BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food—tender, slow-cooked pork infused with smoky spices and coated in sweet, tangy barbecue sauce, piled high on soft buns, and topped with creamy coleslaw. Every bite offers the perfect balance of juicy meat, bold flavor, and texture that melts in your mouth. These sandwiches are loved all over America, especially in the Southern states, where barbecue is a way of life and slow-cooking is an art.

Whether served at a backyard gathering, game day party, or a cozy family dinner, BBQ pulled pork sandwiches always bring smiles and empty plates. With minimal prep and slow cooking doing most of the work, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with almost no effort.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s versatile, forgiving, and incredibly satisfying. You can cook the pork in a slow cooker, oven, or pressure cooker, and it always turns out juicy and full of flavor. The shredded pork absorbs the BBQ sauce beautifully, making every bite rich and delicious. It’s also amazing for feeding a crowd because leftovers taste even better the next day.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because:

It’s comforting and hearty
Great for entertaining and meal prepping
Customizable with different sauces and toppings
Leftovers freeze well
Works for sandwiches, wraps, tacos, and more

One taste, and you’ll understand why pulled pork sandwiches are a classic American favorite.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6–8 hours (slow cooker) or 3–4 hours (oven)
• Total Time: 6.5–8.5 hours
• Servings: 6–8 sandwiches
• Calories: Approximately 500–650 calories per serving (varies by sauce and bun type)
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American BBQ

Ingredients

For the Pork:

• 3–4 lb (1.3–1.8 kg) pork shoulder or pork butt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional for heat)
• ½ cup chicken broth or water
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for serving)

For the Sandwiches:

• 6–8 soft brioche or hamburger buns
• Coleslaw (optional but highly recommended)
• Pickles (optional)

Cooking Directions (Quick Version)

1. Season the pork with spices.
2. Sear pork in oil (optional but adds flavor).
3. Slow cook for 6–8 hours on LOW until tender.
4. Shred pork with forks and mix with BBQ sauce.
5. Serve on buns with coleslaw and pickles.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

Pat the pork dry. Mix spices (salt, pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder) and rub all over pork.

Step 2: Sear for Flavor (Optional but Recommended)

Heat olive oil in a pan. Sear pork on all sides until browned.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Place pork into slow cooker. Add broth/water and cook:

• Low: 6–8 hours
• High: 4–5 hours
• Oven Option: 300°F (150°C) covered for 3–4 hours

Pork should be very soft and easily shredded.

Step 4: Shred

Remove pork and shred using two forks.

Step 5: Add BBQ Sauce

Return shredded pork to cooker and mix with BBQ sauce. Cook for another 20–30 minutes so flavors absorb.

Step 6: Toast Buns (Optional)

Lightly butter and toast buns until golden.

How to Serve

Serve warm pulled pork piled generously onto buns. Add:

• Coleslaw for crunch
• Pickles for tang
• Extra BBQ sauce if desired

Serve with sides like:

• Cornbread
• French fries
• Baked beans
• Mac and cheese
• Potato salad

Recipe Tips

For the juiciest meat, use pork shoulder or pork butt, not lean pork.
Browning adds flavor—don’t skip if time allows.
Let the pork rest 5–10 minutes before shredding.
Add more sauce after shredding so it stays moist.

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper, hot BBQ sauce, or chipotle peppers.
• Sweet Style: Add honey or maple syrup with the BBQ sauce.
• Vinegar-Based Carolina Style: Use a tangy apple cider vinegar sauce instead of sweet BBQ.
• Smoky Version: Add liquid smoke or grill the pork before cooking.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight container up to 4–5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze shredded pork (with sauce) up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm in pan, microwave, or slow cooker, adding extra BBQ sauce if needed.

Special Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker or Dutch oven
• Large skillet (for searing)
• Forks or shredding claws
• Optional: Oven-safe pot if not using slow cooker

FAQ

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—this recipe reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

Q: Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes—use boneless chicken thighs and cook 4–5 hours on LOW.

Q: What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
Bake covered in oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3–4 hours.

Conclusion

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches are the perfect combination of flavor, texture, and comfort. They’re easy to prepare, absolutely delicious, freezer-friendly, and ideal for gatherings or casual meals. With its smoky aroma and melt-in-the-mouth tenderness, this dish is destined to become a staple recipe you'll crave again and again.