Want to press the easy button on dinner tonight? We've got just the recipe for you! These slow cooker Dr Pepper pulled pork sandwiches are a breeze to make, and they are SO delicious you might want to hog them all.

pulled pork sandwich with barbecue sauce, from Shelf Cooking

We're big on the pig around here. Pork is so affordable, and when you cook it low and slow, it falls right off the fork. That tender, juicy meat is the ultimate comfort food.

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Add some bread and quick and easy sides, and boom! You've got dinner. Pulled pork sandwiches are the perfect meal to feed a hungry crowd. We're about to show you how to make Dr Pepper pulled pork sandwiches, what to serve with them, and how to use up any leftovers. We're pulling out all the stops!



QUICK & EASY PULLED PORK RECIPE SUBSTITUTIONS

homemade tomato paste, from Shelf Cooking

Is your pantry looking at little bare? Don't worry! We'll show you how to make some recipe swaps in a pinch. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Dr Pepper Substitute – If you don't keep Dr Pepper around, that's okay! Any carbonated beverage will do the trick. Try a regular cola, or swap in flavored seltzer water to cut down on sugar.
  • Pork Roast Substitute – Not a big pork fan? No roast in the freezer? Make pulled chicken sandwiches instead! Use breasts or thighs — whatever you have is fine.
  • Onion Substitute – Out of onions? This recipe is still great without them! You can also sub in onion powder or diced dried onions if you have them.
  • Mustard Substitute – Try using mayo, wasabi, or horseradish in its place. Or, you can make your own mustard! Just mix a teaspoon of dry mustard with a teaspoon of vinegar and a teaspoon of water.
  • Ketchup Substitute – Need a ketchup alternative? Try subbing in some canned or homemade tomato paste.

Now you're prepared for anything, so let's talk about ways to add to this recipe and make it even more delicious!


YUMMY PULLED PORK SANDWICH ADDITIONS

Want to add a little pizzaz to your pulled pork sandwich? One of these add-ins might do the trick:

  • Slaw – Make a quick batch of coleslaw to serve on your sandwich. Slaw + pulled pork = a perfect combo.
  • Pickles – Big fan of pickles? Drop a couple on your sandwich or add some of that pickle juice to the slow cooker.
  • Grilled Onions – Grill or caramelize a few onions to serve on top of your pork. Fried onions are delicious, too.
  • Roasted Peppers – Slice or dice your favorite pepper, roast it up and then mix it in with your pulled pork. You won't be disappointed!
  • Hot Sauce – Like a little heat? Add some of your favorite hot sauce to the mix.

Who's hungry now? If you're not already, you will be soon. Let's talk side dishes!


WHAT TO SERVE WITH DR PEPPER PULLED PORK SANDWICHES

big white bowl of macaroni and cheese, from Shelf Cooking

Bake some tater tots or fries, slice up some fresh fruit, and consider your job done! There's really no wrong way to serve up pulled pork sandwiches, but if you're looking for options, try one of these side dishes:

  • Mac and Cheese – If you're looking for the best macaroni and cheese recipe, look no further!
  • Baked Beans – Your favorite cookout side dish is begging for some pulled pork sandwiches.
  • Salad – Make some homemade vinaigrette (it's easy!) and serve it up on a bed of mixed greens. Use up those fruits and veggies sitting in your fridge!
  • Green Beans – Want to get your pickiest eaters excited about green veggies? Toss some bacon into those beans and let them simmer. SO good!
  • Sweet Potatoes – Roast them, mash them, bake them, your choice! If you're feeling extra fancy, try this sweet potato casserole.
  • Corn on the Cobb – Boil it, grill it, or broil it in the oven. Sprinkle with parmesan to take it up a notch.
  • Chips – In a hurry or just want to keep it simple? Grab a bag of your favorite chips, and you're done. Dinner is served!

Now you've got the makings of a super simple dinner. No guesswork required!


HOW TO USE LEFTOVERS

leftover Dr. Pepper pulled pork rice bowl, from Shelf Cooking

Don't want to freeze those leftovers? There are tons of ways to use pulled pork! Here are a few of our favorites:

  • Nachos – Pulled pork is one of our favorite toppings for nachos! Throw yourself a little fiesta.
  • Breakfast Hash – Grab some hashbrowns, scramble a few eggs, and warm up your pulled pork. You just made a yummy breakfast hash!
  • Burrito Bowl – Round up some rice, beans, and veggies and pull together an incredibly easy copycat version of the Cafe Rio pulled pork rice bowl.
  • Lettuce Wraps – Need to use up some lettuce? Here's your chance!
  • Tacos – Who says you need ground beef for Taco Tuesday?! Pulled pork is just as yummy.
  • Pizza – BBQ chicken pizza is a fave around here, but pulled pork pizza is pretty darn amazing, too! Instead of red sauce, use barbecue sauce.
  • Eggs Benedict – You don't need ham to make a killer egg benedict! Try pulled pork. It's SO good. Make it even more southern by using cornbread or a buttermilk biscuit instead of an English muffin.
  • Stuffed Peppers – Add in some rice and beans and top with cheese and sour cream. Yum!

Don't those all sound just as good as the original?! Pulled pork is so dang versatile. Make one batch, and you've got meal options galore! Ready for the main event?! Let's get to that recipe.


HOW TO MAKE DR PEPPER PULLED PORK SANDWICHES

Wait until you smell this pulled pork cooking! You'll be drooling in no time. Guaranteed.

pulled pork sandwich with barbecue sauce, from Shelf Cooking

Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Pulled Pork

Grab your favorite buns, and let's make some fall-off-the-fork, finger-licking good, pulled pork sandwiches.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
5 hours
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb. pork roast
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can Dr Pepper
  • cups ketchup
  • 2 tbsp mustard
  • ½ tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Salt and pepper the roast.
  • Place the roast into the crockpot, along with the Dr Pepper, onions, and garlic. Cook on low for around 4 hours.
  • Remove the roast from the crockpot and shred. Be sure to trim and remove any excess fat. Pour out most of the liquid, reserving just a little for the bottom of the pot.
  • In a bowl, combine honey, mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and brown sugar. Combine with shredded pork, then place mixture in the crockpot.
  • Cook on low for 45 minutes, or until heated through.
  • Serve on your favorite rolls or buns, and enjoy!

If you have leftover pulled pork, you can store it in the refrigerator for three to four days and reheat in the microwave. You can also freeze it! Just pop it in a freezer bag, label it, and use it within six months. Thaw and reheat on the stovetop when you're ready to serve.


What's your favorite side dish to serve with pulled pork? Let us know in the comments!

Image with text that reads "slow cooker Dr Pepper pulled pork sandwiches" from Shelf Cooking

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