Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Fall means football season and slow cooker pulled pork is an essential part of any game day food buffet. Meltingly tender and seriously easy, this pulled pork recipe includes a flavorful rub spiked with brown sugar and dry mustard, sweet onions, and even apple cider to make it a comforting fall recipe. The best part about it? No need to sear on the stove before cooking. Serve it on toasted pretzel rolls with a smear of sharp mustard, and it's ready for feeding a hungry crowd at the tailgate or even as an easy family meal. 

What is the best cut of meat for slow cooker pulled pork?

This Crock-Pot recipe calls for bone-in pork shoulder, which is sometimes labeled picnic roast. (Pork butt or Boston butt roasts will also work for this recipe.) You can use a boneless cut as well, but the bone gives both the meat and cooking liquid a flavorful boost as the roast cooks slowly. When finished, the meat is tossed with the cooking liquid, so build flavor by seeking out that bone-in roast! 

Does pulled pork in the slow cooker need liquid?

The pork will release a lot of moisture when cooking, so while it is not entirely necessary to add liquid to the slow-cooker, we like the flavor that the apple cider adds to the finished dish. If you don't have apple cider, use chicken broth or beef broth, or even beer.

How long does pulled pork take in the slow cooker?

At high heat, the pork shoulder will take about six hours in the slow cooker to become meltingly tender. At low heat, plan on 8 to 10 hours.  

Is it better to cook pulled pork on high or low?

This depends on the amount of time that you have. Either temperature will yield fork-tender pork. Got a late start to the day? Set on high to expedite the cook time. Starting this before a long day at work? Choose low heat and come home to a meltingly tender meal.