BBQ Pork Sandwich

Tender shredded pulled pork smothered in tangy BBQ sauce and served on a toasted hamburger bun. This BBQ pork sandwich recipe is an easy, no-fail dinner idea!

More barbecue dinner recipes we love that are also easy 5-ingredient crockpot meals include slow cooker BBQ brisket sandwiches and crockpot BBQ chicken!

Best BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich

Whenever we make my easy BBQ pulled pork, we almost always serve it on hamburger buns with our favorite toppings. It makes the best BBQ pork sandwiches (or pulled pork sliders) and has the best sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor from the homemade BBQ sauce.

The easiest part about this recipe is that the slow cooker (or Instant Pot) does all the work for you. Just add the meat in with the BBQ sauce and spices and let it work its magic. It’s an easy lunch or dinner and makes enough to serve a crowd!

Pulled Pork Ingredients

Get ready to enjoy the best pulled pork sandwich with these simple ingredients!

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

• Pork loin: This is a fattier part of the meat, making this even better in the slow cooker. This will help keep the meat tender and juicy.
• Salt: Kosher salt is thicker salt that helps tenderize and balance out the flavors.
• Black pepper: Add in a bit of a kick that will add flavor and texture.
• BBQ sauce: Make a homemade barbecue sauce or pick your favorite kind and brand in
• Liquid smoke: A delicious smoky and woody flavoring. Liquid smoke gives it that woodsy flavor with a liquid content that can be poured over the top of the pork.
• Hamburger buns: Grab your favorite type of hamburger bun that will hold the pork loin inside.

How to Make BBQ Pork Sandwiches

Take your pork recipe to the next level using this simple slow cooker recipe! Add all your ingredients to one pot and cook together. Let the slow cooker do all the work!

• Prepare. Wash pork and then pat dry. 
• Combine. Place in the slow cooker. Pierce pork several times. Add 1/2 cup water. Pour BBQ sauce and liquid smoke over the top. Then sprinkle salt and pepper on top. Cook on low for 10 hours, or until it easily shreds.
• Shred. Remove pork and shred with forks. Remove any excess fat.
• Rest. Place back in the pot and let sit in the juices for 15 minutes, or until ready to serve.
• Serve. Serve pork warm on a bun. Add desired toppings such as slaw.

Expert Tips

Use these helpful tips to make the best pulled pork sandwich recipe!

• Type of pork. The best type to use is a boneless pork loin or shoulder. Both are a bit fattier, which makes them perfect for slow cooking or pressure cooking. The meat gets super tender and will basically fall apart when shredding.
• Liquid smoke. You don’t have to add this, although I highly recommend it. It adds the same smoky flavor that you would get from wood-smoking the meat on the oven or grill but without the work!
• Keep the lid on. As tempting as it is, don’t remove the lid to peek inside. The lid should stay covered for the full 10 hours so that the steam doesn’t escape and keeps it super tender.
• Let sit. After shredding the meat, add the pork back into the pot with the sauce. Mix it together and let it sit in the sauce for about 15 minutes. The meat will be more flavorful this way.
• Toast your bun. I always like to toast my hamburger bun before assembling my sandwich. Toasting the bread keeps it from getting soggy from the sauce. You can even spread a little garlic butter on your bun before toasting for extra flavor.

Favorite Sandwich Toppings

Add another layer of dimension to your BBQ pork sandwich by piling on any of the delicious toppings below. Add some crunch with fresh cabbage or coleslaw, a bite of acidity with pickles, or a sweet flavor with some grilled pineapple.

• Creamy coleslaw (or plain fresh cabbage)
• Pickles
• Lettuce
• Blue cheese crumbles
• Pickled onions
• Pineapple
• Sliced cheese
• Tomatoes

Sides for Pulled Pork Sandwiches

The good news is that just about anything can be served alongside these pork sandwiches. Keep it simple with potato chips, try our favorite baked macaroni and cheese or make one of your favorite easy potluck dishes.

• Potato chips
• Loaded potato salad
• Corn on the cob
• Crockpot baked beans
• Macaroni and cheese
• French fries
• Pasta salad
• Fresh watermelon

Freezing Leftovers

Any leftover pork will make a great freezer meal on a busy weeknight. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer bag. Make sure to seal all the air out so that the meat stays fresh and doesn’t get freezer burn. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to enjoy. Then heat in the microwave or skillet until warm. You may need to mix in a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems a little dry. Or feel free to mix in more sauce if you’d like. Then serve with hamburger buns or use it to make a whole new dish like tacos, a salad, or even serve over a baked potato.

Other Easy Dinner Ideas

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