This Slow Cooker Cherry Cola Pulled Pork recipe is a delicious dinner! It is full of flavor, and is very tender. Use this easy pulled pork for sandwiches, tacos, or with your favorite potatoes or rice. This easy meal is a great Game Day recipe, and is good as a party entrée. The shredded pork has a smoky-sweet flavor that is delicious on buns or rolls, with potatoes, or even as tacos!
Slow Cooker Cherry Cola Pulled Pork
This fantastic, easy recipe is made using a pork shoulder roast. With a handful of spices and herbs, brown sugar, Cherry Cola, the secret ingredient, liquid smoke, and of course, barbecue sauce, all these flavors combined create a wonderful flavorful dinner.
Slow Cooker recipes are always a winner and this one sure is bursting with a unique flavor!
Cooking pork shoulder is great for the Slow Cooker because cooking it “low and slow” (meaning not at a high temperature and for a longer period of time) breaks down the tough bits and allows the flavors to develop. Easily done in the Crockpot.
If your family likes pulled meat for sandwiches and tacos, etc., and you want a different flavor profile, you need to try this Classic Slow Cooker Pulled Pork or this delicious Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken! They’re both so filling, tasty, and something the whole family will devour.
This is the easiest recipe for shredded pork roast with a delicious sweet-smoky bbq flavor.
You can use this shredded pork for the best pulled pork sandwiches, or in tacos, on top of a salad for something different, top of mac and cheese, or simply eat it by itself with some side dishes!
This recipe is perfect for doubling to make for a large crowd, making this the ideal graduation party, birthday party, get together, or potluck dish to serve.
Simple Ingredients in this Family Favorite Recipe
• Pork Shoulder / Pork Butt / Boston Butt / Picnic Shoulder
• Smoked Paprika
• Onion Powder
• Garlic Powder
• Salt • Black Pepper
• Liquid Smoke
• Brown Sugar
• Cherry Cola – Or use Dr. Pepper or Root Beer
• BBQ Sauce (Sweet Baby Rays or smoky, or homemade)
• Cherry Preserves (jam) – Optional
Why Use Liquid Smoke?
Adding liquid smoke gives the pork shoulder the smoky flavor like it has been grilled outdoors for a few hours. It’s the secret to making the meat taste like you’ve been working hard over the grill when you haven't!
What Cut of Pork For Pulled Pork?
I think the best cut of meat for this recipe is a pork shoulder (or Picnic Shoulder / Boston Butt / Pork Butt) from the grocery store. It does not matter if it is bone-in or the bone has been removed, both cuts will give you magnificent, tender pork!
Which Barbecue Sauce Should I Use?
• You can use your favorite brand of barbecue sauce, or what you have on hand.
• I like to use a barbecue sauce with a smoky sweet flavor. I sometimes use Sweet Baby Rays for this recipe. I also like Kinders brand.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cherry Cola Pulled Pork
- In a small bowl combine the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, liquid smoke and brown sugar together to make the dry rub.
- Place pork roast into the crock pot and rub all sides with the rub.
- Pour the BBQ sauce over the meat.
- Pour the cola over the meat.
- Place the lid on the crockpot and cook on low for 8-10 hours or 5-6 hours on high.
- The meat is cooked when the meat is fork tender enough to pull apart easily with two forks.
- Save some of the braising liquid from the crock to pour over the meat (adds flavor back in), or stew/simmer the pulled pork in the sauce, without the lid, until thickened.
that cooks for 8-10 hours on LOW (or 5-6 hours on HIGH).
Cherry Cola Pulled Pork Helpful Tips
• Make sure you place your pork shoulder in the Slow Cooker with the fat cap on the top. This will act as a natural baster and keep the meat moist while it cooks.
• Reserve some of the liquid from the crock after cooking and keep the shredded meat in it. This keeps the meat moist and flavorful.
Pulled Pork Recipe Variations
- I used a Cherry Coke for this recipe, but you can use an off brand or different cherry flavored soda.
- You can also swap the cherry soda out for other flavored soda if you prefer. Root Beer, Dr. Pepper, and regular Coke are all great!
- Add a couple chipotles in adobo sauce for some heat and more smoky flavor.
What to Serve With Crockpot Cherry Cola Pulled Pork
This Crockpot Cherry Coke Pulled Pork is a great recipe because you can use the meat in many ways.
One of my favorite ways to serve this dish is as Pulled Pork Sliders on Hawaiian slider rolls, topped with homemade coleslaw.
Here are a few side dishes you can serve alongside:
You can whip up some Coleslaw and serve it next to, or on top of your pulled pork sandwiches.
Enjoy it with a scoop or two of homemade Baked Mac and Cheese or a side of Creamy Mashed Potatoes or with a Baked Potato.
A serving of Southern Green Beans and a can of Cherry Cola are the perfect pairing with your Slow Cooker Cherry Cola Pulled Pork.
Serve this up with some Creamy Pea Salad or Cheesy Funeral Potatoes for a filling meal.
How to Store Cherry Coke Pulled Pork
• Once the meat has cooled down completely, any leftover pork should be stored in an airtight container with some of the cooking liquid.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• If you wish to keep it longer, you can transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer-safe bag with the excess air removed and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Crock Pot Cherry Coke Pulled Pork
You can either reheat this pork in the microwave, or on the stovetop. You may need to add some extra bbq sauce if the meat seems dry.
Making this Cherry Cola Pulled Pork in the Slow Cooker is the perfect way to use that pork shoulder you have in the freezer. It’s so simple and easy to make, you’re going to love it!
Slow Cooker Cherry Cola Pulled Pork
Equipment
- 6-quart or larger Slow Cooker
Ingredients
Spice Rub
- 1 Tablespoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 Tablespoon Onion Powder
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Tablespoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 teaspoons Liquid Smoke
- ¼ cup Brown Sugar
Pork
- 1 4-5 pound Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt, etc.
- 12 ounces Cherry Cola
- 1 cup BBQ Sauce Sweet Baby Rays or other
Instructions
- Combine the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, liquid smoke and brown sugar together.
- Place the pork roast in the crock pot and rub all sides with the rub. Pour the cola over the meat and pour the BBQ sauce over the meat.
- Place the lid on the crockpot and cook on low for 8-10 hours or 5-6 hours on high, or until tender.
- The meat is done when the it is tender enough to pull apart easily and shred with two forks.
- Save some of the cooking liquid and pour over the meat to keep it moist (and it adds flavor back in to the meat), or stew the pulled pork in the sauce until thickened, though this takes longer (Adding a little extra bbq sauce is also good).
Notes
Tips
Make sure the fat cap is on top while cooking. This will act as a natural baster and keep the meat super moist. Serve the meat as a main dish with your favorite potato salad and baked beans or in tacos with coleslaw.Storage
Store the leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.Freeze the meat up to 3 months.
Lou says
Absolutely delicious! The meat was so tender it fell apart and the sauce was tasty.