Easy Pulled Pork – Oven, Slow Cooker & Instant Pot
This easy pulled pork recipe turns out tender, juicy, and full of smoky, savory flavor. It’s a simple, family-friendly recipe that works whether you want to make pulled pork in the oven, slow cooker, or Instant Pot.
It’s perfect for piling onto sandwiches, serving for an easy dinner, or making ahead for leftovers throughout the week. If you’ve been looking for an easy pulled pork recipe that’s flexible, flavorful, and great for feeding a crowd, this is the one to make.
Here's What Our Readers Are Saying About This Recipe
“I confirm, this is the BEST pulled pork recipe out there and it’s super easy” – Rebecca from Pinterest
“Absolutely the best recipe ever. Have made it three times now.” – Shirley from Pinterest
“Not only does the picture of pulled pork look good…it was good! Recipe was easy to follow and turned out just like it was supposed to….Pulled perfectly!” – Kathy from Pinterest
“Yummy this is amazing! My whole family loves it!!! 💋💋💋” – Michelle from Pinterest
“Very helpful pin…made a big batch for freezing…great for quick go to meals…” – Rosemary from Pinterest
What This Recipe Is Like
This pulled pork is juicy, tender, and easy to shred, with a savory seasoning blend and plenty of flexibility depending on how you want to cook it. It’s especially good for sandwiches, meal prep, and casual family dinners.
I love recipes like this that make life a little easier, especially when you can make a big batch and use it in so many different meals throughout the week. This one’s a favorite in our house, and Paul is always bragging about it to anyone who will listen. He even recommends it all the time when people find out his lady is a “real food blogger” 😂
I hope you enjoy this recipe! ❤️ If you give it a try, please let me know how it turned out for you in the comments section at the bottom of the page or share a pic of your om noms on Instagram and tag @dishesanddustbunnies! ❤️
- What This Recipe Is Like
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Why This Easy Pulled Pork Recipe Works
- How to make this Easy Pulled Pork Recipe – Overview
- How to Assemble a Pulled Pork Sandwich – The best way (in my opinion)
- What is the best bun for a pulled pork sandwich?
- Recipe Variations
- Pulled Pork Sandwich Topping Ideas
- Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
- Ways to use Pulled Pork (other than in a sandwich)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What to Serve with Pulled Pork
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pulled pork is tender, juicy, and easy to shred, with a rich flavor that works for just about any meal. It’s incredibly flexible since you can make it in the oven, slow cooker, or Instant Pot depending on what works best for you. Whether you're making sandwiches, prepping meals for the week, or feeding a crowd, this recipe is a reliable go-to.
Why This Easy Pulled Pork Recipe Works
This easy pulled pork recipe keeps things simple while still giving you tender, flavorful results every time. The seasoning blend adds a rich, savory flavor, and the option to cook it in the oven, slow cooker, or Instant Pot makes it easy to fit into your day.
It’s a dependable recipe that works well whether you're making dinner, prepping meals, or feeding a crowd..
Be sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of the post for full ingredients & instructions!
How to make this Easy Pulled Pork Recipe – Overview
You can find the full recipe details, including ingredient amounts and the full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post, but first, here's a quick overview of how to make this easy pulled pork recipe!
Start by patting the pork dry and placing it in your cooking dish, whether you're using the oven, slow cooker, or Instant Pot. Coat it evenly with the seasoning mix, making sure all sides are well covered.
From there, cook the pork low and slow until it’s tender and easy to shred. Once done, let it rest for about 10 minutes, then shred using two forks or meat claws. For the best texture, avoid over-shredding the pork. You want a mix of tender chunks and strips of meat so it doesn’t become too soft or mushy.
Stir in your favorite BBQ sauce and let it warm through so all the flavors come together. From there, it’s ready to use however you like—sandwiches, wraps, bowls, or even on top of pizza.
How to Assemble a Pulled Pork Sandwich
The best way (in my opinion)
There are likely many ways to assemble a delicious pulled pork sandwich, but here's my preferred way to do it!
Take your bun and slice it in half lengthwise and lay them on a baking sheet lined with parchment. On each half, lay some cheese on top (I prefer provolone). Place the baking sheet in the oven under the broiler until the cheese gets melty and bubbly.
Melting the cheese on both halves of the bun will help prevent it from becoming soggy if you have some really juicy pulled pork!
Take the buns out of the oven and add shredded pork on top, then a little coleslaw (I love using my easy homemade coleslaw) or top with slices of zesty dill pickles. Then place the other half of the bun on top.
Now, get nom nom nomming away! 😋
What is the best bun for a pulled pork sandwich?
The best bun for a pulled pork sandwich should be soft, sturdy, and flavorful enough to hold all that juicy pulled pork without falling apart. Here are some top picks:
- Brioche Buns – Light, slightly sweet, and strong enough to handle saucy pork.
- Potato Buns – Soft, fluffy, and great for big sandwiches.
- Kaiser Rolls – A crusty, hearty choice with a satisfying crunch.
