Crockpot Smoked Pulled Pork
by Sommer Collier — last updated on Jun 30, 2025 
This easy Crock-Pot Smoked Pull Pork recipe makes the most succulent shredded pork that tastes like it was made in a southern pit barbecue.
Sommer’s Recipe Notes
Who doesn’t love rich, succulent southern pit-style pulled pork, with its smoky essence and savory-sweet bite?
Well, believe it or not, you don’t need a bbq pit to make this amazing pulled pork recipe. You just need a crock-pot!
Our 5-Ingredient Southern Slow Cooker Pulled Pork takes less than 5 minutes to prep and tastes very similar to what you’d enjoy at a southern barbecue-joint!
Why You’ll Love This Crock-Pot Smoked Pulled Pork
- Effortless – All you need to do to make the most delicious smoked pulled pork is to season the meat, toss it in the crock-pot and simply press a button.
- Simple ingredients – With just 5 simple ingredients, you can make a succulent pulled pork that rivals that of smoke pit masters!
- Incredibly tender – This recipe makes the most tender pull-apart pork that simply melts in your mouth.
You can literally enjoy this pulled pork with anything, from buns to salads and rice bowls — this dish is also a meal prep hero!
Ingredients and Tips
- Pork butt roast – In my opinion, this is the best cut of pork that you can use for this recipe.
- Apple cider vinegar – This helps to break down the meat, making it more tender and also giving it a tangy flavor.
- Liquid smoke – Use liquid smoke to bring that smoker flavor right into your slow cooker!
- Brown sugar – Brown sugar makes a great base for a dry rub, as well as bringing in some added sweetness.
- Cajun seasoning – This is great for adding spicy flavoring that balances the sweet brown sugar.
Recipe Variations and Dietary Swaps
- Spicy – Add cayenne pepper into the spice rub to make the pork extra spicy.
- Spices – Sprinkle in extra spices likes chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika for additional savory flavors.
- Beer – Replace the vinegar and water with beer to make the pork even more tender.
- Pineapple – Add pineapple juice and a little bit of soy sauce into the marinade to give this dish a Hawaiian twist.
- No-sugar – Remove the sugar if you’re watching your sugar intake. The pork will taste just as great!
How To Make Crock-Pot Smoked Pulled Pork
To make this heavenly smoked pulled pork you just need a handful of ingredients and a crock-pot.
Find the full Crock-Pot Smoked Pulled Pork recipe with detailed instructions and storage tips in the printable form at the bottom of the post!
Tips For Success
- Use pork butt for the best results. This cut of pork has the perfect amount of fat to create that easy pull-apart action.
- Don’t skip the liquid smoke. It will give you that delicious smoky flavor that this dish is all about!
- Low and slow win the race. Cook the pork on a low temperature and slowly for the most tender results.
Storage Notes
- Storing Leftovers – Keep the pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
- Freezing Leftovers – If well wrapped, you can store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- Reheating Leftovers – Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with extra broth if dry. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts.
Serving Suggestions
This 5-Ingredient Southern Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is so soft and mouthwatering you won’t believe it came out of your crockpot!
Serve it on hamburger buns to make pulled pork sandwiches, or enjoy it next to coleslaw, collard greens, and homemade cornbread. You can even make burritos and quesadillas out of the pulled pork meat. Top it off with some more bbq sauce and shredded cheese!
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Video
Ingredients
- 5 pound pork butt roast
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
Instructions
- Place the pork roast in a large oval 8 quart slow cooker. Pour the vinegar, liquid smoke, and 1/4 cup water in the bottom of the crock.
- Mix the brown sugar and Cajun seasoning together. Rub it all over the pork roast, then pour the leftovers in the bottom of the crock.
- Cover the slow cooker. Cook on high for 7-8 hours, or on low for 12+ hours. Once the meat is fork-tender and falling apart, use two forks to shred the pork roast right in the juices. Mix well to coat.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
In this recipe, I like to use pork butt roast, but you could also use shoulder roast or Boston butt.
I would look for a cut of pork that has a little bit of fat in it, but not an overabundant amount. The fat will create great flavor, but you also don’t want to be eating large chunks of fat, or have to pick them out after cooking.
If your pork is still tough, that means that it has not cooked long enough. There are connective tissues inside the meat that need to break down completely and melt into the meat, which then makes the pork so tender it falls apart with a touch by a fork.
You can shred the meat using tongs or a large fork if that’s easier for you.
I am obsessed with slow cooker recipes and this was amazing! We made tacos with it, YUM!
I love a good smoky pulled pork that this recipe makes it so easy to make it at home with minimal effort! Thank you!
Sommer great recipe for pulled pork sandwiches thanks . What does LT. Dan beverage match up with pork sandwiches ? 🥳😷😇