Looking for a crowd-pleasing, no-fuss dinner? This Easy BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich recipe is perfect for a lazy weekend or game day! Tender, flavorful pulled pork smothered in BBQ sauce, piled high on a soft bun. Pro tip: if you’ve got mac and cheese on hand, throw some on top for an extra delicious twist. Let’s dive into the juicy details.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-Off Cooking: Thanks to the slow cooker, this recipe takes minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.
Versatile: Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
Customizable: Add your favorite BBQ sauce and toppings to make it your own.

Ingredients

2 pork shoulders (2 lbs each) – Tender and juicy when slow-cooked to perfection.
24 oz root beer (not diet) – Helps tenderize the meat and adds a sweet flavor.
½ cup water – Keeps everything moist while cooking.
Dash of hot sauce – Adds just a touch of heat.
Salt, pepper, and garlic powder (2 tsp each) – For simple but bold seasoning.
2.5 cups BBQ sauce (or more to taste) – Choose your favorite BBQ sauce to drench the pork in flavor.
12 hamburger buns – Soft, fluffy, and ready to hold all that delicious pork.

Variations

Spicy BBQ: Swap in a spicier BBQ sauce or add extra hot sauce for a kick.
Coleslaw Topping: Add a scoop of tangy coleslaw to your sandwich for a delicious crunch.
Cheesy Upgrade: Top the pork with melted cheddar cheese for extra indulgence.

How to Make the Recipe

1. Prep the Pork:

Spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray to avoid any sticky mess. Place the pork shoulder or butt into the slow cooker.

2. Add the Liquids and Seasoning:

Pour the root beer over the pork, followed by the water and a dash of hot sauce. Season the pork with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

3. Slow Cook:

Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 6+ hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds. The longer it cooks, the more tender it gets.

4. Shred the Pork:

Once cooked, carefully transfer the pork to a large bowl and shred it with two forks. Discard the root beer and any excess liquid left in the slow cooker.

5. Add BBQ Sauce:

Pour your BBQ sauce of choice over the shredded pork and stir it in until the pork is fully coated. Feel free to adjust the amount of sauce to your liking.

6. Serve:

Pile the pulled pork onto soft hamburger buns and, for a fun twist, top with mac and cheese if available. Serve immediately.

How to Serve

Classic Sandwich: Serve these pulled pork sandwiches with coleslaw on the side for a traditional BBQ combo.
Loaded Fries: Spoon the pulled pork over crispy fries and drizzle with extra BBQ sauce for a fun twist on loaded fries.
Picnic Perfect: These sandwiches are ideal for outdoor gatherings or family picnics.

Make It Over

BBQ Pulled Pork Tacos: Use any leftover pork in soft tortillas, topped with slaw and a drizzle of ranch for BBQ tacos.
Pulled Pork Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with pulled pork, cheese, and jalapeños, then bake for an amazing pulled pork nacho platter.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of soda instead of root beer?
Yes! You can use cola or Dr Pepper for a slightly different flavor profile.

What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
This is up to your personal preference—sweet, spicy, smoky—it’s all good! Just use your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

There you have it—a tender, flavorful BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich that’s as easy as it is delicious. Perfect for feeding a crowd or keeping all to yourself. Enjoy!