Potlucks are my jam – so many dishes to try and you only have to bring one! But sometimes, it’s tough to choose one you know will be a total crowd-pleaser. My go-to is pulled pork. The amazing BBQ pulled pork recipes below will get you a 5-star rating and all the potluck fame that comes with that!
Whether you plan to bring a whole pork shoulder or butt, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, rolls, or some other kind of pulled pork comfort food, I’ve got your back!
👨🍳 Ways To Cook Pulled Pork
There are so many ways to achieve that tender fall-apart meat everyone is craving, and even more recipes to give it a unique flavor. Let’s explore some of the best ways to cook pulled pork!
💨 Smoked
1. Smoked Pork Butt
Embrace the classic BBQ method! Slow-smoked pork butt is a foolproof way to create melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
⭐Get Recipe: Smoked Pork Butt
2. Smoked Carolina Pulled Pork
Experience the taste of authentic Carolina BBQ! This recipe slow-smokes the pork with a tangy vinegar mop sauce for an unforgettable flavor.
⭐Get Recipe: Smoked Carolina Pulled Pork
3. Beer & Apple Basted Smoked Pulled Pork
This recipe’s got the low-and-slow smokin’ technique down pat, with a little beer and apple juice action to keep that meat moist. Perfect for when you’ve got all day to hang out by the smoker and let the magic happen. It will be worth it, though!
⭐Get Recipe: Beer & Apple Basted Smoked Pulled Pork
♨️ Grilled
1. Grilled Pork Shoulder With Homemade BBQ Glaze
Harness the power of your grill for a flavorful pork shoulder! The high heat sears the exterior for a delicious crust while the indirect heat renders the meat incredibly tender. We basted the meat with a BBQ glaze from time to time, to get a delightfully crispy and sticky crust.
⭐Get Recipe: Grilled Pork Shoulder With Homemade BBQ Glaze
2. Smoked Pulled Pork On A Gas Grill
Don’t have a fancy smoker? No problem! This recipe shows you how to get that smoky goodness on a regular ol’ gas grill. The cooking time is faster than regular smoking but you will need to plan for a 6-hour dry brining period. It’s the secret to moist and tender pulled pork!
⭐Get Recipe: Smoked Pulled Pork On A Gas Grill
3. North Carolina Pulled Pork
This Carolina-style pulled pork is all about that vinegar-based mop sauce. It’s tangy, a little bit spicy, and the perfect way to add some zing to your pulled pork sandwiches.
⭐Get Recipe: North Carolina Pulled Pork
🍲 Slow Cooker & Instant Pot
1. Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Who has time for all-day cooking? This Instant Pot recipe makes quick work of pulled pork, so you can have it ready in a flash.
⭐Get Recipe: Instant Pot Pulled Pork
2. Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Pulled Pork
Try a unique twist on pulled pork! Slow-cooking it with Dr Pepper infuses the meat with a surprising depth of flavor that’s sweet, savory, and totally delicious.
⭐Get Recipe: Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Pulled Pork
3. Crockpot Crispy Pork Ramen
Give your ramen a smoky twist! Tender pulled pork adds delicious flavor and protein to this cozy and comforting dish.
⭐Get Recipe: Crockpot Crispy Pork Ramen
4. Café Rio Sweet Pork
Recreate a popular restaurant favorite at home! This sweet and smoky pulled pork recipe is perfect for tacos, salads, or burritos.
⭐Get Recipe: Café Rio Sweet Pork
5. Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork
This Texas-style pulled pork is a flavor bomb! It’s slow-cooked in a rich and smoky sauce, and the best part is, you can set it and forget it. Perfect for busy days when you still want a delicious BBQ feast.
⭐Get Recipe: Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork
6. Mississippi Pork Shoulder
Simple ingredients and big flavor define Mississippi-style pulled pork. It’s cooked low and slow in the oven or slow cooker, and the result is tender, juicy pork that’s perfect for any occasion.
⭐Get Recipe: Mississippi Pork Shoulder
🍽️ Recipes Using Pulled Pork
Pulled pork is a fantastic main dish on its own, but also a valuable ingredient in lots of recipes. The dishes below are great for stretching this tender meat as well as turning it into a whole new adventure. Hold on to those leftovers!
🍔 Sandwiches & Burgers
1. Maple Bourbon Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Bourbon adds a sophisticated depth to this sweet and savory BBQ sauce. Your pulled pork sandwiches will be the star of the potluck.
⭐Get Recipe: Maple Bourbon Pulled Pork Sandwiches
2. Pulled Pork Burgers with Grilled Pineapple Avocado Slaw
These burgers are anything but ordinary! Topped with tender pulled pork, grilled pineapple, and a vibrant slaw, they’re a fun and flavorful addition to your potluck spread.
⭐Get Recipe: Pulled Pork Burgers with Grilled Pineapple Avocado Slaw
3. Stout Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Irish Cheddar Fondue
The pork shoulder is cooked in a sweet and spicy Guiness-spiked sauce and served on toasted buns. The gooey Irish cheddar fondue and tangy cabbage slaw only make them more irresistible!
⭐Get Recipe: Stout Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Irish Cheddar Fondue
4. Southwest BBQ Pork Sliders
These sliders will achieve a top ranking in any potluck spread. They’re packed with flavor, thanks to the BBQ pulled pork, creamy avocado crema, and a tangy slaw. Plus, they’re the perfect size for sharing (or not sharing, if you’re feeling a little greedy).
