Mom’s All-Time Favorite: Crockpot Pulled Pork 🥗🥪
If there is one meal that reminds me of home, it’s definitely pulled pork sandwiches. This is my mom’s absolute favorite meal!
There’s something so comforting about a meal that has been slow cooking all day. It makes the whole house smell amazing and always brings back the best memories of family dinners. I paired it with some classic sides. coleslaw, chips, a pickle, and a piece of cornbread, for the ultimate "comfort food" plate.
Ingredients:
• Main: 3-4 lb Pork butt or shoulder
• The Sauce: 1 bottle (18 oz) of your favorite BBQ sauce & ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• Seasoning: 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, salt & pepper to taste
• For Serving: Sesame seed buns, coleslaw, and pickles
Instructions:
1. Season: Rub the pork shoulder with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar.
2. Slow Cook: Place the pork in the crockpot. Pour the apple cider vinegar over the top (this helps break down the meat so it’s extra tender!).
3. Time: Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours until the meat shreds easily with a fork.
4. Shred & Sauce: Remove the pork, shred it with two forks, and discard any excess fat. Drain the liquid from the crockpot, return the shredded meat, and stir in your favorite BBQ sauce.
5. Serve: Pile it high on a toasted bun and serve with your favorite sides!
I’ve always found that crockpot pulled pork sandwiches are the perfect way to create a cozy family meal without spending hours in the kitchen. One tip that truly elevates the dish is using apple cider vinegar in the cooking process, as it helps break down the pork, making it irresistibly tender and juicy. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different BBQ sauces—from sweet and smoky to spicy and tangy—and each brings its own unique flavor that can be adjusted to your taste. Pairing pulled pork with coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the meat. For a nostalgic touch, I serve the sandwiches on toasted sesame seed buns, which add a lovely texture and nutty flavor. Don’t underestimate the power of simple sides like crispy chips and a juicy dill pickle; they add perfect contrasts and truly complete the comfort food experience. Another trick to enhance flavor is to brown the pork shoulder in a hot skillet before placing it in the crockpot. This step caramelizes the surface, adding depth to the overall taste. Leftover pulled pork can be easily reheated and works wonderfully in other dishes like tacos, quesadillas, or even atop a salad for a hearty meal. Lastly, slow cooking on low heat for eight hours is ideal, but if you’re pressed for time, cooking on high for 4-5 hours also works well. Either way, the end result is a delicious meal that fills your home with the warm, mouthwatering aroma of homemade goodness. This recipe has become a staple during family gatherings, especially around Mother’s Day, making it a heartwarming way to celebrate cherished traditions.
How did you make the cornbread