Slow Cooker Hard Cider Barbecue Pork


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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!

shredded pork in slow cooker with hard ciders in glasses on the side.

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    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.

    Pork, brown sugar, hard cider, barbecue sauce and seasonings with slow cooker.

    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.

    pork roast with onions on top, cooked.

    What can I use instead of hard cider?

    • Apple cider
    • Apple juice
    • Root Beer or Dr. Pepper
    • Water
    • Beer
    shredded pork in slow cooker with buns on the side.

    How to serve this pulled pork:

    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.
    pulled pork on bun with coleslaw and barbecue sauce

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    shredded pork with hard cider in glasses on the side.

    Slow Cooker Hard Cider Barbecue Pork

    5 from 4 votes
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 hours
    Total Time: 10 hours 10 minutes
    Servings: 10
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    This recipe jazzes up the standard pulled pork recipe with hard cider! Great on buns or even on rice!
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    How to Video

    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.

    Sarah's Notes

     
    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 can I use instead of hard cider?
    • Apple juice or cider
    • Water
    • Beer
    • Root Beer or Dr. Pepper
    Nutirtional Values are calculated without buns or rice.
     
    Can I freeze the leftover pork?
    • Add the cooled pork into freezer ziplock bags. Squeeze out all the excess air.
    • Freeze for up to 6 months.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 254kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 498mg | Potassium: 471mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 106IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 2mg

    Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

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    19 Comments

    1. Erin Johnson says:

      Can you eliminate the brown sugar?