Dr. Pepper pulled pork is loaded with flavor from seasoning and Dr. Pepper and finished with BBQ sauce for an amazing weeknight meal.
This Dr. Pepper pulled pork recipe is one of our go-to weeknight recipes because we can have fall-apart pulled pork ready in less than 2 hours. Make this with twice baked potatoes, cheddar jalapeno biscuits, and homemade Twix bars for dessert!
Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork
Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork
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Why you’ll love this recipe!
📌 Delicious pulled pork ready in just 90 minutes.
📌 The added flavor of the Dr. Pepper plus the extra BBQ sauce!
📌 It makes a large portion perfect for feeding a crowd or for leftovers.
Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork Ingredients
- Pork – Pork butt.
- Sugar – Brown sugar.
- Seasonings – Garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, black pepper.
- Dr. Pepper – This adds the perfect zing to the pork!
- BBQ sauce – Your favorite brand and flavor, or make our homemade bbq sauce!
How do you make pulled pork with Dr. Pepper? (step-by-step directions)
⭐ First, combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub this mixture all over the outside of the pork butt pieces to coat them. Place the pieces of pork into the Instant Pot.
⭐ Next, pour the Dr. Pepper around the outside of the pork and spoon the BBQ sauce all over and around the pork.
⭐ Then, cook using your preferred method, until pork shreds easily with a fork.
⭐ Finally, remove the cooked pork and shred. Mix with some of the juices from cooking and extra BBQ sauce if desired. Serve!
Scroll down to the printable recipe card toward the bottom of this article for ingredient measurements and detailed cooking instructions.
Preparation
Can Dr. Pepper pulled pork be made ahead of time?
Yes, this can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the crock pot, Instant Pot or oven when ready to serve.
What is the best cut of meat for a pulled pork recipe?
Pork butt roast, Boston butt, or pork shoulder are what we traditionally use for our pulled pork recipes. All three of these are the same cuts of meat, it just has several names.
Can you use pork tenderloin for Dr. Pepper pulled pork?
You can use pork tenderloin for pulled pork but it is a more lean cut of meat so it will be less fatty and a little drier. If you use a pork tenderloin, make sure not to skimp on the liquid, as that is what will help make it juicy and delicious.
Cooking methods
How do you make Dr. Pepper pulled pork in an instant pot?
For the instant pot you’ll want to add your ingredients to the inner liner of your pot (6 quart or larger). Cover and set to sealing. Cook on manual (high pressure), then natural pressure release. Scroll down to the printable recipe card below for detailed directions!
How do you make it in a crockpot?
To make crock pot Dr. Pepper pulled pork, you’ll want to add all your ingredients to the ceramic insert of the crock pot (6 quart or larger), then cover and cook until meat shreds easily. Scroll down to the printable recipe card below for detailed directions!
Can you make it in the oven?
You can absolutely make this in the oven as well. For best results, you’ll want to use a heavy cast iron dutch oven, 6 quart capacity or larger. Add all your ingredients to the dutch oven, then cover and cook until meat shreds easily. Scroll down to the printable recipe card below for detailed directions!
Storage and leftovers
How long does Dr. Pepper pulled pork last?
Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Can I freeze Dr. Pepper pulled pork?
You can freeze pulled pork after allowing it to cool. It is important that the meat is frozen within a couple hours of cooking or cooling to prevent the growth of dangerous bacteria.
Tips and tricks
✅ Place in airtight containers or plastic bags, then label and date. It should keep indefinitely at 0F or below, but will probably maintain the best flavor if eaten within 6 months.
✅ Give it a little extra kick with some spicy BBQ sauce!
✅ Make sure to rub all sides of the pork butt pieces with the rub to get the best flavor!
✅ Use full flavor, regular Dr. Pepper for best results. Diet Dr. Pepper won’t give the same flavor.
✅ Freeze the leftovers for meal prep or for an easy crockpot meal on a busy weekday!
What to enjoy with our Dr. Pepper pulled pork recipe (serving suggestions)
This easy recipe is a go-to for us because we can have a large meal to feed the whole family in such a short time! We like enjoying Dr. Pepper pulled pork sandwiches with deviled egg potato salad or amish macaroni salad, and strawberry pretzel salad!
More awesome pork recipes
- Pork and sauerkraut
- Smoked pork tenderloin
- Pork and beans casserole
- Pulled pork recipe
- Baked pork chops
- Grilled pork chops
- BBQ pulled pork
- Pulled pork chili
- Pork tacos
- See all our easy pork recipes!
Other great instant pot recipes
- Instant Pot rice pudding
- Instant Pot rice
- Instant Pot corn on the cob
- Instant Pot BBQ chicken
- Instant Pot spaghetti
- Instant Pot Italian sausage soup
- Instant Pot ribs
- See all our easy instant pot recipes!
Tools we love
- Meat Shredding Claws – These meat shredding claws are a fun tool if you’re tired of shredding a giant pork shoulder with a couple of small forks. They also look super cool, like Wolverine.
- Stainless Steel Tongs – I’m a huge fan of having a good sturdy set of stainless steel tongs for serving food. Or six. I actually have six. But let’s start with one. These tongs are affordable and work great.
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How to Make Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork
Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- 4-5 pound pork butt cut to fit in cooking vessel, if necessary
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can Dr. Pepper (12 ounces)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce plus extra for serving
Instructions
- Rub sugar and spices (sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, and black pepper) over the pork to coat. Place pork into your desired cooking vessel. Pour Dr. Pepper around the edges of the pork, then pour the barbecue sauce over top.
- INSTANT POT: Close lid and set to 'sealing'. Cook on manual (high pressure) for 75 minutes, then natural pressure release for 10 minutes before quick releasing remaining pressure/
- SLOW COOKER: Cover and cook on high 6-8 hours, or low 10-12 hours, or until pork shreds easily.
- OVEN: Cover and cook at 275℉ for about 6 hours, or until pork shreds easily.
- Remove the cooked pork and fork shred. Mix with cooking juices and extra BBQ sauce, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
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Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork
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Beth says
I love that extra kick of flavor the Dr Pepper gives the pork, and it makes it so tender! Great recipe.
Amanda says
What a fantastic flavor combination with pork. I will definitely make this again!
Sandra says
This was really good and very easy to make! The pork turned out so tender and full of flavor! We loved it!
Tisha says
I was skeptical at first with the Dr. Pepper but it really is AMAZING!! WE love making it this way
Catalina says
Tried your Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork recipe last night, and it was fantastic! The pork fell apart so easily, and the sauce was a nice blend of sweet and tangy.