Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork is a mouth-watering dish that will satisfy any meat lover’s cravings. This recipe combines the smoky flavor of slow-cooked pork with the sweetness and fizziness of Dr. Pepper soda. The result is a tender, juicy, and flavorful pork that falls apart with a touch of a fork.

This recipe has gained popularity among food enthusiasts and has become a staple at backyard barbecues and tailgate parties.

We’ll share with you how to make the perfect Dr Pepper Pulled Pork that will leave your guests wanting more. So, grab your apron, fire up the Crock-Pot, and let’s get cooking!

Want more Dr. Pepper recipes? Check out our 2-Ingredient Dr. Pepper Cake and our Best Dr. Pepper Desserts.

Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork Ingredients

• Pork Roast
• Dr. Pepper or Dr. Pepper Cream Soda
• Garlic Salt
• Garlic Powder
• Seasoned Pepper
• Parsley

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the pulled pork taste like Dr. Pepper?
Once the pork has been cooked, it has a very faint taste of Dr. Pepper. It’s more of that savory, sweet taste you know and love from Dr. Pepper.

Does this pulled pork contain caffeine?
Technically, yes. The temperatures achieved in cooking this Dr. Pepper pork are insufficient to break down the caffeine molecule.

How far in advance can I make this recipe?
While you can certainly make this pulled pork recipe 2-3 days in advance and store in the fridge to reheat later, I highly recommend making this the same day you want to eat it because of how moist and tender the meat is when it’s freshly cooked.

Can I use Diet Dr. Pepper?
Certainly! You can use Diet Dr. Pepper in place of the Dr. Pepper.

What other seasonings can I use?
You can use additional seasonings if you’d like such as onion powder, sea salt, peppercorns and even a dash of paprika for an added kick. You can even add a little bit of brown sugar as your pulled pork is cooking for added sweetness.

What additional toppings can I add?
You can add any additional toppings you’d like. You can even add things like coleslaw, pickles, onions and even barbecue sauce to your pulled pork sandwiches.

What kind of pork is used for pulled pork?
My personal preference is to use pork roast because it has a good amount of marbling (fat) throughout it allowing the pork to become tender and moist while cooking.

Can I make this in my Instant Pot?
Yes! If you’d rather make this in your Instant Pot, place your Instant Pot on Manual High Pressure for 50 Minutes after adding in all the ingredients. Do a natural release for 10 minutes and then remove and serve.

How to Serve Pulled Pork with Dr. Pepper

My personal favorite way to serve pulled pork is on sesame buns and eat it like a sandwich. However, here are some other ideas on how to serve Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork:

• On top of Macaroni & Cheese
• On top of Pork Nachos
• Stuffed inside burritos (think of like a Cafe Rio pulled pork burrito – yum!)
• Inside of Pork Tacos
• Alongside some diced potatoes and eggs (think of a breakfast scramble)
• On top of a baked potato

It is also extremely good to just munch on shredded pork by itself!

Best Sides to Serve with Pulled Pork

• Coleslaw
• Baked Beans
• Corn on The Cob
• Caesar Green Beans
• Corn Bread

How to Store Leftover Pulled Pork

Leftover pulled pork should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days after cooking.

You can reheat any leftovers by microwaving for 2-3 minutes. Add a little bit of liquid (water or Dr. Pepper) as needed to restore moisture.

How to Make Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

Turn your Crock Pot on the high heat setting and place the pork roast in the bottom of the slow cooker. 

Pour the Dr. Pepper over the pork roast, and sprinkle the roast with the garlic salt, garlic powder, and seasoned Pepper. 

Place the lid on the Crock Pot, and cook on high for 4 to 5 hours, or on low for 6 to 7 hours.  

When the pork roast is done, turn the heat off, and shred with two forks right in the Crock Pot, mixing with the Dr. Pepper sauce. 

Sprinkle with Parsley if desired, and serve on buns. 

Serve and Enjoy!