- Calabrese Buns – My personal favorite! They pair perfectly with pulled pork.
- Sourdough Buns – Robust and tangy, great for a gourmet twist.
- Hawaiian Rolls – A touch of sweetness that’s totally irresistible.
- Toasted Hamburger Buns – Simple and classic, especially delicious when toasted.
Whichever bun you go with, just make sure it’s fresh, because a great bun makes all the difference!
Recipe Variations
Looking to change things up? There are plenty of easy ways to adjust the flavor while your pulled pork cooks.
Try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick, or a bit of liquid smoke for extra smoky flavor. If you prefer something slightly sweeter, a little brown sugar works really well.
For a bit of heat, add some hot sauce, or mix in a touch of mustard powder for extra depth. You can even use something like root beer for a subtle sweetness and unique flavor.
Pulled Pork Sandwich Topping Ideas
There are so many delicious toppings that go well on pulled pork sandwiches. You can keep it classic with barbecue sauce, coleslaw, and pickles, or mix things up depending on what you’re in the mood for.
Here are some of our favorites:
- Add Extra Barbecue sauce: This is a classic choice and goes great with pulled pork.
- Honey mustard: A sweet and tangy alternative to barbecue sauce.
- Pickles: Add a crunchy contrast to the softness of the pork.
- Coleslaw: the vinegar in coleslaw makes a wonderful contrast with the richness of the pulled pork. Try my easy slaw recipe!
- Cheese: Cheddar, Swiss, and provolone all work well with pulled pork.
- Onions: Raw or grilled onions add a nice flavor to the sandwich.
- Tomatoes: Another classic topping that goes great with pulled pork.
- Lettuce: A fresh and crunchy way to top off your sandwich.
- Avocado: This creamy fruit is a delicious topping for pulled pork.
So many great options! We hope you enjoy trying out some of these toppings on your next pulled pork sandwich.
Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
Pulled pork is a perfect make-ahead meal and stores well for later.
Make-Ahead:
You can prepare pulled pork ahead of time, and it often tastes even better the next day. Letting it sit in the seasoning or marinade overnight helps deepen the flavor. When you're ready to cook, just follow the instructions as usual.
Storage:
Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
Pulled pork freezes well. Place cooled pork in freezer-safe bags or containers and store for up to 4 months. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating:
Thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm in the oven, on the stovetop, or in a slow cooker on low. Add a little BBQ sauce, broth, or water to help keep the pork moist.
Ways to use Pulled Pork (other than in a sandwich)
Pulled pork isn’t just for sandwiches. It’s incredibly versatile and works well in all kinds of meals. Here are some easy ways to use it beyond sandwiches:
- Tacos & Burritos: Swap in pulled pork for a smoky twist on your usual fillings.
- Nachos: Pile it on with cheese, jalapeños, and your favorite toppings.
- Quesadillas & Wraps: Perfect for quick, satisfying handheld meals.
- Salads: Add protein-packed flavor to leafy greens, fruit, and nuts.
- Soups & Chili: Stir into hearty soups for a rich, savory boost.
- Pasta: Mix with your favorite noodles and sauce for a cozy dinner.
- Pizza: Try it as a topping with BBQ sauce and melty cheese.
- Stir-Fries: Toss with veggies and rice for a quick skillet meal.
- Egg Dishes: Add to scrambled eggs, omelets, or breakfast hash.
- Potatoes: Load it onto mashed, roasted, or baked potatoes.
- Rice Bowls: Great with white, brown, or wild rice and your fave add-ins.
Get creative—pulled pork works in so many meals, and the possibilities are endless!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of cheese goes on pulled pork sandwiches?
There are lots of great cheese options for pulled pork sandwiches—sharp cheddar, provolone, creamy brie, or smoky gouda are all delicious. The best cheese really comes down to what you enjoy most, so feel free to experiment with your favorites.
What pork is best for pulled pork sandwiches?
Boneless pork shoulder is the top pick for pulled pork sandwiches thanks to its fat content and tenderness when slow-cooked. Pork loin works too for a leaner option, but it won’t be quite as tender or juicy as pork shoulder.
What are the best spices for pulled pork?
A flavorful mix of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked (or regular) paprika, cumin, and chili powder gives pulled pork a tasty, balanced kick. Feel free to tweak based on your favorite flavor combos!
What's the best BBQ sauce for pulled pork?
It depends on your taste! Sweet fans might love a honey mustard or molasses-based BBQ sauce. Prefer tangy or spicy? Go with a vinegar-based sauce or one with a bit of heat. The best BBQ sauce complements the pork’s flavor, so pick your fave!
What is the secret to tender pulled pork?
Low and slow cooking is the key! Cooking pork slowly at a low temperature helps break down tough fibers, making the meat fall-apart tender. Oven roasting is my favorite method, but slow cookers, grills, Instant Pots, or stovetop all work great too.
