Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches at Home

This Labor Day why not make it labor-less by whipping up these satisfying slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches?

Okay, so these aren’t entirely labor-free it’s simply that pretty much everything is done in your slow cooker. And truthfully could be made a few days in advance and they reheated the day of which lightens the load a bit, right?

For this dish, a large pork shoulder is seared and toss it into the slow cooker with sautéed onions and a light smoky sauce. It cooks low and slow until falling apart.

Deliciously tender shredded pork topped with barbecue sauce meets crisp coleslaw and pretzel bun. <—my weakness.

To Make These Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches Gather:

• ketchup – kitchen-made or store-bought, regular or sugar free will work.
• tomato paste – Lends complex tomato flavor.
• dark brown sugar – Adds sweetness.
• apple cider vinegar – Adds a touch of acidity.
• paprika – Lends color and subtle flavor.
• chipotle powder – Lends some heat with smoky and earthy flavor.
• garlic powder – Adds flavor that’s sweeter yet milder than fresh garlic.
• dry mustard – Lends savory tangy flavor.
• cumin – Lends earthiness and warmth, with an edge of citrus.
• smoked paprika – Lends color and satisfying smoky flavor.
• avocado oil – Or use extra light olive oil for searing the pork shoulder.
• bone-in pork shoulder roast – Set out a 6 to 7 pound pork roast.
• kosher salt – Enhances the flavors of the dish.
• freshly ground black pepper – Adds some subtle bite and flavor.
• yellow onion – Adds texture and flavor the pulled pork.

For Serving:

• pretzel rolls – kitchen-made or store-bought
• coleslaw
• barbecue sauce – I listed our go-to towards the bottom of this post.
• pickles
• kettle cooked potato chips
• baked beans
• mac and cheese

In a medium bowl, measure and add; 3/4 cup ketchup, 3 tablespoons tomato paste, 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon each paprika, chipotle powder, garlic powder, dry mustard and cumin, plus a 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika.

Whisk until thoroughly combined.

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet. Use paper towel to pat the pork shoulder dry and generously season all sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Once the oil and pan are hot, sear the roast for 5 to 6 minutes, or until a deep golden crust forms on all sides.

Reduce the heat under the pan to medium-low and transfer the seared pork shoulder to your slow cooker.

Add the chopped onion to the pan, scraping up any leftover browned bits stuck on the bottom of the pan.

Lastly stir in the sauce.

Pour the saucy onions over top of the pork shoulder before covering and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high heat for 6 to 8 hours.

Once cooked, transfer the pork to a cutting board, the pork will be fall-apart tender so this may take several attempts.

Discard the bone, and any fatty pieces and then shred the pork with 2 forks. Skim off excess fat from the liquids in the slow cooker before adding the shredded pork back into your slow cooker, to keep it moist. Toss to coat and season with salt to taste.

To Serve:

Toast the pretzel rolls or any good sturdy roll and pile high with the pulled pork, a little or a lot of barbecue sauce and crisp cool coleslaw. For the slaw, I simply used pre-shredded coleslaw mix and added my greek yogurt slaw dressing. But my recipe for old-style coleslaw dressing is equally satisfying. Typically I serve these sandwiches with kettle chips and dill pickle spears, but if you’re doing the whole Labor Day spread, then maybe add baked beans and mac and cheese to the menu? Either way, you and your guests are going to love these saucy sandwiches!

• Sweet Barbecue
• Carolina Mustard
• Coca-Cola Habanero

These sandwiches have SO much flavor! The pork alone is mouthwatering flavor-packed and with the extra zhuzh from bbq sauce and slaw = memorable!

For more slow cooker recipes Click Here!

Enjoy! And if you give these Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!