Dr Pepper Pulled Pork Sliders
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In this scrumptious recipe for Dr Pepper Pulled Pork Sliders, lean pork tenderloin is covered in a delicious spice rub, slow cooked in a Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce, then shredded and served on Hawaiian rolls. It’s the perfect easy crock pot recipe for weeknight dinners or game day!
In my world, there’s nothing better than simple slow cooker recipes. I’ve shared over 100 of them on the blog and I’m always testing out new slow cooker recipes to share!
This Dr Pepper Pulled Pork recipe originally appeared alongside these Slow Cooker Chipotle Honey Pulled Pork Tacos in a blog post back in 2013, but with the popularity of both recipes, I decided they each deserved their own posts!
These Dr Pepper Pulled Pork Sliders are easy to prep in the morning, let them slow cook all day, then eat them for an easy dinner option during the week. You can also prepare them on the weekend for an awesome game day snack.
The meat is tender, juicy and the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, salty and totally delicious!
Table of contents
Ingredients
- Onion – for this recipe I used a sweet vidalia onion, which is what I would recommend. But a yellow or white onion can also be used in place of the sweet onion.
- Brown sugar
- Salt
- Paprika – I recommend a traditional paprika for this recipe. Sweet or smoked paprika will give the dish a different flavor.
- Garlic powder
- Ground cumin
- Dried oregano
- Cayenne pepper – feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne used in this recipe for your spice preference. Use more for a spicier pork or less for a sweeter pork.
- Black pepper
- Dried thyme
- Red pepper flakes
- Pork tenderloin – a pork tenderloin is much leaner than a pork shoulder and works great in this recipe, but if you prefer a more traditional pulled pork, you can also use a 2-3 pound boneless pork shoulder, or pork butt, to make this dish.
- Apple cider vinegar
- Dr Pepper
- Tomato paste
- Hawaiian rolls – or slider buns, for serving the sliders.
Step by step instructions
Start the base. Place the thinly sliced onion into the bottom of a slow cooker.
Make the seasoning. In a small bowl combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, thyme, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt.
Coat the pork. Rub the spice mixture over the pork loin. Place in the slow cooker on top of the sliced onions.
Mix the sauce. In a small bowl, stir the apple cider vinegar, Dr Pepper and tomato paste together. Pour over the pork.
Cook. Set the Crock Pot to low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours.
Shred the meat. Using two forks, pull the pork apart inside the slow cooker.
Build the sandwiches. Toast the Hawaiian rolls, if you would like, before serving. Use tongs to remove the pork from the liquid in the slow cooker and place the Dr Pepper Pulled Pork on the Hawaiian rolls. Serve immediately.
Pro tips
- Any carbonated beverage, or dark soda, can be used as a substitute for the Dr Pepper. Coca-cola, root beer, or even beer can be used in place of the Dr Pepper, however, it will change the flavor of the sauce.
- The pulled pork can also be served on buns as full-sized sandwiches. You can even add Kale Apple Slaw, or your favorite coleslaw, to make deliciously sweet pulled pork sandwiches, with a nice crunch! You can also stuff the pork into baked potatoes, baked sweet potatoes, or turn it into a pulled pork grilled cheese with your favorite sliced bread and cheese!
- Any leftover pulled pork can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 5-7 days. Reheat the pork in a saucepan on the stove over medium heat for 8-10 minutes.
- You can freeze the pulled pork for up to 3 months. Make sure the pulled pork has cooled completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container, like a plastic zipper bag, glass or plastic container. Make sure to leave 1 inch of space for the mixture to expand in the freezer.
What to serve with it
Serve these sliders at a party, or for an easy meal anytime, either way, they’re sure to be a hit! Pair these tasty sandwiches with any of the following side dishes.
- Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Cheesy Grilled Potatoes
- Bacon Tomato Avocado Pasta Salad
- Red White and Blue Cheese Potato Salad
More pork tenderloin recipes to try
If you’re looking for more recipes using lean pork tenderloin, check out these 5 favorites!
- Coffee Crusted Balsamic Pulled Pork Tenderloin
- Rosemary Sage Pork Tenderloin Skewers
- Slow Cooker Sweet & Sour Pork Tenderloin
- Whole30 Pineapple Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin
- Pumpkin Pulled Pork Tenderloin
You can also use my popular pork chop marinade to marinate and either grill, or roast a delicious pork tenderloin!
Dr Pepper Pulled Pork Sliders
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- ½ tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2.5 pound pork tenderloin
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 12 ounces Dr Pepper
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 24 Hawaiian Rolls
Instructions
- Place the thinly sliced onion into the bottom of a slow cooker.
- In a small bowl combine the next 10 ingredients.
- Rub the spice mixture on the pork, place in the slow cooker on top of the sliced onions.
- In a small bowl, whisk the apple cider vinegar, Dr Pepper and tomato paste together, pour over the pork.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Using two forks, pull the pork apart inside the slow cooker.
- Toast the Hawaiian rolls, if you would like, before serving.
- Use tongs to place the Dr Pepper Pulled Pork on the Hawaiian rolls.
Video
Nutrition Facts
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2 Comments on “Dr Pepper Pulled Pork Sliders”
I like this recipe but I think there is a typo. 1 TBS of cayenne is too much. I’ve made this several times and the first was nearly inedible. 1 tsp or less is my recommendation.
Hi Florence, I always recommend adjusting to your taste palate. I like the combination of sweet and spicy, but if you prefer less spice, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, or less, should work for you!