Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork is dressed in a homemade barbecue sauce before being piled on slider buns and topped with crunchy, Creamy Broccoli Slaw. It’s an easy, make-ahead recipe that’s perfect for watching the big game!
Are y’all as excited about the Super Bowl as I am? I’m a football girl through and through, and I’m already mourning the imminent end of football season. Although my heart is invested in college football a bit more than NFL, I do love the NFL playoffs and, of course, the Super Bowl! Whether you watch the Super Bowl for the game itself or you only tune in for the commercials, I bet many of you will agree with me that the very best part of Super Bowl Sunday is the food. And if you’re also a fan of the food, I encourage you to put these Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork Sliders on your menu this year!
Y’all…this root beer pulled pork is so good. And I love that it’s a great make-ahead recipe, meaning that you can make the day (or days) before, and then simply reheat at party time. I don’t know about you, but getting as much cooking out of the way ahead of time helps make party day less stressful and more enjoyable for this easily frazzled hostess.
And now to tell you a little bit more about these sliders. Good gracious do I love them! The pork itself is so easy to make that I’m almost embarrassed to call it a recipe. All you do is toss your hunk of pork roast into the slow cooker with a can of root beer and a whopping two other ingredients. That’s it. And then, since your whole day has been freed up by the wonder that is a crock pot, you go ahead and invest a tad bit of time into making a batch of homemade barbecue sauce and some creamy, crunchy coleslaw to go on top of your heavenly little sandwiches. I’m telling you, a cumulative 30 minutes of work is so worth the final, delectable results.
How to Make Root Beer Pulled Pork in the Slow Cooker
Here’s the typical method to the madness.
- Measure out your Best Ever BBQ Sauce ingredients into a pot and let that start bubbling away on the stove. (If you want to use your favorite bottled sauce instead, you can just skip this step.)
- Place the pork and root beer in the slow cooker, season with minced garlic and pepper, slap on the lid, and set the crock pot to LOW.
- Next it’s time to whip up the dressing for the slaw (which takes a whole two minutes) and stir in the shredded broccoli mix, which you can find sold in a bag in the produce section of many grocery stores.
- By the time the pork is starting to cook and the slaw is in the refrigerator, your barbecue sauce will have just about simmered long enough. Allow it to cool a bit before transferring it into a container and popping it in the fridge to keep the broccoli slaw company.
- Then at the end of the day, when the pork is done cooking, simply drain off the root beer, remove any fat, shred the pork, put it back into the slow cooker, stir in the barbecue sauce, and allow it all to cook a bit longer until heated through.
- Finally…finally(!!!)…it’s time to pile some of your sweet, tangy pork onto tender little Hawaiian rolls (or you can use your favorite slider buns) and top with a generous mound of slaw. Yum, yum, YUM.
A Few Notes on the Broccoli Slaw
The Creamy Broccoli Slaw is not required for these sliders but it’s definitely recommended. I will tell you now that I don’t actually care for raw broccoli, but I adore this broccoli slaw on these sliders! Besides, if my persnickety 4-year-old happily eats it, you know it’s good.
You could use shredded cabbage instead, which of course you could even chop up yourself, but I really like the slightly crunchier texture that the shredded broccoli lends to these sliders. Not to mention the fact that I can buy it ready-to-go and that ends up being one less thing I have to do… 😉
I do think that it’s important to make your slaw in morning (or at least several hours ahead of time) so that the broccoli has time to hang out in the dressing all day. This allows the flavors to meld together, and it also softens up the raw veggies just a bit. By the time you’re ready to eat and the flavors of the slaw are all blended, nobody will ever even guess that they’re eating broccoli unless you tell them. Or, in my husband’s case, unless they spy the empty bag on the counter that says BROCCOLI SLAW. Oops.
Folks, I implore you to try these tasty little sandwiches! I think you will be especially pleased with the results if you take the time to make the easy, homemade barbecue sauce and whip up the yummy slaw to top your sandwiches. We regularly enjoy these sliders for ordinary weeknight dinners, after which I either freeze the leftover pulled pork for a later meal or use it to whip up something like quesadillas, nachos, or Cheesy Biscuit Cups on a subsequent night. But these sliders really shine at a party, where a crock pot full of pork goes a long way and everyone can assemble their sandwiches to their liking.
Finally, if you scroll below the recipe, I also hope that the printable football position drink tags are a hit (and help avoid mixed-up beverages) when you watch the Super Bowl in a couple of weeks.
Have a great week, friends! And one last thing that I just have to know…Broncos or Seahawks? 😉
Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork Recipe
Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork Sliders
Ingredients
- 4 pound boneless pork shoulder roast
- 12 ounces root beer, I use natural root beer made with real sugar
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic
- 16 ounces Best Ever Barbecue Sauce, OR your favorite bottled brand
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 to 3 packages Hawaiian rolls or other small slider buns
Instructions
- Trim fat from pork and pierce all over surface with a knife. Place pork in slow cooker, pour root beer over top, and scatter garlic over surface, pressing into meat. Sprinkle liberally with pepper. Cover and cook on low for 9 to 10 hours.
