Summer Dinner Without the Heat

It is August in Florida, and the last thing I want to do is turn on the oven. Summertime is wonderful until it is time to figure out what to cook for dinner! This is where the crockpot earns its place in the summer kitchen. My Crockpot Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches are easy to prepare, mostly hands-off, and packed with delicious flavor.

When the temperatures rise, I look for every excuse to keep my oven turned off. Thankfully, some of the best summer dinners can be made without heating up the kitchen. Let the crockpot do the cooking while you enjoy your summer day.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons to love these Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches:

• Easy preparation
• No oven required
• Tender, flavorful pork
• Sweet and savory barbecue flavor
• Perfect for beginning cooks
• Great for family dinners or summer gatherings
• Delicious leftovers

I can’t think of an easier recipe for a beginning cook to try. There is very little preparation, no complicated cooking technique, and the crockpot does most of the work. That’s what I call a winning recipe!

What Makes Root Beer So Good in Pulled Pork?

You may be wondering why root beer is used in a pulled pork recipe. It might sound a little unusual at first, but it works beautifully.

Root beer adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the pork as it cooks. When combined with barbecue sauce, it creates that familiar sweet, tangy, and savory flavor we love in pulled pork.

You don’t need an expensive or complicated sauce, either. Use your favorite barbecue sauce and let the root beer add its own touch of sweetness.

The result is tender, flavorful pork that is perfect for piling onto a soft bun.

Ingredients for Crockpot Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this easy summer dinner:

• Pork shoulder or Boston butt
• Root beer
• Barbecue sauce
• Paprika
• Onion
• Garlic
• Your favorite seasonings
• Hamburger buns, Kaiser rolls, or Hawaiian rolls

You can also add your favorite toppings, such as crunchy coleslaw, pickles, or sliced onions.

How to Make Crockpot Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Making these sandwiches couldn’t be much easier.

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

Season all sides of the pork shoulder or Boston butt and place it in the crockpot.

Step 2: Add the Root Beer

Pour the root beer around the pork in the crockpot.

Step 3: Let the Crockpot Do the Work

Cover and cook until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.

Step 4: Shred the Pork

Remove the pork from the crockpot and shred it with two forks.

Step 5: Add the Barbecue Sauce

Return the shredded pork to the crockpot and stir in your favorite barbecue sauce. Give everything a good stir and allow the flavors to come together.

That’s it! A simple preparation with delicious results.

Ready to let your crockpot do the work? The full recipe is below.

Print

Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Make easy, delicious, slow-cooked Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches with tender pork, root beer, and your favorite barbecue sauce.

Course Dinner, Lunch, Gatherings, Potlucks

Cuisine American Southern

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 8 hours hours

Total Time 8 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Servings 12 servings

Calories 459kcal

Author Blissful Foods Plus

Equipment

• 1 6- quart Crockpot
• 1 meat thermometer

Ingredients

• 1 3-4 pound pork shoulder or Boston butt
• 1 12-ounce can root beer
• 1 18- ounce bottled barbecue sauce or your favorite homemade sauce
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 1 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

• Pork Prep: Place the pork in the crockpot. Sprinkle the seasonings evenly over the pork. Pour the can of root beer around the pork, being careful not to pour it directly on top. Cover the crockpot with the lid, set the cooking temperature to low, and cook for 8-10 hours or until the meat is tender. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer. Make sure the pork reaches an internal temperature between 195℉ and 205℉.
• Remove Pork from the Crockpot. Discard the cooking juices. Use two forks to shred the meat, then return it to the crockpot. Stir in your favorite barbecue sauce and cook covered for another 30 minutes, or until heated through.
• Serve on hamburger buns or Kaiser rolls. For sliders, use Hawaiian rolls. Serve with chips, French fries, coleslaw, or potato salad—all are great choices.

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Notes

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Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwich | Calories: 459kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 91mg | Sodium: 1027mg | Potassium: 617mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 21g | Iron: 13mg

How to Serve Root Beer Pulled Pork

Now comes the fun part—building your sandwich!

Pile the warm pulled pork onto a soft hamburger bun, Kaiser roll, or even a Hawaiian roll for a slider-sized sandwich. Add a spoonful of creamy coleslaw for a cool, crunchy contrast to the tender pork.

Here are a few more ideas for serving:

• Pickles or sliced onions
• Potato chips
• Potato salad
• Baked beans
• Fresh summer fruit
• Coleslaw

And if you are feeding a crowd, set out the buns, pork, and toppings and let everyone build their own sandwich.

These pulled pork sandwiches are perfect for a casual summer supper, backyard gathering, family get-together, or any time you need an easy meal that feeds a crowd.

My favorite side dish recipe to serve with pulled pork sandwiches is My Best Coleslaw Recipe.

Tips for Perfect Root Beer Pulled Pork

A few simple tips will help you get the best results:

• Choose the right cut. Pork shoulder or Boston butt is ideal for tender, juicy pulled pork.
• Don’t rush the cooking time. Cooking on low for 8–10 hours makes the pork tender enough to shred easily.
• Use your favorite root beer. The root beer provides sweetness and flavor, so choose one you enjoy drinking.
• Don’t overdo the barbecue sauce. Start with the recommended amount and add more if you prefer a saucier sandwich.
• Save some leftovers. Pulled pork reheats beautifully and can be used for sandwiches, tacos, or other easy meals.

A Summer Dinner Worth Keeping

Summertime cooking doesn’t have to mean standing over a hot stove or turning on the oven. Sometimes the easiest meals are the ones that let you step away and enjoy the day.

This Crockpot Root Beer Pulled Pork is tender, flavorful, and easy enough for a weeknight dinner. It is also a great choice when you’re feeding family or friends because everyone can build their sandwich just the way they like it.

And let’s face it—there is something especially satisfying about a messy, saucy pulled pork sandwich on a summer evening.

So when the August heat arrives, and the thought of turning on the oven makes you think twice about dinner, pull out your crockpot instead. Let it do the work while you enjoy summer.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

The post Crockpot Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Easy Summer Dinner appeared first on Blissful Foods Plus.