⭐Get Recipe: Southwest BBQ Pork Sliders
5. Alabama Pulled Pork Sandwiches With White BBQ Sauce
If you’ve never tried Alabama white sauce, you’re in for a treat! It’s tangy, creamy, and the perfect complement to smoky pulled pork. Pile it high on a bun and it will become your new favorite dish.
⭐Get Recipe: Alabama Pulled Pork Sandwiches With White BBQ Sauce
6. Asian Style Pulled Pork Sliders
These sliders are a fun twist on a classic. The Asian-inspired flavors, like soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil, take the pulled pork to a whole new level. This is a creative recipe that will surprise everyone at your next cookout – in a good way, of course!
⭐Get Recipe: Asian Style Pulled Pork Sliders
🌯 Wraps & Rolls
1. Pulled Pork Taquitos
Give your pulled pork a Mexican twist! Crispy taquitos filled with juicy shredded meat and cheese make a fun and festive appetizer.
⭐Get Recipe: Pulled Pork Taquitos
2. Pulled Pork Burrito
This burrito is packed with all your favorite BBQ flavors. Tender pulled pork, black beans, rice, cheese, and a smoky chipotle sauce are all wrapped up in a warm flour tortilla. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
⭐Get Recipe: Pulled Pork Burrito
3. Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese Tortilla Wraps
This recipe is pure genius! It combines two comfort food favorites – pulled pork and mac and cheese – into one delicious and portable wrap. This will be a fun dish to serve at get-togethers.
⭐Get Recipe: Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese Tortilla Wraps
4. Sweet & Spicy Asian Pork Quesadillas
Asian pork quesadillas don’t disappoint! The sweet and spicy Asian-inspired sauce pairs perfectly with the tender pulled pork and gooey cheese. They’re a great appetizer or light meal.
⭐Get Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Asian Pork Quesadillas
5. Pulled Pork Egg Rolls
These egg rolls are a unique and delicious way to enjoy pulled pork. The crispy shell is filled with tender pulled pork and a tangy BBQ sauce. Use an air fryer or a deep fryer – whichever you have on hand, and serve with a ranch dressing for dipping.
⭐Get Recipe: Pulled Pork Egg Rolls
🥘 Other Dishes
1. Pulled Pork Cabbage Arugula Salad
This flavorful salad offers a lighter and refreshing way to enjoy pulled pork. Crunchy cabbage and peppery arugula create a satisfying dish your friends and family will love!
⭐Get Recipe: Pulled Pork Cabbage Arugula Salad
2. Instant Pot Pulled Pork Nachos
Loaded nachos are the ultimate crowd-pleaser! The Instant Pot makes quick work of the pulled pork so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time mingling.
⭐Get Recipe: Instant Pot Pulled Pork Nachos
3. Pulled Pork Carnitas
Enjoy a flavorful Mexican feast! This recipe uses simple ingredients and slow-cooking magic to create tender, succulent pulled pork with a crispy exterior.
⭐Get Recipe: Pulled Pork Carnitas
4. Vegan BBQ Pulled Pork
Jackfruit is a common vegan meat replacement and using it to make faux pulled pork is brilliant! As an added bonus, it’s ready faster than pulled pork and you have an optional extra step to make the flavor even more “pork-like”: spread it in a pan and roast it in the oven for 20 minutes.
⭐Get Recipe: Vegan BBQ Pulled Pork
5. Smoked Pulled Pork Poutine
Smoked pulled pork makes this Canadian classic even better! Crispy fries topped with cheese curds, pulled pork, and gravy are pure indulgence.
⭐Get Recipe: Smoked Pulled Pork Poutine
6. Pork and Hominy Stew
This hearty stew is packed with flavor! The Instant Pot makes it a breeze to cook, and the pulled pork adds rich, smoky depth. Also, it’s easy to scale and goes well with a variety of toppings.
⭐Get Recipe: Pork and Hominy Stew
7. Easy BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza
This pizza is a BBQ lover’s dream! It’s topped with tender pulled pork, tangy BBQ sauce, and all your favorite pizza toppings. A creative pizza is certainly a clever way to get your cooking skills noticed at a potluck.
⭐Get Recipe: Easy BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza
🍖 More Pulled Pork Knowledge
Becoming a pulled pork connoisseur doesn’t have to take that long! The resources below will help you achieve pulled pork success in no time:
- Homemade Pulled Pork Rub
- Free Printable Pulled Pork Temperature Chart
- Can You Freeze Pulled Pork?
- How To Reheat Pulled Pork
- How Much Pulled Pork Per Person
- Best Buns For Pulled Pork
- Best Sides For Pulled Pork
- Leftover Pulled Pork Recipes
Ginny Collins is a passionate foodie and recipe creator of Savor and Savvy and Kitchenlaughter. Indoors she focuses on easy, quick recipes for busy families and kitchen basics. Outdoors, she focuses on backyard grilling and smoking to bring family and friends together. She is a lifelong learner who is always taking cooking classes on her travels overseas and stateside. Her work has been featured on MSN, Parade, Fox News, Yahoo, Cosmopolitan, Elle, and many local news outlets. She lives in Florida where you will find her outside on the water in her kayak, riding her bike on trails, and planning her next overseas adventure.
Leave a Reply