Infusion Technique: Inserting garlic cloves directly into meat cuts intensifies flavor penetration, creating deeper, more complex taste profiles throughout the pork.
• Strategic Seasoning Approach: Massage spice blend thoroughly, covering every surface to guarantee even flavor distribution and maximum taste development.
• Temperature and Time Mastery: Slow cooking allows connective tissues to break down completely, transforming tough meat into melt-in-your-mouth texture – low and slow is the secret to perfect pulled pork.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg