Pulled Pork

Southern Pulled Pork

Name: Southern Pulled Pork
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 210 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder, boneless; 6 slices of thick-cut bacon; 1 cup (250ml) barbecue sauce; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar

By Odette Delacroix · June 19, 2026 · Pulled Pork

Prep30 min

Cook180 min

Total210 min

Serves8

Southern Pulled Pork is one of my favorite comfort foods, and for good reason - it's easy to make, deliciously tender, and packed with smoky flavor. I remember my grandmother making it for family gatherings, the smell of slow-cooked pork and spices wafting through the air, making everyone's mouth water in anticipation. Today, I'll share my own recipe for Southern Pulled Pork, a dish that's perfect for any occasion, whether it's a casual weeknight dinner or a big party.

This recipe is special because it uses a combination of low and high heat to break down the collagen in the pork, making it tender and juicy. The addition of bacon and spices adds a rich, smoky flavor that's balanced by the tanginess of the barbecue sauce. It's a dish that's both comforting and exciting, and I know you'll love it just as much as I do.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it's incredibly easy to make. The most difficult part is probably waiting for the pork to cook, but trust me, it's worth it. The end result is a deliciously tender, flavorful pulled pork that's perfect for serving with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, baked beans, or crispy onion rings.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves comfort food, and it's also a great option for beginners who want to try their hand at slow-cooking. The instructions are easy to follow, and the ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores. So, if you're looking for a delicious, comforting dish that's sure to please, look no further than my Southern Pulled Pork recipe.

I'll be guiding you through every step of the process, from preparing the pork and bacon to cooking it to perfection. I'll also share some tips and tricks for getting the best results, so be sure to read on for all the details. With this recipe, you'll be enjoying delicious, tender pulled pork in no time, and I know you'll be hooked from the very first bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
The dish is incredibly flavorful, with a rich, smoky flavor that's sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
The recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite spices and seasonings to make it your own.
The dish is perfect for serving a crowd, making it a great option for parties and gatherings.
The recipe is budget-friendly, using affordable ingredients that won't break the bank.
The dish is comforting and satisfying, making it a great option for cold winter nights or cozy family gatherings.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Southern Pulled Pork is to cook the pork low and slow, breaking down the collagen and making it tender and juicy. This is achieved by cooking the pork in a mixture of barbecue sauce and spices, which adds a rich, smoky flavor to the dish. The addition of bacon adds a nice crunch and a boost of flavor, while the tanginess of the barbecue sauce balances out the richness of the pork.

The cooking process is also important, as it helps to break down the connective tissues in the pork and make it tender. By cooking the pork at a low temperature for a long period of time, we can achieve a tender, fall-apart texture that's perfect for pulling apart and serving.

The science behind this recipe is all about the balance of heat, moisture, and time. By controlling these factors, we can create a dish that's both tender and flavorful, with a rich, smoky flavor that's sure to please even the pickiest eaters. So, if you're looking for a delicious, comforting dish that's sure to become a family favorite, look no further than my Southern Pulled Pork recipe.

Overall, this recipe works because it's a perfect balance of flavors and textures, with a tender, juicy pork that's packed with smoky flavor and a crunchy, crispy bacon that adds a nice contrast to the dish. The barbecue sauce adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that balances out the richness of the pork, making this dish a true comfort food classic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Southern Pulled Pork, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including pork shoulder, bacon, barbecue sauce, and spices. The key is to use high-quality ingredients that are fresh and flavorful, as this will make a big difference in the end result. Be sure to choose a pork shoulder that's nicely marbled, as this will help to keep the meat tender and juicy.

When shopping for the ingredients, be sure to look for the best quality you can find. Choose a thick-cut bacon that's smoked to perfection, and a barbecue sauce that's tangy and slightly sweet. You'll also need some basic spices, such as salt, pepper, and brown sugar, which will add depth and flavor to the dish.

2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder, bonelessChoose a pork shoulder that's nicely marbled, as this will help to keep the meat tender and juicy. Look for a cut that's about 2 inches thick, and trim any excess fat from the surface.
6 slices of thick-cut baconChoose a thick-cut bacon that's smoked to perfection, as this will add a rich, smoky flavor to the dish. Look for a bacon that's about 1/4 inch thick, and cut it into 1-inch pieces before cooking.
1 cup (250ml) barbecue sauceChoose a barbecue sauce that's tangy and slightly sweet, as this will balance out the richness of the pork. Look for a sauce that's made with high-quality ingredients, such as tomato puree and spices.
2 tbsp brown sugarBrown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to the dish, and helps to balance out the acidity of the barbecue sauce. Use a high-quality brown sugar that's fresh and flavorful.
1 tsp smoked paprikaSmoked paprika adds a deep, smoky flavor to the dish, and helps to enhance the flavor of the bacon. Use a high-quality smoked paprika that's made from real smoked peppers.
1 tsp garlic powderGarlic powder adds a savory, slightly sweet flavor to the dish, and helps to enhance the flavor of the pork. Use a high-quality garlic powder that's made from real garlic.
1 tsp onion powderOnion powder adds a savory, slightly sweet flavor to the dish, and helps to enhance the flavor of the pork. Use a high-quality onion powder that's made from real onions.
1 tsp saltSalt enhances the flavor of the dish and helps to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients. Use a high-quality salt that's fresh and flavorful.
1/2 tsp black pepperBlack pepper adds a sharp, peppery flavor to the dish, and helps to enhance the flavor of the pork. Use a high-quality black pepper that's fresh and flavorful.
1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider vinegarApple cider vinegar adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to the dish, and helps to balance out the richness of the pork. Use a high-quality apple cider vinegar that's made from real apples.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large Dutch oven or heavy pot with a lidInstant-read thermometerSharp knifeCutting boardSpatulaTongs

How to Make Southern Pulled Pork

1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). While the oven is heating up, cut the pork shoulder into a large chunk, about 2 inches thick. Season the pork with salt, pepper, and brown sugar, making sure to coat it evenly.
2
Cut the bacon into 1-inch pieces and cook it in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it's crispy and golden brown. Remove the bacon from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
3
Add the pork shoulder to the pot and sear it on all sides, until it's browned and crispy. Remove the pork from the pot and set it aside with the bacon.
4
Add the onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot, stirring to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the spices are fragrant.
5
Add the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar to the pot, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it's thickened and reduced slightly.
6
Return the pork shoulder to the pot and spoon some of the sauce over the top. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
7
Bake the pork for 2-3 hours, until it's tender and falls apart easily. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork, which should be at least 190°F (88°C).
8
Remove the pot from the oven and let the pork rest for 10-15 minutes, until it's cool enough to handle. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
9
Add the shredded pork back to the pot and stir to combine with the sauce. Add the cooked bacon back to the pot and stir to combine.
10
Serve the pulled pork hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or pickles, if desired.
11
Let the pork rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving, to allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to relax.

Expert Tips

Use a high-quality pork shoulder that's nicely marbled, as this will help to keep the meat tender and juicy.
Choose a thick-cut bacon that's smoked to perfection, as this will add a rich, smoky flavor to the dish.
Don't overcook the pork, as this will make it dry and tough. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be at least 190°F (88°C).
Let the pork rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving, to allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to relax.
Use a high-quality barbecue sauce that's tangy and slightly sweet, as this will balance out the richness of the pork.
Add some wood chips or chunks to the pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking, to add a smoky flavor to the pork.
Serve the pulled pork with some crusty bread or buns, to make it easier to eat and enjoy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pork, which will make it dry and tough.
Not using a high-quality pork shoulder, which will affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not letting the pork rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving, which will make it difficult to shred and serve.
Not using a high-quality barbecue sauce, which will affect the flavor of the dish.
Not cooking the bacon until it's crispy and golden brown, which will affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork, which will make it difficult to determine if it's cooked to a safe temperature.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced onions or bell peppers to the pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking, to add some extra flavor and nutrients to the dish.
Use a different type of barbecue sauce, such as a sweet and tangy sauce or a spicy sauce, to change the flavor of the dish.
Add some wood chips or chunks to the pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking, to add a smoky flavor to the pork.
Use a different type of meat, such as beef or chicken, to change the flavor and texture of the dish.
Add some diced potatoes or carrots to the pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking, to add some extra nutrients and flavor to the dish.
Serve the pulled pork with some crusty bread or buns, to make it easier to eat and enjoy.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, to the dish before serving, to add some extra flavor and color.

What to Serve With Southern Pulled Pork

Serve the pulled pork hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or pickles, if desired. You can also serve it with some crusty bread or buns, to make it easier to eat and enjoy. Some other options for serving the pulled pork include serving it with some coleslaw or baked beans, or using it as a topping for a salad or sandwich.

Some other ideas for serving the pulled pork include serving it with some crispy onion rings or fried okra, or using it as a filling for tacos or quesadillas. You can also serve it with some roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or carrots, to add some extra nutrients and flavor to the dish.

Serve the pulled pork with some crusty bread or bunsServe it with some coleslaw or baked beansUse it as a topping for a salad or sandwichServe it with some crispy onion rings or fried okra

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The pulled pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To store it in the refrigerator, simply place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.

To freeze the pulled pork, simply place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze it at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below. When you're ready to serve it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop.

To reheat the pulled pork, simply place it in the oven at a temperature of 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until it's heated through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop, by placing it in a saucepan and heating it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through.

Some other tips for storing and reheating the pulled pork include making sure to label and date the container or bag, so you can easily keep track of how long it's been stored. You should also make sure to reheat the pulled pork to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C), to ensure food safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pork shoulder should I use?

You should use a boneless pork shoulder that's about 2 inches thick. Look for a cut that's nicely marbled, as this will help to keep the meat tender and juicy.

How long does it take to cook the pulled pork?

It takes about 2-3 hours to cook the pulled pork, depending on the size of the pork shoulder and the temperature of the oven. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be at least 190°F (88°C).

Can I use a different type of barbecue sauce?

Yes, you can use a different type of barbecue sauce to change the flavor of the dish. Some options include a sweet and tangy sauce, a spicy sauce, or a smoky sauce.

How do I store the pulled pork?

Can I reheat the pulled pork?

Yes, you can reheat the pulled pork in the oven or on the stovetop. To reheat it in the oven, simply place it in the oven at a temperature of 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until it's heated through. To reheat it on the stovetop, simply place it in a saucepan and heat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through.

What are some ideas for serving the pulled pork?

Some ideas for serving the pulled pork include serving it with some crusty bread or buns, serving it with some coleslaw or baked beans, or using it as a topping for a salad or sandwich.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use a different type of meat, such as beef or chicken, to change the flavor and texture of the dish.

How do I add some extra flavor to the pulled pork?

You can add some extra flavor to the pulled pork by using a different type of barbecue sauce, adding some diced onions or bell peppers to the pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking, or using some wood chips or chunks to add a smoky flavor to the pork.

The Full Recipe

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