Dr Pepper Pulled Pork

Name: Dr Pepper Pulled Pork
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 10 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 4-5 pounds pork shoulder; 1 can (12 oz) Dr Pepper; 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand); 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 tablespoon onion powder; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper

Highlighted under: Classic Comfort Cooking

Ever find yourself scrolling through your phone looking for a dinner idea at the last minute? This Dr Pepper Pulled Pork has saved my day more times than I can count. With just a handful of simple ingredients, it’s one of those meals that runs about $10 for a whole batch. The best part? It practically cooks itself in the slow cooker while you go about your day.

Created by

The Meals By Sophia Team

Last updated on 2026-06-03T16:46:18.950Z

When I first tried making pulled pork, I thought it would be a hassle and ended up with some overcooked, dry meat. I learned that sticking with a good cut, like pork shoulder, and letting it cook low and slow makes all the difference.

Now, I just throw everything in my slow cooker, set it, and forget about it. The tangy sweetness of Dr Pepper mixed with spices really tenderizes the meat, and each bite is packed with flavor. Just watch those last minutes – if you shred too soon, it can get a bit mushy!

What Makes This Stand Out

Uses pantry staples that you probably have on hand
The slow cooker does all the work for you
Great for feeding a crowd or saving for leftovers

The Secret to This Dr Pepper Pulled Pork

This Dr Pepper Pulled Pork might sound a bit unusual, but trust me, the soda does something magical while it cooks. The sweetness in the Dr Pepper really helps to tenderize the pork, creating a deliciously sticky glaze by the end of the cooking time. The combination of spices gives it a nice kick, balancing the sweetness perfectly.

The slow cooker is the real hero here. I love how you can just set it and forget it. You don’t need to watch it or babysit the pot. Just pop the pork in with that easy sauce, and after a few hours, you’ll come back to find it’s completely transformed. It’s such a relief on those busy days when dinner sneaks up on you.

Ingredients

4-5 pounds pork shoulder
1 can (12 oz) Dr Pepper
1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Pork

Trim off excess fat from the pork shoulder, although leaving some can add great flavor as it cooks. Cut it into large chunks to help it fit in your slow cooker more easily.

Mix the Sauce

In a bowl, combine the can of Dr Pepper, barbecue sauce, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well until it's mixed, but no need to be perfect here.

Cook Low and Slow

Place the pork in your slow cooker and pour the sauce over it, making sure each piece is coated. Set the slow cooker on low for 8 hours. It’s okay if you have to pop out and run errands during this time, just check it once or twice if you can.

Shred and Serve

Once it's done, the pork should be fall-apart tender. Use two forks to shred it while in the cooker, mixing it into the sauce. Just be careful not to overdo it – I sometimes find that if I do, it gets really mushy, and I prefer some texture.

What to Serve with Dr Pepper Pulled Pork

Dr Pepper Pulled Pork is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with various sides. I often serve it on soft buns for pulled pork sandwiches, topped with a crunchy coleslaw for some texture. If you're feeling a touch more adventurous, try serving it over rice or in a taco with fresh avocado and cilantro. Just thinking about it makes me hungry.

You can't go wrong with classic sides like baked beans or corn on the cob. They're hearty enough to stand up to the richness of the pork. And if you have any leftovers, the flavors only get better the next day, so don't hesitate to save some for later.

Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best parts about this recipe is that you can prep the pork shoulder a day in advance. Just season it and leave it in the fridge overnight, covered. It gives the pork a chance to soak up those flavors more intensively, which is never a bad thing. I do this often, and it saves time on busy days.

You can also make the sauce ahead of time. Just store it in a sealed container in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. It’ll still come together quickly when you’re ready to toss everything into the slow cooker. Honestly, if I’m in a rush, I’ve even used store-bought barbecue sauce, and it still turns out well, so don't stress if you’re short on time!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use diet Dr Pepper?

Honestly, I skip this half the time. Regular Dr Pepper gives a richer flavor, but you can use diet if that's what you have.

→ What barbecue sauce do you recommend?

I’m a big fan of Sweet Baby Ray’s, but any sauce you enjoy will work. Go with what you like!

→ Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?

For sure! Just set it to high pressure for about 60 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for the best results.

→ What sides go best with pulled pork?

Coleslaw is classic, but I love serving it with baked beans and cornbread. Honestly, any side that has a bit of crunch or sweetness pairs really well.