Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork Sandwiches

If you’re searching for delicious slow cooker recipes that don’t take much effort, these Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork Sandwiches are a family favorite you’ll make again and again. With just minutes of prep and a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll have fork-tender shredded pork that’s dripping in its own homemade BBQ sauce by dinnertime.

Who’s ready for a dripping BBQ sauce down your chin, requiring multiple napkins, and a crockpot recipe? These Dr. Pepper BBQ pork sandwiches receive rave reviews anytime I make them. Serve it on slider buns for an easy lunch, pile it high for pork sandwiches with a basket of rolls, or try it in pork tacos, pork nachos, or even on top of a salad. There are so many different ways to enjoy this juicy, flavorful pork roast.

The best part is that this recipe practically makes itself while you go about your day.

The Best Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork

I first posted this recipe back in 2017 in partnership with my friends at Paisley Farm.  They were looking for an easy recipe to accompany their Five Bean Salad, and I knew exactly what I wanted to make! A delicious BBQ Sandwich, that’s made in the crock pot, was the perfect idea. First off, it’s easy. It’s not time-consuming, and it keeps families around the dinner table and out of the drive-thru.  Even on the nights when everyone is running in a different direction, dinner is right there in the crock pot, when they are home and ready for dinner. Open a jar of Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad, and dinner is done.

Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork 

This easy recipe for Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork is one of those gems that feels almost too easy for how much flavor it delivers. With just a few minutes of prep and the slow cooking doing all the work, you’ll end up with meat that’s tender, juicy, and full of homemade barbecue flavor. The ingredients are simple, nothing fancy, just pantry staples and a can of Dr. Pepper soda, but together they create something special. It’s also versatile enough to fit whatever your family has going on. Serve it as sandwiches on game day, pork sliders for a party, or save the leftovers for quick and easy meals during the week. No matter how you enjoy it, this is the kind of recipe that gets rave reviews and quickly becomes a family favorite.

Ingredients in Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Sandwiches

• Boneless pork roast – I used pork loin, but other cuts like a shoulder roast or Boston butt work too. Ask your local butcher for the best cut of meat for pulled pork.
• Brown sugar – Adds sweetness to balance the tangy sauce.
• Garlic powder and onion powder – Layers add much flavor.
• Ketchup and Worcestershire sauce – Classic BBQ base.
• Honey – A little bit of sticky sweetness.
• Sriracha and a dash of cayenne pepper – Optional heat.
• Can of Dr. Pepper – The dark soda tenderizes the pork and creates that signature flavor. Root beer or Coca-Cola also works.
• Cornstarch and water – For thickening the sauce at the end.

How to Make Dr. Pepper BBQ Pulled Pork in a Slow Cooker 

In the bottom of the crockpot, combine ketchup, brown sugar, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire, and Dr Pepper soda.

Place the boneless pork roast in the bottom of the slow cooker, fat side up.

Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours or high heat for 5 hours until the pork is fork-tender.

Remove to a cutting board and shred pork with a pair of forks.

Whisk cornstarch with water and stir into the cooking liquid. Cover and cook on high heat until thickened.

I reserved about a cup of sauce, in case anyone wanted extra, and then added the meat back into the crock pot.  Grab some buns and dig in!

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If you love this recipe for Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Pulled Pork, make sure you keep it handy! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go!

Tips and Variations

This recipe is perfect for more than just pork sandwiches. You can serve the meat on slider buns for parties, spoon it over tortilla chips for pork nachos, use it for pizza, or as a topping for a baked potato.

Leftover pork keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or you can freeze it in good-quality freezer bags for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently over low heat and add a splash of liquid to keep it moist. As for side dishes, Paisley Farm bean salads, creamy cucumber salad, potato salad, or coleslaw are all great options to make it a complete meal.

Leftover pulled pork also makes an amazing BBQ Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese Sandwich!

FAQs

• What’s the best cut of meat for pulled pork? Pork shoulder, also called Boston butt, is the most popular choice for pork crock pot recipes, but pork loin or boneless pork butt are leaner options that work well too.
• Can I use a different soda? Yes. Root beer, Coca-Cola, or any dark soda will work in place of the can of Dr. Pepper. Each one gives the sauce a slightly different flavor.
• How do I thicken the sauce? A cornstarch slurry is the easiest way. Mix it in a small bowl, then add to the cooking liquid until it’s the consistency you like.
• Can I make this ahead? Absolutely. Shred the pork, let it cool, and store it in airtight containers. Reheat with a splash of leftover liquid to keep it moist.

Looking for more bean-inspired recipes? Try this Italian Bean Salad, this Mexican Bean Salad, or this Asian Bean Dip!

SEE ALL OF MY PAISLEY FARM RECIPES HERE

This Dr. Pepper pulled pork recipe is such a great way to make an easy dinner that feels special with almost no work. Whether you serve it as pork sandwiches with your favorite barbecue sauce, sliders at a party, or get creative with leftovers, it always hits the spot. No matter the time of year, it’s the perfect sidekick to Paisley Farm’s bean salads for a complete meal.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Paisley Farm, but the opinions are all my own. Thank you for supporting the companies and products that make An Affair from the Heart possible.

This recipe was originally posted on March 25, 2017. It has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on September 30, 2025.

Where to Get Paisley Farm Products

You can pick up delicious Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad, or any of their other fabulous products by visiting their website.  Follow Paisley Farm on their social media for great recipes all year long: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.