I’m telling you, is there anything better than the smell of BBQ wafting through your house all day? Seriously, it’s pure heaven! And, let me tell you, these BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches (Slow Cooker) are an absolute game changer. They’re so incredibly easy, you won’t believe it – perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without slaving away in the kitchen. My family practically *begs* for these, and I bet yours will too! Growing up, every summer meant a backyard full of friends and family gathered around a smoker – so these sandwiches are a little piece of home for me.
Why You’ll Love These BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches (Slow Cooker)
Okay, friends, let me tell you why you NEED to make these! Seriously, these BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches (Slow Cooker) are a winner every single time. Here are the reasons:
- Ridiculously easy: Prep takes maybe 20 minutes, tops.
- Flavor explosion: That smoky, sweet, and savory flavor is just divine!
- Perfect for a crowd: Make a big batch and feed everyone.
- Set it and forget it: The slow cooker does all the work! Hello, convenience!
Ingredients for the Best BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches (Slow Cooker)
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! To get these BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches (Slow Cooker) absolutely perfect, you’ll need the following – don’t worry, it’s nothing too crazy, I promise!
- A lovely 3-4 pound pork shoulder roast. Don’t go too small or you’ll be sad!
- 1 tablespoon of good-quality olive oil.
- One large onion, chopped. Chop it up, now.
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced.
- 1 cup of your favourite BBQ sauce.
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar. It gives the perfect tang!
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (you know, the kind you smoosh into the measuring cup!).
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Mmm, smoky goodness!
- Salt and pepper, to taste, of course.
- And finally, hamburger buns for serving.
Equipment Needed for BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches (Slow Cooker)
Okay, before we get started, let’s make sure you have the right gear! You won’t need anything fancy, promise. You’ll need your trusty slow cooker, of course! Also, a skillet for searing (trust me, it’s worth it!), a cutting board, some bowls for mixing, and two forks for shredding that yummy pork. Don’t forget a knife, too!
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches (Slow Cooker)
Okay, friends, let’s get down to the good stuff! Making these BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches (Slow Cooker) is super simple, I promise. Follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down on deliciousness in no time!
- First things first: Season that pork shoulder! Sprinkle it generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy!
- Next, grab your skillet, add that olive oil, and get it nice and hot over medium-high heat. Now, sear the pork shoulder on ALL sides until it’s browned. This step is key for flavor, so don’t skip it! Careful, it splatters!
- Now, put those chopped onions and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Place your seared pork shoulder right on top of the onions and garlic.
- In a bowl, whisk together your BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Get that mix well-combined!
- Pour that glorious sauce right over the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
- Now comes the easy part! Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. You want that pork super tender and shreddable.
- Once cooked, take the pork out of the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. It should practically fall apart!
- Return that shredded pork back into the slow cooker and stir it all together with the sauce. Mmm, so good!
- Finally: Serve that amazing pulled pork on your hamburger buns and enjoy every single bite!
Tips for Success: Perfecting Your BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches (Slow Cooker)
Okay, so you want to make the BEST BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches (Slow Cooker), right? Trust me, I get it! Here are a few secrets to ensure your sandwiches are off the charts!
First, don’t skimp on the searing step! A good sear adds a ton of flavor. Also, after that pork has cooked, don’t shred it with a fork immediately! Let it rest a bit–it’s easier and keeps the juices in. And, finally, taste that sauce! Adjust the brown sugar or vinegar to your liking, because everyone loves their BBQ a bit different.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches (Slow Cooker)
Okay, let’s chat about these ingredients! I’ve been making these BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches (Slow Cooker) for years, so I’ve learned a *thing or two* about what works.
First off: BBQ sauce. Use your *favorite*! Sweet, spicy, smoky…it all works! If you have a homemade recipe, even better! If you’re not a pork shoulder person, a tender pork butt roast works great, too. I’ve even used beef chuck roast when I didn’t have pork.
Serving Suggestions to Complement Your BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches (Slow Cooker)
Okay, so you’ve got your amazing BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches (Slow Cooker), and now you need some sides, right? Don’t worry, I got you! Honestly, the sides are just as important as the sandwiches themselves! Think classic cookout flavors!
Coleslaw is a MUST, of course! Then, how about some creamy potato salad? Or, for something a little different, try some grilled corn on the cob. And, for a sweet treat to top it all off, try watermelon!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches (Slow Cooker)
Okay, so you made a *ton* of BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches (Slow Cooker)… which, honestly, is never a bad thing! So now what?
Leftover pulled pork? No problem! Let it cool completely, then pop it in an airtight container – it’ll be good in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it! Just make sure it’s properly sealed to avoid freezer burn.
For reheating, the slow cooker is your friend! You can also microwave, but don’t dry it out! You can add a splash more BBQ sauce if needed, and warm it through for the perfect sandwich, every time!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Okay, food nerds, here’s a rough idea of what you’re getting yourself into with these amazing BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches (Slow Cooker)! Keep in mind, this is just an estimate, because, you know, measuring every single drop is a bit mad, right?
Here’s what you’re looking at, per serving (that’s one sandwich!):
- Calories: About 450
- Sugar: Roughly 20g
- Sodium: Around 600mg
- Fat: About 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: About 35g
- Fiber: Around 3g
- Protein: A whopping 30g! Yessss!
- Cholesterol: About 100mg