Slow Cooker Hard Cider Barbecue Pork
19 Comments Dec 09, 2019
Updated Jul 18, 2024
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Classic pulled pork made in the slow cooker with hard apple cider. Great on buns or even over rice.
Pork has to be one of the best meats to cook in the slow cooker. We love dr. pepper pulled pork, pork enchiladas and slow cooker kalua pig too!
Table of Contents
My usual go to liquid for pulled pork is apple juice. I’ve been seeing more and more people using hard cider in cooking, why not?! I always have hard cider on hand, I tend to buy way more than I can drink. This recipe has other great flavors too; brown sugar, seasonings, onion and barbecue sauce.
What kind of hard cider should I use?
I want to be clear about what kind of hard cider to use. I think a plain hard cider is best. I’ve had ciders that say they taste like apple pie, but really taste like hot cinnamon candy, that is not the kind of cider to use in this recipe.
What kind of barbecue sauce should I use?
Just use your favorite! I love to try new barbecue sauces and test them in recipes like this.
What can I use instead of hard cider?
- Apple cider
- Apple juice
- Root Beer or Dr. Pepper
- Water
- Beer
How to serve this pulled pork:
- Serve on toasted buns
- With steamed rice
- Or crockpot mashed potatoes or crockpot corn on the cob.
What is your favorite way to make pulled pork? I’d love to hear your ideas! Have a great week.
Can I freeze leftover pulled pork?
- Add the cooled pork into freezer ziplock bags. Squeeze out all the excess air.
- Freeze for up to 6 months.
More slow cooker pork recipes:
Want to make more magic in your crockpot? Stay up to date and subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube.
Slow Cooker Hard Cider Barbecue Pork
Ingredients
- 4 lb. pork shoulder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup favorite barbecue sauce
- 1 white onion, sliced
- 12 oz. bottle hard cider (regular, not apple pie or other strange flavor)
Instructions
- Add the pork shoulder to the slow cooker
- Sprinkle over the salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, and brown sugar.
- Pour over the barbecue sauce and add the onion.
- Pour over the hard cider.
- Cover and cook on low for 10 hours. Or high for 6-7.
- Shred the pork and serve on buns or rice.
How to Video
Sarah’s Notes
- Apple juice or cider
- Water
- Beer
- Root Beer or Dr. Pepper
- Add the cooled pork into freezer ziplock bags. Squeeze out all the excess air.
- Freeze for up to 6 months.
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
Can you eliminate the brown sugar?