If you’re feeding a crowd, there aren’t many recipes easier or more beloved than slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches topped with a simple, crunchy, vinegar-dressed slaw.
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“We love this recipe! Absolutely great! We make sandwiches with coleslaw and I always have enough to share with others! Took some to my son at his work one day and he ended up not getting any cuz his coworkers went nuts for it!” ~Jessica, FoodieCrush reader
Finger Lickin’ Good Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Whether it’s summer get togethers or a laid back game day gathered ’round the TV, there’s no better option for easy eats like homemade pulled pork sandwiches. They’re simple to make, easily customizable, and it’s rare I don’t hear enthusiastic, “Oh, that sounds so good” from those I’m making them for.
These sandwiches start with my slow cooker pulled pork that seriously tastes even better the longer it sits in the fridge, making it perfect for make-ahead menus and weekly meal planning. And in the world of recipe making, how many can claim that distinction?!
Of course, no pulled pork sandwich is complete without a generous dollop of coleslaw on top. Since the bbq sauce is sticky-sweet, I prefer using my favorite vinegar-based coleslaw to add a bit of tang.
Heidi’s Tips for Making Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- I prefer using pork butt (aka Boston butt) when making pulled pork. Its high fat content translates to moist, juicy, and tender pulled pork every time.
- When it comes to the toppings and buns, I like to keep things super simple. A classic soft hamburger bun and some homemade coleslaw is all you need to transport the pulled pork from your plate to your mouth.
- Pulled pork ages like fine wine, and it tastes better a day or two after it’s made. It also freezes like a dream, so make a batch now and thaw it out in small portions when the mood strikes.
What Goes Into Pulled Pork Sandwiches?
The full recipe, with amounts, can be found in the recipe card below.
The BBQ Pulled Pork
These sandwiches start with a pork butt or pork shoulder roast cooked in the slow cooker. The slow cooker tenderizes the meat just right, making it a super simple option for when life is busy but you still want to have fun — inside and outside of the kitchen.
I made my favorite slow cooker pulled pork for these sandwiches, so click over to that recipe if you need any help troubleshooting.
The BBQ Sauce
Here’s my secret to the best pulled bbq pork sandwiches: I reserve the sauce the pork is slow cooked in and add half of it to the shredded pork, then give the rest of it a whiz in the blender to use as a dipping sauce if I’m really feeling into it. Trust me, it’s SO much better than any bottled bbq sauce you could buy!
The Coleslaw
A simple slaw with a vinegar tang gives a crunchy bite to these succulent sandwiches. Or, make a batch of creamy coleslaw for a slightly different flavor profile.
The Buns
I always choose a super soft bun or roll for my sandwiches. Basic grocery store hamburger buns work for family dinners, or choose smaller rolls if you’re feeding a bigger party crowd to make the recipe go further.
Want to Make This Recipe in the Oven Instead?
If you don’t own a slow cooker or don’t want to bust it out for whatever reason, you can braise the pork butt in your oven instead. Follow the cooking instructions on my North Carolina Pulled Pork recipe, but use the ingredients listed for these sandwiches.
If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below, leave a comment to tell us what you think, and tag me on Instagram @foodiecrush.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
For the Pulled Pork and BBQ Sauce
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar , divided
- 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 5-pound bone-in pork butt (shoulder roast)
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 medium white onion , chopped
- 3 cloves garlic , minced or pressed
- ½ cup beef or chicken stock
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup cider vinegar
For the Crunchy Coleslaw
- 10 cups shredded coleslaw mix , or 1 16-ounce bag
- ½ red onion , thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup canola oil
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Sandwiches
- 12 hamburger buns or rolls
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¼ cup prepared horseradish , or more to taste
Instructions
For the Slow Cooker Pork
- Set a 6 quart slow cooker to high to preheat.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, paprika, cumin, coriander, kosher salt and black pepper together. Rub half of the mixture on the pork, setting aside the remaining spice rub. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or high sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork to the pan and brown evenly on each side, about 5 minutes per side.
- Add the onion and garlic to the slow cooker and top with the pork butt. In a bowl or measuring cup, mix the remaining spice rub with the stock, ketchup, and vinegar then pour over the pork. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-9 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, or until fork tender.
- Place the pork on a baking sheet or cutting board and let rest for 20-30 minutes or until cool enough to handle. Shred the pork into pieces and place in a bowl or back into the slow cooker insert.
- Skim the fat from the cooking liquid and transfer to a blender. Blend until smooth then pour 1-2 cups of the liquid over the shredded pork and toss to combine.
For the Coleslaw
- Toss the coleslaw mix and red onion with the canola oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, caraway seeds, celery seed, kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour for flavors to blend.
To Assemble the Sandwiches
- In a small bowl, mix the sour cream with the prepared horseradish, adding more to taste.
- Slather the horseradish mayo on one side of a bun, then top it with the shredded pork and crunchy slaw. Serve warm with extra dipping sauce if desired.
Nutrition
What Else You Can Put on Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- Horseradish sauce
- Potato chips
- Fresh sliced or caramelized onions
- Melted cheese
- Homemade pickles
- Pickled jalapeños
What to Serve with Pulled Pork Sandwiches
There are lots of favorite sides to add to these sandwiches to make a meal, like:
- Heavenly Funeral Potatoes
- The Best Potato Salad (My grandma’s recipe!)
- Classic Macaroni Salad
- BBQ Baked Beans
More Pulled Pork Recipes to Try for Dinner
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Jason Field
“This slow cooker pulled pork recipe sounds fantastic for a hearty meal!
Tims0076
The pulled pork sandwiches from Foodie Crush offer tender, flavorful meat served on soft buns, making them a satisfying comfort food option. Much like the Tims Crispy Chicken Sandwich from Tim Hortons, these sandwiches focus on rich flavors and quality ingredients for a delicious meal. Whether you’re enjoying pulled pork at home or grabbing a crispy chicken sandwich on the go, both options deliver that perfect bite of comfort and satisfaction. https://timhortons-menu.ca/
Suresh solanki
Wow so nice you king of cooking
Alyia Sharma
I am a huge fan of coleslaw but I never ever made coleslaw myself. Loving the addition of jalapenos.
Amanda
So many ingredients here! I hope that my dish will be as much attractive, as your. I’ll definitely check your planner, many thanks!
Thanks Amanda, I think you’ll really love it. The ingredients look long just because there are three recipes coming together as one :) but I promise, it’s super easy!