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If you’re looking for a dish that combines effortless prep with incredible flavor, look no further than the Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Holiday BBQ Pork Recipe. This wonderfully simple recipe manages to capture all the cozy, festive vibes of the holiday season while letting your slow cooker do all the hard work. With just four ingredients that pack a punch in taste and tenderness, it’s an absolute must-try for anyone who loves juicy, melt-in-your-mouth pork with that perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and smoky barbecue flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly straightforward but each plays a crucial role in building the rich taste and perfect texture of this Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Holiday BBQ Pork Recipe. From the succulent pork shoulder to the tangy apple cider vinegar, every component brings something special to your holiday meal.
- 3 pounds pork shoulder: The star cut that becomes tender and shreddable after slow cooking, full of flavor and moisture.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: Provides that smoky, sweet, and tangy backbone your pork will soak up beautifully.
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar: Adds a lively acidity that brightens up the dish and balances the richness of the pork.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar: Infuses a subtle caramel sweetness that enhances the depth of the barbecue sauce.
How to Make Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Holiday BBQ Pork Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Shoulder
Start by placing your 3-pound pork shoulder straight into the slow cooker. This cut is perfect because it becomes delightfully tender after the long, slow cooking process.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. This simple sauce blend will meld together into a deliciously tangy, sweet glaze perfectly suited for holiday fare.
Step 3: Coat the Pork
Pour the sauce mixture over the pork inside the slow cooker, making sure every bit is generously coated. This ensures every shred of pork will be bursting with that signature barbecue flavor.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 8 to 10 hours. Patience is key here, as this slow cooking time breaks down the meat fibers, resulting in incredibly tender pork that shreds with ease.
Step 5: Shred and Mix
Once the pork is tender and cooked through, shred it using two forks directly in the slow cooker. Mix everything together so the pork is nicely coated with the sauce, infusing every bite with luscious flavor.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Your Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Holiday BBQ Pork Recipe is ready to be enjoyed hot, fresh from the cooker—perfect for a casual family meal or a festive gathering.
How to Serve Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Holiday BBQ Pork Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish can elevate the look and flavor—consider fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color and a light, fresh contrast to the smoky pork.
Side Dishes
This pork pairs brilliantly with creamy coleslaw, buttery corn on the cob, or fluffy dinner rolls. Mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables also complement the hearty, rich flavor of the BBQ pork especially well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, pile this pulled pork on soft buns with pickles and extra BBQ sauce for sliders that steal the show. Alternatively, serve it over creamy grilled polenta or even stuffed into baked potatoes for a comforting and impressive holiday plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Holiday BBQ Pork Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even tastier.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Place portions in freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a quick meal, just thaw overnight and reheat.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep the pork moist and tender during warming.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
While pork shoulder is ideal due to its fat content and tenderness after slow cooking, you can substitute with pork butt or even pork loin, though the latter may be leaner and less juicy.
Is it possible to make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes! You can cook the pork shoulder in a Dutch oven at 275°F for about 3-4 hours until tender, keeping the same sauce mixture and covering it tightly to retain moisture.
How spicy is this Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Holiday BBQ Pork Recipe?
This version focuses on sweet and tangy flavors rather than heat, making it enjoyable for all taste buds. You can always add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you prefer some kick.
Can I prepare this dish in advance for holiday entertaining?
Absolutely! Prepare the pork a day ahead and reheat before serving. It’s a fantastic make-ahead recipe that saves time on busy holiday days.
What type of BBQ sauce works best in this recipe?
A classic smoky and sweet BBQ sauce pairs wonderfully, but feel free to experiment with regional varieties like Kansas City or Carolina styles depending on your flavor preference.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Holiday BBQ Pork Recipe is such a joy to make and share, especially during festive gatherings when you want something easy yet impressive. The simplicity of the ingredients coupled with the slow cooker’s magic creates tender, flavorful pork that feels both comforting and special. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a new holiday favorite in your home!
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Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Holiday BBQ Pork Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours
- 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, effortless way to prepare tender, flavorful pulled pork perfect for festive gatherings. Using just pork shoulder, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar, this slow-cooked dish develops deep smoky and tangy flavors with minimal prep and maximum taste.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork shoulder
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork: Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker, ensuring it fits comfortably.
- Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar, stirring until the sugar is dissolved and ingredients are well blended.
- Coat the Pork: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the pork shoulder, making sure it is thoroughly coated to absorb all the flavors.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours, or until the pork is tender and can be easily shredded with forks.
- Shred the Pork: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the pork directly in the slow cooker, mixing it well with the remaining sauce.
- Serve: Serve the warm shredded BBQ pork with your favorite sides such as coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use a pork shoulder with some fat marbling for juicier pulled pork.
- Adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of brown sugar according to taste.
- You can use your favorite brand or homemade BBQ sauce for different flavor profiles.
- If short on time, you can cook on high for 4-5 hours but low and slow yields the best tenderness.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
