Wow-Worthy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe by Pioneer Woman

Pioneer Woman’s slow cooker pulled pork transforms an ordinary cut of meat into a culinary masterpiece that promises comfort and satisfaction.

Home cooks adore this technique for creating tender, melt-in-your-mouth proteins with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

The magic happens when simple ingredients merge during a low and slow cooking process, breaking down muscle fibers into delectable strands.

Robust seasonings dance together, infusing each bite with complex layers of taste that tantalize the palate.

Regional barbecue traditions inspired this method of preparing meat that falls apart at the gentlest touch of a fork.

Weekend gatherings and family dinners become extraordinary when this crowd-pleasing dish emerges from the slow cooker, filling the kitchen with irresistible aromas.

A Step-by-Step Process for Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

Trim excess fat from pork shoulder, leaving a 1/4-inch layer. Using a sharp knife, create 12 small cuts across the meat. Insert 1/2 garlic clove into each incision.

• Pork shoulder
• Garlic cloves

Step 2: Create Flavorful Seasoning Rub

Mix dry ingredients in a bowl to create a robust seasoning blend.

• Kosher salt
• Brown sugar
• Ground mustard
• Black pepper

Massage the seasoning thoroughly over the entire pork surface. Place pork in slow cooker with fat layer facing down.

Step 3: Add Aromatic Liquid and Vegetables

Arrange ingredients around the pork in the slow cooker.

• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3-4 fresh thyme sprigs
• Apple cider

Gently pour apple cider along the side of the slow cooker, careful not to wash off the rub.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover slow cooker with lid. Cook on high for 6 hours or low for 8-10 hours until pork becomes incredibly tender.

Step 5: Shred and Mix

Remove and discard thyme sprigs. Using two forks, shred pork into bite-sized pieces. Mix thoroughly with onions and cooking juices.

Step 6: Create Delicious Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Toast pretzel rolls. Spread Dijon mustard on each roll. Generously pile shredded pork and onions into rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Advice for Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

• Slice Strategic Fat: Carefully trim pork's fatty edges to enhance overall dish quality without losing rich meat flavor.
• Blend Seasonings Masterfully: Combine dry rubs thoroughly, crushing ingredients between fingers to release maximum aromatic potential.
• Master Shredding Skills: Grab two sturdy forks, pulling meat apart in gentle motions to create perfect tender strands.
• Optimize Cooking Duration: Select precise temperature settings matching meat's tenderness requirements for mouthwatering results.
• Elevate Bread Pairing: Spread zesty Dijon mustard generously across pretzel rolls, creating unexpected flavor complexity with each delectable bite.

Storage Solutions for Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

• Vacuum Seal: Lock in freshness by using a vacuum sealer. Extract all air from the storage bag before sealing to prevent freezer burn and maintain the pork's rich, tender texture. This method extends shelf life up to 6 months and preserves the original flavor perfectly.
• Portion Freeze: Divide leftover pulled pork into individual serving sizes before freezing. Use small freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, measuring out precise portions for quick meal prep. Label each container with the date and contents to track storage time efficiently.
• Mason Jar Storage: Pack cooled pulled pork into clean mason jars for compact refrigeration. Press meat down firmly to minimize air pockets, then seal with tight-fitting lids. Refrigerated pulled pork in glass jars stays fresh for 4-5 days and allows easy stacking in your fridge.

Innovative Variations on Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

• Spicy Chipotle Pulled Pork: Replace half the apple cider with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, fiery version that adds kick to the classic recipe.
• Carolina-Style Pulled Pork: Swap the Dijon mustard with a tangy vinegar-based barbecue sauce typical of North Carolina, creating a more acidic and zesty flavor profile.
• Mexican-Inspired Carnitas Variation: Add cumin, oregano, and orange juice to the cooking liquid, transforming the pulled pork into a traditional Mexican-style carnitas preparation with bright citrus undertones.
• Bourbon Maple Pulled Pork: Incorporate a splash of bourbon and maple syrup into the cooking liquid, bringing rich, sweet notes that complement the savory pork and create a more complex taste experience.

Final Reflections on Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Succulent pulled pork celebrates southern comfort with Pioneer Woman’s signature slow-cooker magic.

Aromatic spices and tender meat create an irresistible culinary experience that beckons home cooks and casual diners alike.

Gathered around dinner tables, families will savor each delectable bite of this classic southern dish.

Pretzel rolls provide a perfect canvas for the rich, juicy pork mixture, elevating simple ingredients into a memorable meal.

