Easy Dr Pepper Pulled Pork (Slow Cooker or Oven Recipe)

Slow Cooked Dr Pepper Pulled Pork—it may sound odd, but trust me, it’s SOOO good! Dr Pepper Pulled Pork combines the sweet, unique taste of Dr Pepper with the savory, tender flavors of slow-cooked pork. It can be made in your oven OR crockpot.

Dr Pepper Pulled Pork

This right here is my FAVORITE way in the whole wide world to make pulled pork. Some might think it’s a little odd with the Dr Pepper, but trust me on this, it works. Oh, does it work!

This pork roast slow cooks in it all day—or almost, about 6 hours.  You can use your oven (I use a Dutch oven) or your crockpot.

I actually prefer my Dutch oven because I just love cast iron, and think it’s the best thing in the world to cook with. But I’ve also made this many, many times in my crockpot and it turned out just as delicious each and every time.

A little spicy, a little sweet – a whole lotta awesome.

We like to pile it on a hamburger bun. It’s also reallllyyyyy good on top of my Screaming Pig Nachos.

Why You’ll Love Dr Pepper Pulled Pork

• Perfect for get-togethers: This Dr. pepper pulled pork is a family favorite that brings folks together. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, a game day party, or just a family dinner, it’s sure to make everyone happy!
• Simple ingredients: You only need a pork roast, a couple of onions, brown sugar, and a can of Dr. Pepper (or two!), along with some chipotle peppers for that smoky kick.
• Tender, juicy meat: The slow cooking process makes for juicy meat that practically falls apart with just a couple of forks.
• Versatile for meals: This shredded pork is a great option for pork sandwiches, pork sliders, pork tacos, or even piled on top of a salad. It’s the perfect way to use leftover pork, giving you easy meals all week long.
• Easy slow cooker recipe: If you’re in the mood to set it and forget it, pull out your crockpot! Just pop everything into the bottom of the slow cooker, set it to low heat, and let it do its thing. 

Dr Pepper Pulled Pork Ingredients

• Pork Roast: You can use a pork shoulder, pork butt, or even a pork tenderloin. A boston butt is often considered the best cut of meat for slow-cooked meat because it gets so tender and juicy.
• Onions: You’ll need 2 large onions, quartered. You can use yellow, white, or even red onion if you prefer.
• Salt & Pepper: A generous sprinkle of kosher salt and black pepper brings out the best in your pork. It’s a simple seasoning but adds much flavor to the easy recipe. If you want to get fancy, a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder wouldn’t hurt either.
• Dr. Pepper: You’ll need 2 cans of Dr. Pepper to add that sweet soda flavor and help tenderize the meat. It’s what makes this the best pulled pork recipe.
• Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: A can of chipotle peppers adds a smoky, spicy kick. If you want it less spicy, use just one 7oz can. If you like it with a little extra heat, go for two! If you don’t want any spice, you can leave it out all-together.
• Brown Sugar: It helps caramelize the outside of the pork, giving it great flavor and making it easy to shred.

How to Make Dr Pepper Pulled Pork

To make this delicious pulled pork recipe, you can use either the oven or a crock pot. I’ve done it both ways and it always ends up the same—amazing!

Oven Instructions

1. Get the oven ready: Start by preheating your oven to 300°F.
2. Season the pork: Generously sprinkle salt & pepper all over your boneless pork butt (or whichever cut you’re using).
3. Set up the roaster: Place the quartered onions at the bottom of a covered roaster or Dutch oven, then set the pork on top. The onions will add a nice, sweet flavor to the cooking liquid and keep the meat moist during the cooking time.
4. Add the flavor: Pour the cans of Dr. Pepper over the pork, followed by a can of chipotle peppers (including the sauce). If you want it a little less spicy, just use one 7oz can. If you love a bit more heat, go for two. Add a little bit of brown sugar to the liquid, and give it a stir. 
5. Cover and cook: Place the lid tightly on the pot. Set the pot in the oven, and let it cook for at least 6 hours. During the cooking time, turn the pork roast 2-3 times to make sure all sides soak up that tasty liquid. After 6 hours, check if the pork is tender and falling apart when you test it with a couple of forks. If not, let it go for another hour.
6. Shred the meat: Once the pork is ready, remove it from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat, and get rid of any large pieces of fat.
7. Finish it up: Strain off as much fat as you can from the top of the cooking liquid, then return the shredded meat to the liquid. Let it cook for another 30-60 minutes so it can soak up all that flavor.

Crock Pot Instructions

If you prefer to set-it-and-forget-it, make this a Dr. pepper crock pot pulled pork!

Just put everything in the bottom of the slow cooker, set it on low, and cook for 7-8 hours. Once it’s done, shred the pork, and cook it for another 30-60 minutes in the cooking liquid.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Pile the juicy, shredded pork onto a soft bun or slider buns, and top it with your favorite barbecue sauce. Add a bit of coleslaw on top for a crunchy, tangy bite.
• Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese: Layer pulled pork and cheese between two slices of bread, and cook. It’s like the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich!
• Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese: Stir the pork into a bowl of homemade mac and cheese for a complete meal.
• Pulled Pork Sliders: Serve the pork on small, sweet rolls or slider buns. Perfect for parties, tailgates, or potlucks.

How to Store Leftover Pulled Pork

To store leftover Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork, let it cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container with some of the cooking liquid to keep it moist.

Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, warm it on the stovetop or in the oven, adding a little extra liquid to prevent it from drying out.

Print Pin

Spicy Pop Pulled Pork

Ingredients

• 1 whole pork butt or pork loin or any other kind of pork roast works really
• 2 large onions quartered
• salt & pepper
• 2 cans Dr. Pepper
• 11 oz can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or use a 7oz can if you like it less spicy and two 7oz cans if you like it more spicy
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
• Generously salt and pepper the pork roast, then set it on top of the onions in your covered roaster.
• Pour the can of chipotle peppers over the pork (include the sauce). Pour in both cans of Dr. Pepper. Add brown sugar to the liquid and stir in.
• Place lid tightly on pot, then set pot in the oven. Cook for at least 6 hours, turning roast 2-3 times during the cooking process. Check meat after six hours; it should be falling apart. Use 2 forks to test. If it doesn't fall apart, return to the oven for an additional hour.
• Remove meat from the pot, and place on a cutting board of other work surface. Use 2 forks to shred meat, discarding large pieces of fat. Strain as much of the fat off the top of the cooking liquid as you can and discard it.
• Return the shredded meat to the cooking liquid, and cook for another 30-60 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can cook this in the crockpot on low for 7-8 hours - shred, then cook another 30 to 60 minutes.