If you’re looking for a comforting, fuss-free dish that will wow your guests this season, the Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Holiday BBQ Pork Recipe is your new go-to. This recipe brings together tender, juicy pork shoulder soaked in a tangy, sweet, and smoky BBQ sauce, all made with just four essential ingredients. The slow cooker does all the magic, giving you melt-in-your-mouth pork that perfectly balances rich flavors and holiday cheer without any complicated steps or hard-to-find components.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Holiday BBQ Pork Recipe proves that simplicity is sometimes the secret to unforgettable flavor. Each ingredient is carefully picked to enhance the pork’s natural richness and build a sauce that is both vibrant and comforting.
- 3 pounds pork shoulder: The ideal cut for slow cooking because it becomes tender and easy to shred while soaking up all the delicious flavors.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: Choose a smoky or sweet style to create the perfect base that coats the pork beautifully.
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar: Adds tangy brightness that cuts through the richness and helps tenderize the meat.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar: Brings a hint of sweetness that balances the vinegar and amps up the holiday spirit.
How to Make Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Holiday BBQ Pork Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Shoulder
Start by placing your pork shoulder directly into the slow cooker. This hearty cut is perfect for slow, low heat to break down all the connective tissues and result in that luscious shreddable texture we all crave.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
While the pork waits, whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar in a bowl. This simple sauce blend brings a little sweetness, plenty of tang, and the smoky BBQ base that will make the pork sing.
Step 3: Coat the Pork
Pour your sauce mixture evenly over the pork shoulder, making sure every bit is coated. This helps the flavor penetrate deeply during the long cook time and keeps the pork incredibly moist.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low. Let it work its magic for 8 to 10 hours until the pork is falling-apart tender, perfect for shredding.
Step 5: Shred and Mix
Once the pork is perfectly cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. Stir it well with the sauce so every bite delivers that incredible BBQ punch.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Now your Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Holiday BBQ Pork Recipe is ready to be enjoyed! Gather your favorite sides and dive into this cozy, satisfying meal.
How to Serve Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Holiday BBQ Pork Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate this dish with a pop of color and flavor—chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or a sprinkle of crunchy toasted sesame seeds add flavor complexity and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Classic coleslaw with its crisp texture and creamy tang is the perfect partner to rich BBQ pork. You can also serve it alongside buttery cornbread, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Beyond a dinner plate, try serving the shredded pork in soft slider buns for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or pile it on top of loaded nachos for a bold twist. Wrapping it up in lettuce leaves is another fresh, light option that’s as fun as it is flavorful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your festive feast, store any leftover Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Holiday BBQ Pork Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep wonderfully for 3 to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy again without any extra work.
Freezing
This BBQ pork freezes beautifully! Transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm throughout, adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce if needed to keep the pork moist and tender. This way, it tastes just as good as the first time.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder is ideal for shredding, you can also use pork butt or even pork loin. Just keep in mind that leaner cuts need less cooking time or may require added moisture to stay juicy.
What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
You can substitute white vinegar or lemon juice in a pinch; both provide acidity that balances the BBQ sauce, but apple cider vinegar adds a subtle fruity depth that complements pork especially well.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! Add a few dashes of hot sauce to your BBQ sauce mix or include some crushed red pepper flakes to the slow cooker for a spicy kick that wakes up all the flavors.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, doubling is easy and perfect for holiday gatherings. Just make sure your slow cooker is big enough to accommodate the larger pork shoulder and sauce quantities, or use two slow cookers if needed.
How do I know when the pork is done?
The pork is ready when it’s tender enough to shred easily with two forks and has absorbed the rich sauce flavors. It should look juicy and pull apart without resistance.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Holiday BBQ Pork Recipe is a celebration of comfort food made easy. Its simple ingredients come together to create a dish bursting with flavor and memorable moments around the table. Once you try it, you’ll see why this recipe is a treasured holiday staple that everyone will ask you to make again and again.
Print
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Holiday BBQ Pork Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours 0 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Holiday BBQ Pork recipe is a simple and flavorful dish perfect for festive gatherings or easy weeknight meals. Featuring tender and juicy pork shoulder slow-cooked in a tangy BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar mixture, this recipe is fuss-free yet delicious. The pork becomes incredibly tender, ready to be shredded and served with your favorite sides.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork shoulder
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork Shoulder: Place the 3 pounds of pork shoulder into the slow cooker, ensuring it fits comfortably for even cooking.
- Make the Sauce Mixture: In a bowl, combine 1 cup of BBQ sauce, 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and ingredients are well mixed.
- Coat the Pork: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the pork shoulder in the slow cooker, making sure the meat is thoroughly coated with the sauce.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the low setting for 8 to 10 hours. Cook until the pork is tender and easily shredded by a fork.
- Shred the Pork: Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it thoroughly with the remaining sauce to absorb all the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the warm shredded BBQ pork with your choice of sides such as coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use a fatty cut like pork shoulder for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust cooking time if using a different slow cooker model or size.
- Leftover pork can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- For a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of chili powder or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture.
- Serve on sandwich buns or as a stand-alone main dish with classic BBQ sides.