Fragrant herbs and caramelized onions complement the meat’s deep, complex flavors, making this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Call your friends, snap a mouthwatering photo, share this incredible recipe, and watch social media likes roll in faster than you can devour these incredible pulled pork sandwiches!

Savor the Flavor of Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

• Unleash Mouthwatering Flavor Depth: The combination of brown sugar, ground mustard, and black pepper creates a robust spice rub that penetrates every fiber of the pork, delivering an incredibly rich and complex taste profile that dances across your palate.
• Master Effortless Cooking Technique: Slow cooker method transforms tough pork shoulder into incredibly tender, fall-apart meat with minimal hands-on effort, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Enjoy Versatile Meal Potential: These pulled pork sandwiches are ideal for casual gatherings, game day parties, family dinners, or weekend meal prep, offering a crowd-pleasing option that can be easily scaled up or down depending on your needs.
• Savor Textural Perfection: The method of shredding creates irresistible pulled meat texture – soft, juicy strands mixed with caramelized onions and cooking juices that guarantee a delightful mix of tender meat and rich, saucy goodness in every single bite.

Handpicked Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

• Pork Shoulder: A flavorful cut perfect for slow cooking, with some fat for tenderness and moisture.

• Kosher Salt, Brown Sugar, Ground Mustard, Black Pepper: A robust dry rub that creates a complex, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor profile for the pork.
• Garlic Cloves: Adds depth and aromatic notes when inserted directly into the meat.

• Onions: Provides sweetness and helps create a rich, moist cooking environment.
• Thyme Sprigs: Brings a subtle herbal essence to the meat during slow cooking.
• Apple Cider: Adds moisture and a gentle, slightly sweet undertone to the pulled pork.

• Pretzel Rolls: A hearty, slightly salty bread that complements the rich pulled pork.
• Dijon Mustard: Offers a tangy, sharp contrast to the sweet and savory meat.

Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Pioneer Woman’s slow cooker pulled pork delivers mouthwatering Southern comfort straight to your plate. Succulent, tender meat soaked in rich barbecue sauce promises a hearty meal that brings family and friends together around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 5–6 pounds (2.3–2.7 kilograms) bone-in pork shoulder roast

Spices and Seasonings:

• 4 teaspoons kosher salt
• 3 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons ground mustard
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 6 cloves garlic

Aromatics and Liquid:

• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 8 sprigs of thyme
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) apple cider

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Instructions

1. Meticulously trim the pork shoulder, maintaining a thin 1/4-inch (6 millimeters) fat layer. Create precise 12 incisions across the meat’s surface and delicately insert half a garlic clove into each strategic cut.
2. Craft a robust seasoning blend by whisking together kosher salt, dark brown sugar, ground mustard, and freshly cracked black pepper in a ceramic mixing bowl. Massage this aromatic rub comprehensively over the entire pork surface, ensuring complete coverage. Position the seasoned meat in the slow cooker with the fat layer facing downward.
3. Arrange thinly sliced onions and fragrant thyme sprigs symmetrically around the pork’s perimeter inside the slow cooker. Carefully pour 1 cup (236 milliliters) of crisp apple cider into the vessel, taking exceptional care to preserve the seasoning coating.
4. Securely place the slow cooker lid, setting the temperature to high for 6 hours or low for 8 to 10 hours. The pork should reach an ultra-tender consistency where it effortlessly separates with minimal fork pressure.
5. Extract and discard the wilted thyme sprigs. Using two sturdy forks, methodically shred the meat into delectable bite-sized morsels, integrating the caramelized onions and rich cooking liquid for maximum flavor distribution.
6. Toast pretzel rolls until golden and crisp. Generously spread Dijon mustard across each roll’s interior surface. Heap substantial portions of the succulent pulled pork and caramelized onions into the prepared rolls, creating an irresistible sandwich.

Notes

• Elevate your pulled pork with a personalized touch by swapping traditional onions for sweet Vidalia or zesty red varieties, creating unique flavor dimensions.
• Flexible cooking times make this recipe a lifesaver for busy home cooks, seamlessly fitting into both hectic weeknight schedules and leisurely weekend gatherings.
• Strategic garlic clove insertion guarantees deep flavor penetration, ensuring each succulent bite bursts with robust, well-distributed seasoning.
• Caramelizing brown sugar in the rub transforms the meat’s exterior into a moisture-locking, subtly sweet masterpiece that tantalizes taste buds.
• Tangy apple cider works magic as a tenderizing liquid, gently infusing the pork with complex, fruity undertones that elevate the entire dish.
• Transform ordinary sandwiches by nestling pulled pork between pretzel rolls, introducing a delightfully salty and hearty bread experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg