Super Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches: The Ultimate Weeknight Meal

Pulled pork sandwiches are a crowd-pleaser. They’re flavorful, satisfying, and relatively inexpensive to make. But sometimes, the thought of smoking a pork shoulder for hours can seem daunting. That’s where this super easy slow cooker pulled pork sandwich recipe comes in! This recipe requires minimal effort, uses simple ingredients, and delivers incredible results every time. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual get-togethers, these pulled pork sandwiches are sure to become a family favorite.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is a winner for several reasons:

* **Effortless Preparation:** The slow cooker does all the work. Simply season the pork, add some liquid, and let it cook. No babysitting required!
* **Incredibly Tender Pork:** The low and slow cooking process breaks down the tough connective tissue, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tender pork.
* **Flavorful and Versatile:** The simple spice rub and cooking liquid create a delicious base flavor that can be customized to your liking. Add your favorite BBQ sauce or toppings to create your perfect sandwich.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Pork shoulder is a relatively inexpensive cut of meat, making this a great option for feeding a crowd on a budget.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Pulled pork can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it perfect for meal prepping or busy schedules.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches:

* **Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt):** A 3-4 pound pork shoulder (also known as Boston butt) is ideal. Look for one with good marbling for the best flavor and tenderness. You can use bone-in or boneless; boneless cooks slightly faster.
* **Spice Rub:** The spice rub is crucial for adding flavor to the pork. This recipe uses a simple but effective combination of:
* **Brown Sugar:** Adds sweetness and helps create a delicious bark.
* **Smoked Paprika:** Provides a smoky flavor.
* **Garlic Powder:** Adds savory flavor.
* **Onion Powder:** Adds savory flavor.
* **Chili Powder:** Adds a touch of heat (adjust to your preference).
* **Cumin:** Adds earthy flavor.
* **Dry Mustard:** Adds tang and complexity.
* **Salt:** Enhances all the flavors.
* **Black Pepper:** Adds a bit of spice.
* **Cooking Liquid:** The cooking liquid helps keep the pork moist and adds flavor. You can use a variety of liquids, such as:
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** Adds acidity and tenderizes the meat.
* **Chicken Broth:** Adds savory flavor.
* **Beef Broth:** Adds a richer, deeper flavor.
* **Cola:** Adds sweetness and helps tenderize the meat (use regular cola, not diet).
* **Water:** A simple option that still works well.
* **BBQ Sauce:** Use your favorite BBQ sauce to coat the pulled pork. Experiment with different flavors to find your perfect match.
* **Sandwich Buns:** Choose your favorite buns. Brioche, Kaiser rolls, or even toasted bread slices work well.
* **Toppings (Optional):** Get creative with your toppings! Here are some suggestions:
* **Coleslaw:** Adds a creamy and crunchy texture.
* **Pickles:** Adds a tangy crunch.
* **Onion Rings:** Adds a crispy and savory element.
* **Jalapeños:** Adds heat.
* **Cheese:** Cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone are all great choices.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the most delicious and easy slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches:

**Step 1: Prepare the Pork Shoulder**

1. **Pat the Pork Dry:** Use paper towels to pat the pork shoulder dry. This helps the spice rub adhere better and promotes a better bark formation.
2. **Trim Excess Fat (Optional):** While some fat is essential for flavor and moisture, you can trim off any large, thick pieces of fat from the outside of the pork shoulder. Be careful not to remove too much, as the fat will render down and keep the pork moist.

**Step 2: Make the Spice Rub**

1. **Combine Spices:** In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed.

**Step 3: Rub the Pork Shoulder**

1. **Generously Coat the Pork:** Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat every nook and cranny. Press the spices into the meat to help them adhere.

**Step 4: Place Pork in Slow Cooker**

1. **Place Pork in Slow Cooker:** Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the bottom of your slow cooker.

**Step 5: Add Cooking Liquid**

1. **Pour in Liquid:** Pour the apple cider vinegar and chicken broth (or your chosen liquid) into the slow cooker around the pork shoulder. The liquid should come about halfway up the side of the pork.

**Step 6: Cook the Pork**

1. **Cook on Low:** Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily pulls apart. Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker, so check for doneness after 8 hours.

**Step 7: Shred the Pork**

1. **Remove Pork from Slow Cooker:** Carefully remove the cooked pork shoulder from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board.
2. **Shred the Pork:** Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Discard any large pieces of fat or gristle.

**Step 8: Mix with BBQ Sauce**

1. **Add BBQ Sauce:** In a large bowl, combine the shredded pork with your favorite BBQ sauce. Toss to coat evenly. You can also add some of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker to keep the pork moist.

