Pulled pork sandwiches are just one of those things that everybody suddenly wants when you mention them, right? But dang, who has all day to babysit a big hunk of pork in the oven? I remember getting completely stressed the first time I tried making pulled pork for friends. Timing, mess, smoke everywhere…but then I discovered the absolute magic of the good old crock pot. If you’ve ever thought, “Ugh, I want those perfect pulled pork sandwiches but I’m not gonna become a pitmaster overnight” honestly, read on. You’re definitely about to be everyone’s favorite home cook with way less effort than you’ll believe. 
How to Make Pulled Pork
Let’s keep this chill. You slam everything into the crock pot in the morning, do your thing all day (work, errands, Netflix, whatever), and by dinner, you’ve got that juicy pulled pork just begging for a bun. Here’s how I do it. Don’t overthink keep it simple:
First, snag a pork shoulder (sometimes called a pork butt). I like bone-in for flavor. Toss it in the crock pot. Rub it with a heap of salt, pepper, a bit of smoked paprika, garlic powder if you want. Honestly, use your favorite barbecue rub or invent your own.
Next, pour about half a cup of apple cider vinegar and maybe a cup of your go-to barbecue sauce right over the top. Some folks add onion, a splash of cola, or a bit of brown sugar. No rules here.
Put the lid on, set your crock pot on low for 8-10 hours. Don’t peek. Just let it do its thing your kitchen will smell wild in the best way. When it’s done, the meat will basically fall apart if you look at it too hard.
Shred it with two forks and mix in a little more sauce if you’re into that sticky, saucy look. Grab the buns, pile high, and… dang, try not to eat it all yourself before anyone else shows up.
“I was blown away by how easy this pulled pork recipe was. I’ve tried others, but this one is now my go-to my family went nuts for it!”
Amanda P.
How Much Pulled Pork Per Person?
So, here’s where I always mess up. I either make enough to feed a high school football team, or I end up smuggling leftovers for lunch. Your average pulled pork sandwich needs about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of pulled pork. If we’re talking pounds, figure about 4 to 5 ounces per person of cooked pork.
Now, the kicker pork shoulder shrinks. A LOT. Plan for the raw meat to lose roughly a third of its weight. If you’re serving 8 folks, grab a 4-pound roast, maybe 5 if you want leftovers (which you do, trust me). It’s never an exact science, especially if people are going back for seconds. Which, let’s face it, they probably will.
I once ran out at my own BBQ. Never again. It’s a true heartbreak watching the last sandwich get snatched up while you’re still finishing potato salad. 
What to Serve With Pulled Pork
Listen, the beauty of pulled pork sandwiches is you can dress ’em up or keep them plain. People always ask what to put beside them, so here’s my always-win serving setup:
- Classic coleslaw crunch is a must. Stack it right on the sandwich or do a little pile on the side.
- Pickle spears because acid cuts the richness. No debate from me.
- Potato chips or fries honestly easier than making a fancy salad and nobody complains.
- Simple corn on the cob in summer, I just throw a big pot out and let people butter their own.
Let folks assemble their own plates. I love watching people stack their pulled pork sandwiches high and add their own twist.
What to Do With Leftover Pulled Pork
So, you went wild and now you’ve got leftover pulled pork. No complaints here. The choices are actually endless burritos, quesadillas, pizza toppings (trust me), baked potatoes piled high, or even tossed in scrambled eggs the next day. I sometimes freeze a batch and pull it out for surprise weeknight dinners. Never gets old.
Heat it gently with a splash of broth or water so it stays juicy. You can even make little sliders for lunchboxes. Sometimes I just eat it cold from the fridge if I’m honest (don’t judge).
How to Store Pulled Pork
Storing this BBQ treasure is way easier than you might think. Once everything’s cooled down to room temp (don’t rush), I pop the pulled pork into airtight containers. If you want max flavor, keep a bit of the cooking juices and stir them in. Fridge will keep it happy for 3 or 4 days. Freezer, you’re looking at up to three months. Just thaw and warm gently don’t blast it in the microwave or you’ll dry it out. Learned that one the hard way.
Here’s a pro tip: portion leftovers in smaller bags, so you don’t have to thaw a giant chunk to make two sandwiches. Handy for quick dinners after those wild, too-busy-to-cook kind of days.
Print
Crock Pot Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- Total Time: 615 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
Easy and delicious pulled pork sandwiches made in a crock pot, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 4–5 pounds bone-in pork shoulder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- Buns for serving
- Coleslaw, pickles, potato chips, and corn on the cob for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Place the pork shoulder into the crock pot.
- Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder if using.
- Pour the apple cider vinegar and barbecue sauce over the pork.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours without peeking.
- Once done, shred the pork with two forks and mix in additional barbecue sauce if desired.
- Serve on buns with desired toppings.
Notes
Leftover pulled pork can be used for burritos, quesadillas, or pizza toppings. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 600 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Common Questions
Can I use a different cut than pork shoulder for pulled pork sandwiches?
You could, but pork shoulder gives you max richness and shreds beautifully. Lean cuts dry out too fast in the crock pot.
What if my pulled pork comes out too watery?
Drain off some juice before shredding. Or, leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes to let it cook down a bit.
Can I make pulled pork sandwiches ahead of time?
Definitely. Actually, it often tastes even better the next day. Just reheat slowly and mix in some sauce.
Do I have to use barbecue sauce?
Nope. I know some folks like a vinegar kick or even mustard sauce instead. Totally your call!
Is the crock pot really the best way for pulled pork sandwiches?
For hands-off, foolproof results? Absolutely. Oven or smoker is great, but I’m keeping my kitchen clean.
Give It a Whirl
If you’re still on the fence, just trust me whip up these crock pot pulled pork sandwiches for yourself or a crowd. They’re easier than pie, and everyone ends up convinced you secretly went to some five-star restaurant cooking school.
Want some more ideas for feeding a crowd? Check out this trusted pulled pork recipe source. Honestly, go wild, enjoy the compliments, and don’t stress if things aren’t perfect. Real food, real fun! 
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Hey y’all if slow-cooked comfort food makes your heart happy, you’re in the right place. 💛 Follow Crock Cozy on Pinterest for hearty casseroles, tender roasts, and weeknight dinners that taste like home.
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