Hosting a party or gathering and want to make a dish that will disappear before your eyes? This Slow Cooker Party Pulled Pork is your go-to recipe. Tender, juicy pork slow-cooked to perfection in a flavorful sauce, served on buns or as a part of a spread—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The best part? The slow cooker does all the work for you, so you can enjoy the party stress-free while serving a dish that everyone will rave about
Begin by trimming any excess fat from the pork shoulder. Season the pork generously with salt and pepper on all sides. This simple seasoning enhances the natural flavor of the pork as it slowly cooks.
Step 2: Layer the slow cooker
Place the sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker. These aromatics will infuse the pork with flavor as it cooks, adding a depth of savory goodness to the dish.
Step 3: Add the pork
Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker. The pork will absorb all the delicious flavors from the sauce as it slowly cooks to tender perfection.
Step 4: Prepare the sauce
In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of barbecue sauce, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon of ground cumin. Whisk the ingredients together to create a rich, flavorful sauce. The balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors will make this pulled pork irresistible.
Step 5: Pour the sauce over the pork
Pour the prepared sauce over the pork in the slow cooker. If you'd like extra moisture, add 1/2 cup of chicken broth to the slow cooker. The sauce will seep into the pork as it cooks, ensuring it stays juicy and flavorful.
Step 6: Set the slow cooker
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The low and slow cooking process allows the pork to become incredibly tender and easy to shred.
Step 7: Shred the pork
Once the pork is done cooking, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. The pork should be so tender that it practically falls apart on its own.
Step 8: Return the pork to the sauce
After shredding the pork, return it to the slow cooker and mix it with the sauce. Let the shredded pork soak up the sauce for an additional 15-20 minutes on the warm setting. This ensures that every piece of pork is coated in the flavorful barbecue sauce.
Step 9: Serve
Serve the pulled pork on slider buns or sandwich rolls for an easy, party-ready meal. You can also offer coleslaw, pickles, or extra barbecue sauce as toppings to let guests customize their sandwiches
Bonus Tip:
For an extra flavor twist, add a few slices of pineapple to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking. The sweetness of the pineapple will complement the tangy barbecue sauce, creating a unique tropical flair. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Conclusion:
This Slow Cooker Party Pulled Pork is the ultimate dish for any gathering, thanks to its tender texture and bold flavors. Whether you're serving it at a casual barbecue or a big celebration, this dish is bound to be a hit. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s sure to vanish from the table in no time. Follow this easy recipe and prepare to impress your guests with a crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for any occasion!