**Step 9: Assemble the Sandwiches**

1. **Toast the Buns (Optional):** Toast the sandwich buns for a slightly crispy texture.
2. **Pile on the Pork:** Pile the BBQ pulled pork onto the bottom buns.
3. **Add Toppings:** Add your favorite toppings, such as coleslaw, pickles, or onion rings.
4. **Top with the Other Bun:** Place the top bun on the sandwich and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches

* **Don’t Skip the Spice Rub:** The spice rub is essential for adding flavor to the pork. Use a generous amount and make sure to coat the pork evenly.
* **Use the Right Cut of Meat:** Pork shoulder (Boston butt) is the best cut of meat for pulled pork. It has a good amount of fat that renders down and keeps the pork moist.
* **Cook Low and Slow:** Cooking the pork on low for a long period of time is crucial for achieving tender and flavorful results. Don’t rush the process.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker:** If you’re making a large batch, use a larger slow cooker or cook the pork in batches. Overcrowding the slow cooker can prevent the pork from cooking evenly.
* **Let the Pork Rest:** After cooking, let the pork rest for about 15-20 minutes before shredding it. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more flavorful and tender pork.
* **Use High-Quality BBQ Sauce:** The BBQ sauce is a key component of the sandwich, so choose a high-quality sauce that you enjoy.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings to create your perfect sandwich.
* **Adjust Spices to Your Liking:** Feel free to adjust the amount of each spice in the rub to suit your personal taste preferences. Want more heat? Add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
* **Consider adding a liquid smoke:** A teaspoon of liquid smoke can enhance the smoky flavor, especially if you are not using smoked paprika.
* **Shred the Pork Warm:** Shredding the pork while it is still warm makes the process much easier.

Variations and Additions

Here are some ideas to customize your slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches:

* **Spicy Pulled Pork:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the spice rub or BBQ sauce.
* **Sweet and Tangy Pulled Pork:** Use a BBQ sauce with a sweet and tangy flavor profile. You can also add a tablespoon of brown sugar or honey to the cooking liquid.
* **Asian-Inspired Pulled Pork:** Use a marinade made with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil instead of the spice rub. Serve on steamed buns with pickled vegetables and sriracha mayo.
* **Hawaiian Pulled Pork:** Add pineapple juice to the cooking liquid and serve on Hawaiian rolls with coleslaw and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce.
* **Pulled Pork Sliders:** Use small slider buns instead of regular sandwich buns for a fun and easy appetizer.
* **Pulled Pork Nachos:** Top tortilla chips with pulled pork, cheese, and your favorite nacho toppings.
* **Pulled Pork Tacos:** Use pulled pork as a filling for tacos. Top with your favorite taco toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.

Serving Suggestions

Pulled pork sandwiches are a complete meal on their own, but here are some side dish suggestions to round out your meal:

* **Coleslaw:** A classic pairing for pulled pork sandwiches.
* **Potato Salad:** Another classic side dish for BBQ.
* **Corn on the Cob:** A simple and delicious side dish.
* **Baked Beans:** A hearty and flavorful side dish.
* **Mac and Cheese:** A comforting and crowd-pleasing side dish.
* **French Fries:** A simple and satisfying side dish.
* **Onion Rings:** A crispy and savory side dish.
* **Green Salad:** A light and refreshing side dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Leftover pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat pulled pork in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven. Add a little bit of water or broth to keep it moist.
* **Freezing:** Pulled pork can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recipe Card

**Super Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches**

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 8-10 hours
**Yield:** 8-10 sandwiches

**Ingredients:**

* 3-4 pound pork shoulder (Boston butt)
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
* 1 tablespoon garlic powder
* 1 tablespoon onion powder
* 1 tablespoon chili powder
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1 teaspoon dry mustard
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1-2 cups BBQ sauce, your favorite
* 8-10 sandwich buns
* Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, onion rings, jalapeños, cheese

**Instructions:**

1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
4. Place the pork shoulder in the bottom of your slow cooker.
5. Pour the apple cider vinegar and chicken broth into the slow cooker around the pork shoulder.
6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender.
7. Remove the pork shoulder from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
8. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
9. In a large bowl, combine the shredded pork with BBQ sauce.
10. Toast the sandwich buns (optional).
11. Pile the BBQ pulled pork onto the bottom buns.
12. Add your favorite toppings.
13. Top with the other bun and serve immediately.

Conclusion

These super easy slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches are the perfect solution for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you can create a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love. So, fire up your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy the best pulled pork sandwiches you’ve ever had! Enjoy!