What to Serve with Pulled Pork
Pulled pork pairs perfectly with a variety of sides, whether you're going for something hearty or a bit lighter. For a comforting meal, serve it with baked beans, creamy potato salad, or macaroni and cheese.
If you’re looking for more ideas, you can explore more comfort food recipes or browse through my collection of side dishes to find the perfect pairing. Fresh options like coleslaw or a simple salad also add a nice contrast to the rich, savory pork.
Easy Pulled Pork – Oven, Slow Cooker & Instant Pot
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Enough Pulled pork for about 10 sandwiches
Description
This easy pulled pork recipe turns out tender, juicy, and full of smoky, savory flavor. It’s simple to make using the oven, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, and is perfect for sandwiches, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
Pulled Pork Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork loin
- 1 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce – Any kind is great! I use Sweet Baby Rays Original quite often
- Pork rub seasoning, found below
-
The Pork Rub Seasonings
- ½ tbsp black pepper, ground
- ¼ tsp cayenne – skip this if you don't want it spicy
- 1 tsp chili powder – can be reduced or increased depending on your tastes
- ½ tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tbsp oregano
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp white pepper
- ½ tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Ingredients Needed for Assembling a Pulled Pork Sandwich
- Large thick buns – Calabrese style buns (as in the pictures for this post) or Kaiser buns work great!
- Cheese Slices – Any kind is great, but I like to use slices of provolone. Cheddar is nice too!
- Sliced Pickles or coleslaw – This is optional but highly recommended to balance out the richness of the pulled pork
Instructions
Prepare the Pulled Pork
- Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels.
- Place your pork in whatever dish you'll be using to cook it (baking dish, slow cooker, instant pot, etc).
- Sprinkle the Pork Rub Seasoning mix ingredients on the pork, making sure to cover all surfaces. Give the pork a couple of minutes to absorb the seasonings, then take any of the excess seasonings and sprinkle on top, and pat on the sides of the meat.
- At this point, you can go right ahead and cook your pulled pork, but for a more developed flavor, you can marinate it for a while or overnight. It's not necessary, but if you'd like to it'll add to the yumminess!
How to Cook Pulled Pork
In the Oven:
- Cover the baking dish containing the seasoned and prepared pork tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the oven at 220°F, for at least 8-9 hours. Cooking low and slow is usually best, but if you're working with less time you can bake your pulled pork in the oven at 350°F, for about 2.5 hours.
- Once the pork has finished cooking, allow the meat to rest for about 10 minutes, then gently shred the meat using two forks or with “meat claws” (I love mine!). When shredding, be sure to leave some “chunks of meat” as this will help create the best texture – if shredded too much, the meat will be mushy and the texture not so great.
- Add BBQ sauce to the pork and combine. Place back into the oven (uncovered) to cook for 15 minutes or so.
In Slow Cooker/Crock Pot:
Place the seasoned pork loin into the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 6 hours. Once it's done cooking, allow the meat to rest for about 10 minutes, then shred the pork (as described above), add the BBQ sauce and combine. Allow the pulled pork to cook for 20 minutes or so in the slow cooker before serving.
In a Pressure cooker/Instant Pot:
Place the seasoned pork loin into the pressure cooker and cook on HIGH pressure for 60 minutes. Once it's done cooking, allow the meat to rest for about 10 minutes, then shred the pork (as described above), add the BBQ sauce and combine. Allow the pulled pork to cook for 10 minutes or so in the pressure cooker before serving (using the keep warm function).
How to assemble a Pulled Pork Sandwich
There are many ways to assemble a pulled pork sandwich, but I find from personal experience these tips will give you the tastiest results!
- Slice your buns in half lengthwise and place them on a metal baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- On top of each bun (both halves) place a slice of cheese (I use provolone). The cheese on the whiter side (cut side) of the bun will help prevent your sandwich from getting too soggy – it acts as a cheesy barrier between the bread and the pulled pork.
- Place the buns into the oven and turn on the broiler. You should only need about 5 minutes – just enough to melt the cheese and get it all bubbly. Be sure to watch close so they don't burn though!
- Once the cheese on the buns are ready, using tongs, place some pulled pork on top of the bottom halves of the buns. As much as you like! Messy is fine! Don't let anyone judge you!! lol
- On top of the pulled pork, add slices of pickles or some coleslaw. This is optional but highly recommended, as the acidity of the pickles/coleslaw complements the richness of the pulled pork in such a perfect way!
- Place the tops on your pulled pork sandwiches and serve!
You can also use the pulled pork on a sandwich, pulled pork pizza, pulled pork tacos, etc. There are so many options for using pulled pork! Be sure to see more ideas above in the body of this post!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Oven, Slow Cooker or Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker
- Cuisine: American/Canadian
Best pulled pork I ever experienced! I tried other pulled pork recipes after this or had pulled pork in restaurants and it was all disappointing by comparison. I can’t go back to any other. This recipe has warmth and tangyness and tastes amazing with provolone.
How many would 2# of pork feed. I have tasted it and it’s great. Now I’m making it.