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Slow Cooker Applesauce Pulled Pork

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients

For the Pork

  • 3-4 pounds boneless pork shoulder (pork butt) trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for searing, optional

Braising Liquid

  • 1 ½ cups unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 medium onion sliced, optional
  • 2 cloves garlic smashed, optional

For Serving

  • 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce your favorite, optional
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar for finishing, optional
  • 8 burger buns or brioche rolls

Instructions

Make the Pulled Pork

  • Mix together the salt, pepper, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Rub the spice mixture generously all over the pork shoulder.
  • Optional: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until a dark brown crust forms, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  • Place sliced onion and smashed garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker (if using). Place the pork on top.
  • Pour the applesauce over the pork.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the pork shreds easily with a fork and reaches at least 195°F internally.
  • Remove the pork from the slow cooker. Shred with two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat.
  • Toss shredded pork with BBQ sauce if desired, and add a few spoonfuls of the cooking liquid for extra moisture. Serve on buns.

Notes

  • Pork cut: Use pork shoulder or pork butt. Do not use pork loin, it's too lean for pulled pork.
  • Searing: Optional but adds a rich, brown crust and deeper flavor. Worth the extra 10 minutes.
  • Low vs. high: LOW always produces more tender results. Use HIGH only if you're short on time.
  • BBQ sauce: Completely optional. The applesauce provides enough flavor on its own.
  • Storage: Refrigerate with cooking liquid for 4-5 days. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
  • Oven method: Sear in a Dutch oven, add applesauce and 1 cup apple cider, cover, and braise at 325°F for 2.5-3 hours.