Perfect Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Discovering My Love for Pulled Pork

My Favorite is Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches and The first time I made slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches, I had no idea it would become a staple in my kitchen. It was one of those busy weekdays when I needed something hearty yet simple to prepare. I’d recently gotten a slow cooker and was eager to test its magic. After browsing through different recipes, I decided on a pulled pork recipe that looked promising. The idea of tender, juicy pork, slowly cooked to perfection, sounded like the ultimate comfort food. I grabbed a pork shoulder, some Texas On the Plate Bodacious Red Soppin’ Sauce, and a few other ingredients. Little did I know, this recipe would soon become a family favorite.

The Slow Cooker Revelation

As I placed the pork shoulder into the slow cooker, I was filled with anticipation. I poured in the tangy barbecue sauce and white wine, and added the garlic, shallots, and fresh thyme. The aroma that filled the kitchen as it cooked throughout the day was simply irresistible. It was incredible to think that with just a few minutes of prep work, the slow cooker was doing all the heavy lifting for me. When I finally lifted the lid after eight hours, the pork was so tender that it practically fell apart at the touch of my fork. I couldn’t wait to shred it and taste the delicious results.

Perfecting the Pulled Pork Sandwich

The first bite of my slow cooker pulled pork sandwich was pure bliss. The pork had soaked up all the flavors of the sauce and aromatics, creating a rich, mouth-watering filling. I toasted some sandwich buns, piled on the pulled pork, and added a bit of broccoli slaw for crunch. My family loved the sandwiches so much that they quickly became a regular meal in our household. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, these sandwiches never fail to impress. The best part is that they’re so easy to make, yet taste like something you’ve spent hours perfecting.

Endless Possibilities with Leftovers

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. Whenever we have leftovers, I get creative with different meals. The pulled pork works wonderfully in tacos, on top of rice, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. Each time, the flavors seem to get better as the meat continues to soak in the sauce. It’s a dish that keeps on giving, and I’m always excited to see what new twist I can come up with. These Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches have truly become a go-to comfort food in my kitchen, bringing warmth and satisfaction to every meal.

Chef’s Notes-Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches

• If you have the time, marinate the pork shoulder in the barbecue sauce overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in an even richer taste.
• Cutting the pork shoulder into three pieces helps it fit more easily into the slow cooker and ensures even cooking. It also speeds up the cooking process slightly.
• The choice of barbecue sauce is key. A tangy sauce like Texas On the Plate Bodacious Red Soppin’ Sauce complements the pork’s natural sweetness, but feel free to use your favorite variety or experiment with different flavors.
• Use two forks to shred the pork once it’s tender. Alternatively, if you’re short on time, a stand mixer with a paddle attachment can shred the pork quickly and evenly.
• When assembling the sandwiches, use a slotted spoon to avoid adding too much liquid to the buns, which can make them soggy. Let the pork sit in the sauce for at least 15 minutes after shredding to soak up all the flavors.
• Broccoli slaw adds a nice crunch and freshness to the sandwich, but you can also try other toppings like coleslaw, pickles, or caramelized onions for different flavor profiles.
• If you’re short on time, you can set the slow cooker to High and cook the pork for 4-5 hours instead of 8 hou

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Course: Main CourseCuisine: American, Southern RecipesDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

8

minutes

Calories

450

kcal

Resting Time

15

minutes

Total time

8

minutes

Dive into the ultimate comfort food with these Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches! This recipe is a breeze to make, thanks to the slow cooker doing all the heavy lifting. The pork shoulder becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, soaking up a sweet-tangy-spicy sauce that will leave you craving more. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, these sandwiches are sure to be a hit. Serve with your favorite toppings and sides for a meal that’s both simple and sensational!

Ingredients

• Pork and Sauce

• 2 lbs pork shoulder cut into three pieces for easier fitting

• 1 cup tangy barbecue sauce (Texas On the Plate Bodacious Red Soppin’ Sauce)

• 3/4 cup dry white wine

• Aromatics

• 3 cloves garlic roughly chopped

• 1 large shallot sliced thinly

• 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme

• Serving

• 4 sandwich buns

• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, broccoli slaw

• Alternative Ingredients:

• Pork shoulder substitute: Beef chuck roast or chicken thighs

• White wine replacement: Chicken broth or apple cider vinegar diluted with water

• Shallot alternative: Yellow onion or red onion

Directions

• Prepare the Pork – Place the pork shoulder pieces into your slow cooker. Pour in the barbecue sauce and white wine.
• Add Aromatics – Toss in the chopped garlic, sliced shallot, and fresh thyme sprigs. Stir everything together to combine.
• Slow Cook – Cover the slow cooker and set it to Low. Let it cook for about 8 hours until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
• Shred the Pork – Carefully remove the cooked pork using tongs and let it cool slightly. Shred the meat using your fingers or two forks.
• Assemble Sandwiches – Using a slotted spoon to avoid excess liquid, place the pulled pork onto sandwich buns. Add your favorite toppings like cheese or broccoli slaw.

Equipment

• slow cooker
• chef’s knife
• cutting board
• tongs
• mixing bowls

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 450kcal
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Potassium: 600mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 10g
• Vitamin A: 500IU
• Vitamin C: 10mg
• Calcium: 150mg
• Iron: 3mg

FAQ-Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Can I use a different cut of meat?

Yes, you can substitute pork shoulder with beef chuck roast or chicken thighs. Just be aware that the texture and flavor may differ slightly.

What can I use instead of white wine?

Chicken broth or apple cider vinegar diluted with water can be used as substitutes for white wine. Both will add a different layer of flavor to the dish.

Can I cook the pork on High instead of Low?

Yes, you can cook the pork on High for 4-5 hours if you’re short on time, but the meat may not be as tender as it would be with the slower cooking method.

What should I do with leftover pulled pork?

Leftover pulled pork can be used in tacos, over rice, in quesadillas, or even on top of a salad for a delicious next-day meal.

How can I make the sandwiches spicier?

To add a kick, mix some hot sauce into the barbecue sauce, or top the sandwiches with pickled jalapeños or a spicy slaw.