Easy Crockpot Apple Cider Pulled Pork: Best 4-Ingredient Recipe
This easy crockpot apple cider pulled pork uses just 4 ingredients and delivers tender, flavorful meat perfect for sandwiches, nachos, or salads. The apple cider adds a subtle sweetness that makes this recipe a crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 lbs pork shoulder (also called pork butt)
- 1 cup apple cider (not apple cider vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons BBQ rub (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for serving)
- Brioche buns or potato rolls (for serving, optional)
- Coleslaw (for serving, optional)
- Pickles (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. If the fat cap is thicker than 1/4 inch, trim some off, leaving at least a thin layer.
- Sprinkle the BBQ rub all over the pork shoulder and pat it in. Let it sit for about 15 minutes.
- Pour the apple cider into the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder fat-side up in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, until fork-tender.
- Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and place on a cutting board. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then shred with two forks or meat claws, discarding any large pieces of fat.
- Pour out most of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker, leaving about 1/4 cup. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and add 1 cup BBQ sauce. Toss to coat and cook on warm or low for 15-20 minutes.
- Serve immediately on buns with coleslaw and pickles, or keep warm on the ‘warm’ setting.
Notes
Cook on low, not high, for the most tender results. Don’t lift the lid during cooking. The fat cap keeps the meat moist. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in a covered dish at 300°F for 20 minutes or in a saucepan with a splash of apple cider.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 480
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Protein: 28
Keywords: crockpot pulled pork, apple cider pulled pork, 4-ingredient pulled pork, slow cooker pork, easy pulled pork