Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Craving a tender, juicy and undeniably easy meal? Look no further than this root beer pulled pork recipe. A slow cooker and a can of soda are all you need to transform a pork shoulder into juicy, sweet and savory shreds. Sauced with your favorite barbecue sauce and piled on soft rolls, the result is a rich, savory meal with a hint of sweetness. Serve this crowd-pleaser for casual weeknight dinners, family get-togethers or game-day gatherings. 

Ingredients for Root Beer Pulled Pork

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• Pork: A shoulder roast or pork butt is the star ingredient of this root beer pulled pork recipe. We call for boneless, but you can also use a bone-in shoulder roast and just remove the bone while shredding the meat. 
• Root beer or cola: A can of soda tenderizes the pork roast while adding a hint of sweetness and caramel notes to the finished dish. The wintergreen flavor of root beer is a particularly good match with pork and cola works just as well. 
• Barbecue sauce: Store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce provides a smoky, tangy flavor profile that complements the pork and root beer. Go for sweet, spicy, fruity, vinegary or smoky according to your preference.
• Kaiser rolls: These rolls serve as the base for the shredded pork and soak up extra barbecue sauce. Feel free to use hamburger buns, pretzel buns, Hawaiian rolls or any other roll you like. 

Directions

Step 1: Cook the pork

Jonathan Melendez for Taste of Home

Prepare the slow cooker. Place the boneless pork shoulder butt roast in a 4- or 5-quart slow cooker. Pour the root beer over the roast. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded.

Step 2: Shred

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Carefully remove the cooked pork from the slow cooker and let it cool slightly. Discard the cooking juices. Use two forks to shred the pork into small, bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Add sauce

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Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Stir in the barbecue sauce to coat the pork evenly. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for about 30 minutes, or until the pork is heated through. Serve on kaiser rolls.

Jonathan Melendez for Taste of Home

Recipe Variations

• Add a smoky kick: Add a spoonful of liquid smoke into the slow cooker with the root beer to approximate the flavor of smoked pulled pork.
• Spice it up: To balance the sweetness of the root beer with some heat, stir in a little cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the root beer before adding the pork. 
• Add some onion: Add two sliced onions to the slow cooker along with the root beer and the pork. They will soften completely as the pork cooks and add savory flavor. 
• Make nachos: Pile some tortilla chips on a plate and top with root beer pulled pork, some shredded cheese and sliced jalapenos. Bake them just until the cheese melts and. It would also be a delicious stand-in for chicken on a barbecue-inspired pizza.

How to Store Root Beer Pulled Pork

To store leftover pulled pork, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. 

Can you freeze root beer pulled pork?

Yes, and it freezes and reheats very well. Once cooled, divide the pork mixture into freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally, adding water or more root beer, if necessary.

Root Beer Pulled Pork Tips

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What does root beer do to pulled pork?

Root beer is lightly acidic, and that acid breaks down the tough fibers in the meat, which tenderizes it. The sweetness of the soft drink complements the pork without adding a root beer flavor, and the sugar caramelizes the edges. Some of our other barbecue recipes contain this beverage as well, such as our root beer BBQ ribs.

Can you overcook pork shoulder in a Crockpot?

Yes, it is possible to overcook pork shoulder in a Crockpot. We recommend setting a timer to avoid overcooking the meat, which may dry it out. While 8 to 10 hours seems like a long time to slow-cook meat, using the low setting will ensure tenderness without drying. Don’t try to rush it by cooking on high.

What goes with pulled pork sandwiches?

Serve these pulled pork sandwiches with slaw on top or slaw on the side. Either way, a crisp coleslaw like this summertime slaw adds a bright crunch.