- While pork is cooking, prepare barbecue sauce and broccoli slaw
- Remove pork from slow cooker and place on cutting board. Discard fat, cut meat into chunks with a knife, and then shred chunks with two forks. Drain liquid from slow cooker and add shredded meat back to crock. Stir in 2 cups barbecue sauce (or more, if desired). You may also add a splash of water if sauce seems too thick. Heat on low for 30 minutes to 1 hour or until heated through.
- Serve pulled pork on Hawaiian rolls topped with Broccoli Slaw.
Notes
- Although it's leaner and more expensive, I sometimes use pork loin instead of pork shoulder if that's what I have on hand.
- I prefer using natural root beer made with cane sugar (as opposed to high fructose corn syrup).
- For slow cooker recipes, I usually use the type of fresh minced garlic that you buy in a big jar and store in the refrigerator. It's quick to toss into crock pot recipes and since it ends up cooking for so long, I don't notice the end result being any different than if I took the time to mince fresh garlic cloves myself. I also tend to add more garlic than called for when it comes to crock pot recipes.
- Cooking on low is recommended for the most tender meat, but if you don't have 9 to 10 hours to cook this recipe on low, you may cook it in half the time on high. However, be sure to heat in barbecue sauce at the end on low heat.
- Depending on how much meat you put on each bun, this recipe should make between 2 and 3 dozen sliders.
Creamy Broccoli Slaw Recipe
Creamy Broccoli Slaw
Ingredients
- 20 ounces broccoli slaw
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (OR sour cream)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 4 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yogurt, Dijon, vinegar, sugar, and celery salt. Stir in the broccoli slaw until well coated. Taste and add salt and pepper, as desired. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
- Broccoli slaw is a mixture of shredded broccoli stalks, carrots, and red cabbage that can be found in a bag in the produce section of your grocery store. Alternatively, you may use shredded cabbage or regular coleslaw mix instead.
- This quantity is enough to serve as a sandwich topping with 4 pounds of pulled pork. When I make this recipe for my family of five to eat, I cut it in half.
More Sandwiches for Supper
- Slow Cooker Honey Balsamic Shredded Beef Sandwiches
- Bacon & Blue Cheese Egg Salad Sandwiches
- The ULTIMATE Stuffed Cheeseburger Sliders
- Caprese Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Bonus Super Bowl Party Drink Tags!
For a football-watching party, I thought it would be fun to create drink tags listing out some of the various football positions. When setting up your drink station, simply supply a pile of these cut-out tags, some cute string or twine, and a few Sharpie markers. That way, party-goers can write their names on their desired tags and then tie them onto their drinks, and voilà! Nobody is going to lose their drink at your party!
Click HERE >>> for the DRINK TAGS PRINTABLE
This Super Bowl Party Drink Tags printable is a high-resolution PDF.
You may print these tags on cardstock, cut them out with scissors, and use
a hole punch to punch a hole in the top and tie them onto drinks with twine or string.
For personal use only, please. Enjoy!
Sarah - ITKM says
This just looks SO delicious. I’m still trying to figure out our Super Bowl party menu, my first OFFICIAL big SB party… may have to try this! I’m a sucker for printables — pinning!
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
Thank you, Sarah! Have fun planning your Super Bowl party menu…there are so many yummy options out there that it’s hard to decide! I’m pretty sure these sliders will be a hit, though, if you decide to serve them. 😉 Enjoy the printables and thanks so much for taking the time to comment!
Britni says
Samantha those drink tags are so cute! I love that you came up with creative names for the tags.
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
Thanks so much, Britni! I have to admit that I had to consult with my husband to make sure I got the football player positions right! I love football but that’s one facet of the game that I’ve never paid too much attention to… 😉
Zainab @ Blahnik Baker says
Those drink tags are so adorable and are genius!! I always lose my cup at these parties and this is a fun interactive way to keep track of things. Love the sliders too 😉
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
You are too sweet, Zainab…thank you for the thoughtful comment! I hope these tags help all of the drinks stay with their rightful owners at this year’s Super Bowl parties. 😉 And I love the sliders, too! 🙂
Happy Valley Chow says
I loovveee pulled pork and your recipe looks fantastic. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Happy Blogging!
Happy Valley Chow
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
Pulled pork is one of my favorites as well…I hope you get to try this recipe and that you enjoy it if you do! Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment. 🙂
Christy @ Our Southern Home says
Your first ever post is absolutely awesome!!!! Can’t wait to try your recipe!!! XXOO Christy
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
Thank you so much, Christy…I’m honored you stopped by to check out my post, and I really appreciate your encouraging and supportive words! Hope you have a great week!
Liz Fourez says
That pulled pork… WOW!! I want to be at your Super Bowl party, Samantha! I’ve honestly never seen those Rubbermaid glass containers, and I’m thinking I need to pick some up! Thanks so much for sharing!
