Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
This slow cooker BBQ pulled pork sandwich recipe is the ultimate hands-off comfort food. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you get tender, juicy pork packed with smoky, tangy flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this versatile dish can be customized with your favorite sauces and toppings.Serve it on soft buns with classic sides for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to make and hard to resist.
Ingredients
- 1.5-2 kg (3.3-4.4lbs) pork shoulder pork butt
- 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce plus more for serving
- 1 medium onion sliced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 6-8 sandwich buns
Optional toppings:
- 1 cup coleslaw
- Pickles sliced
- Jalapeños sliced
- Extra BBQ sauce
Instructions
Prepare the pork
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels.
Season the meat
- In a small bowl, mix paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning evenly over the pork.
Optional: Sear the pork
- Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and sear the pork on all sides until browned (about 2–3 minutes per side).
Add to slow cooker
- Place sliced onion and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Set the pork on top.
Add liquids and sauce
- Pour BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar over the pork.
Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or on high for 4–6 hours, until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart.
Shred the pork
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
Mix and soak
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the juices and additional BBQ sauce if needed.
Assemble sandwiches
- Toast buns if desired, then pile the pulled pork onto each bun and add your favorite toppings.