Looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal? Dr. Pepper pulled pork is a tender, flavorful dish with a hint of sweetness — perfect for weeknight dinners or get-togethers with friends. Best of all, using a slow cooker makes the process effortless.
Keep reading for step-by-step instructions to make our favorite Dr. Pepper pulled pork at home, along with expert tips for the juiciest, most flavorful results.
Why Dr. Pepper pulled pork is the flavorful twist your next meal needs
Dr. Pepper pulled pork is the flavorful twist your next meal needs. This unique main dish blends the rich, smoky taste of slow-cooked pork with the sweet, tangy complexity of Dr. Pepper — a technique that's been embraced by barbecue lovers for years. The soda's caramelized sugars and spice blend help tenderize the meat while infusing it with bold, mouthwatering flavor.
The result? Juicy, fall-apart pulled pork that's both effortless to make and impossible to resist. Whether for a casual family dinner or a weekend gathering, Dr. Pepper pulled pork is an easy way to elevate your mealtime.
Instructions for making Dr. Pepper pulled pork sliders at home
Serves: 6-8
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook time: 6-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
Ingredients
- 2 packs Hatfield® Texas Smokehouse Boneless Pork Roast.
- 1 tsp. kosher salt.
- ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper.
- 1 tsp. garlic powder.
- 1 onion, sliced (optional).
- 12 ounces Dr. Pepper (1 can).
- 1 Tbsp. honey.
- 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar.
- ¾ cup barbecue sauce.
- 6-8 soft hamburger buns.
- Prepared coleslaw (for serving).
Instructions
- Step 1: Turn on your slow cooker and set it to low (for 6-8 hours). If you need to cook the pork faster, set it to high (for 4-5 hours).
- Step 2: If using onion, slice and place it at the bottom of your slow cooker. Then, add the pork on top of the onion (if using).
- Step 3: Pour the entire 12-ounce can of Dr. Pepper over the pork. Then, add the honey and balsamic vinegar, stirring gently to combine. Finally, pour in your preferred barbecue sauce and mix everything to coat the pork.
- Step 4: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours (or high for 4-5 hours) until the pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
- Step 5: Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker to absorb the flavorful juices.
- Step 6: While the pork soaks in the juices, lightly toast 6-8 soft hamburger buns. Then, spoon a generous amount of shredded pork onto each butter-toasted bun.
- Step 7: Top each sandwich with prepared coleslaw for extra crunch and flavor. Serve your pulled pork sandwiches with your favorite sides and enjoy!
If you're ready to get started, head to your local grocery store to pick up your favorite Hatfield® pork products today!
Pro tips for perfect Dr. Pepper pulled pork sliders
Want to take this Dr. Pepper pulled pork sandwich recipe to the next level? Keep these expert tips in mind:
- Low and slow for tender pork: For melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, cook the pork on low for 6-8 hours. Let it rest for 10 minutes before shredding to lock in all that delicious moisture.
- Balance the sweetness: Dr. Pepper and barbecue sauce (or Worcestershire sauce) bring a rich sweetness, but a splash of apple cider vinegar or a dash of hot sauce can add the perfect contrast.
- Customize with add-ins: Make it your own! Toss in onion powder, minced garlic, chipotle pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth and a personalized flavor boost.
- Get creative with serving options: No buns? No problem! Try pulled pork in tacos, over roasted vegetables or even on top of baked potatoes for a hearty twist.
- Save the juices for extra flavor: After shredding, mix the pork back into the slow cooker with its juices to keep it extra moist and flavorful.
Dr. Pepper pulled pork FAQs
Consider the following FAQs as you perfect this Dr. Pepper pulled pork recipe:
What cut of pork is best for pulled pork?
For the best pulled pork, we recommend a boneless pork roast, but pork shoulder (also called pork butt) or pork tenderloin also work well. These cuts break down best during slow cooking, resulting in juicy, fall-apart tender meat that's packed with flavor.
Can I use Diet Dr. Pepper for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you're looking to cut down on sugar or only have Diet Dr. Pepper on hand, you can use it as a substitute. The flavor will be slightly different since diet soda doesn't caramelize the same way, but it will still add depth and sweetness to the pork.
Can I use a different soda instead of Dr. Pepper?
Yes! Root beer, cola or cherry cola are great alternatives, each offering a unique flavor twist. Root beer brings a smooth, vanilla-like sweetness, while cola adds a more traditional caramelized depth. If you're feeling adventurous, try a spiced soda like ginger ale for a tangy kick.
What are the best sides to serve with Dr. Pepper pulled pork?
This pulled pork pairs perfectly with classic barbecue sides like coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese or cornbread. If you want something lighter, try a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables or grilled corn on the cob. For extra contrast, tangy pickles or slaw can help cut through the richness.
How can I make Dr. Pepper pulled pork spicier?
If you love a little heat, add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. For even more kick, throw in some diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers while the pork cooks. A spicy barbecue sauce can also add a smoky heat that complements the sweetness of the Dr. Pepper.
Can I make Dr. Pepper pulled pork ahead of time?
Yes! Pulled pork often tastes even better the next day since the flavors have time to develop. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or freeze it for up to three months. When reheating, mix in some of the reserved cooking juices or a little broth to keep it moist. Warm it on the stove, in a low-temperature oven or in a slow cooker on the "keep warm" setting.
What should I do if the pork is too dry after cooking?
If your pulled pork turns out a bit dry, stir in some extra barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce or mix the shredded pork back into the cooking juices to help rehydrate it. If you don't have any leftover juices, a splash of chicken broth or apple cider vinegar can add moisture while enhancing the flavor.
How do I know when the pork is done cooking?
The easiest way to tell if your pork is ready is by checking its texture — it should effortlessly pull apart with a fork. If you're using a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 195°F to create that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. If it's still tough, let it cook a little longer and check again in 30 minutes.
Make family meals unforgettable with Hatfield
Dr. Pepper pulled pork is the perfect main dish for bringing family and friends together — easy to make, packed with flavor and irresistibly tender. The unique sweetness of Dr. Pepper adds something special, and using high-quality, pre-seasoned Hatfield pork ensures that every bite is delicious.
Ready to dive in? You can head to your local grocery store to pick up your favorite Hatfield® pork products today.