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
You are too sweet, Liz! And yes, I highly recommend those Rubbermaid glass containers…I use them all the time! Thanks so much for stopping by…hope you’re having a fabulous night! 🙂
Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats says
I am all about saving time and have been wanting to get some new rubbermaids, specifically glass. You read my mind! Plus I am totally drooling over these sandwiches right now and love the broccoli slaw on top. You are seriously so creative Samantha! Pinned this for sure! 🙂
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
Thank you so much, Krista! You should definitely pick up some of these glass Rubbermaids…I love mine! And I think you’ll enjoy the sliders as well. I have eaten more of them than I care to admit and I’m still not tired of them! 😉 I appreciate your sweet comment and the pin…hope you have a great week!
[email protected] says
wow those sliders look delicious, I love your photos they look like you could just reach in and grab one!
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
Thanks so much, Shamene! I hope you get to try them…they’re pretty tasty! I’m so glad you stopped by…have a great week!
Ashley says
Yum! Everything looks fantastic Samantha! 🙂
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
Thank you, Ashley…you are too sweet! I appreciate you hopping over to check it out! 🙂
Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later! says
This seriously looks so great! Fabulous job & I want some pulled pork sliders now!
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
Thanks so much, Amber! Your support means a lot! 🙂
Sky says
This looks delicious! Your other sides do also- pinning to try these recipes for sure! Your photos are beautiful too!
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
Thank you very much, Sky, for the kind comment and the pin. Hope you enjoy these recipes! 🙂
Tara says
Fabulous post, Samantha! Looks delicious!
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
Thank you, Tara…I really appreciate you stopping by and taking the time to comment! 🙂
[email protected] says
This sounds like the perfect game food!! And I totally love those glass containers! 🙂
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
Thank you, Jocelyn! Sometimes I get more excited about the food than the game… 😉 And aren’t those glass containers great? I get so much use out of them. Hope you’re having a fabulous week!
Joybee says
I love this recipe. I’m originally from North Carolina and we love nothing more than pulled pork barbecue. I also love root beer and the addition of that flavor with barbecue sounds amazing. I can’t wait to try this next time I make barbecue.
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
I hope you love it, Joybee! When it comes to BBQ in Texas, brisket is king, but I have to admit that I’m an equally big fan of pulled pork. 😉 Hope you’re having a great weekend…thanks for stopping by!
Joann @EuchreFun says
We recently had Brisket in Root Beer. These sound interesting will have to give them a try! Thanks for sharing! Joann @EuchreFun
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
I never would have thought to cook brisket in root beer, but I bet it turned out yummy! Hope you enjoy this version of pulled pork, Joann! Have a great week and thanks for stopping by!
Sami says
What a fantastic post! The recipe looks delish, I can’t wait to give it a try. The slaw adds some crunch and I like that. I love the little tags, perfect for a Super Bowl party 🙂
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
Thanks so much, Sami! I hope you enjoy the sliders and the drink tags! Happy to have you stop by. 🙂
Gloria // Simply Gloria says
Samantha, I love everything you’ve included in this post! I’m a huge fan of the glass containers. But, I’m loving these fun printables. So fun! Everyone needs name tags on their beverages, for sure. And, this recipe is just calling my name… I’m always in love with pulled pork! I’m so happy you shared all of this with us at the SSS party this weekend!
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
You are so sweet, Gloria…thank you for the generous compliments! I love those glass containers as well…I use the heck out of them! And I hope you get to utilize the Super Bowl drink tags and try out the pulled pork recipe at some point! Thanks so much for hosting SSS each week…I always have fun joining you ladies. 🙂 Hope you’re having a great week and staying warm!
Carol Bisson says
I will be trying your pulled pork recipe. I’ve tried many slow cooker pulled pork recipes and have yet to fin a great go-to recipe. I’ll also be making the slaw. Great recipes. Thanks
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
I’m so glad you’re going to give these recipes a shot, Carol…I hope you’re pleased with how they turn out! Have a great week!
Jen @ Yummy Healthy Easy says
I mean, wow. Just WOW! These sliders look absolutely wonderful. I can’t get over that broccoli slaw and those darling printables! Such a fun post! Thank you so much for sharing on Saturday Night Fever – pinning now!
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
Thanks so much for the kind words, Jen! I really appreciate you stopping by and pinning, and I enjoy linking up with y’all each week. 🙂 Happy Friday!
[email protected] in the Kitchen says
Oh Samantha, these look SO delicious!!! And it looks like you took care of every. little. detail!! Great Post! Saw you featured on Strut Your Stuff!!
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
Thanks so much for the encouraging words, Renee! A lot went into this post, but I had fun putting it together. I hope you get to try the sliders and that you love them…thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂
Cathleen Schott says
Great job! This is the perfect menu plan for a Dinner we’re having for family retiring from the Military! Thank You! Love all the pictures!
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
I hope this recipe is a hit at your dinner, Cathleen! And thanks so much to your family members for their service. It takes true dedication to retire from the military, and I’m so appreciative of those who serve our country for any length of time…much less make a career out of it!