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Pulled pork sandwiches are a quintessential comfort food that evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth, often reminding us of family gatherings and summer barbecues. Among the myriad of variations, the Smoky Sweet BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich stands out for its rich flavor profile and tender texture. This dish is not merely a meal; it's an experience that combines the smoky essence of barbecue with the sweetness of a carefully crafted sauce, creating a delightful harmony that pleases the palate.

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Discover the ultimate comfort food with Smoky Sweet BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches! This delightful dish features tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder infused with a rich blend of spices and a sweet BBQ sauce, creating a nostalgic experience perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners. Enjoy it on toasted buns, topped with crunchy coleslaw and pickles for added flavor. Meal prep friendly, this recipe guarantees delicious leftovers, making it an easy go-to for any occasion.
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Ingredients
  

3-4 lbs pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup apple cider vinegar

1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

8 soft sandwich buns

Coleslaw (for topping, optional)

Pickles (for topping, optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Rub: In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This will be your dry rub.

    Prep the Pork: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub the olive oil all over the meat, then apply the dry rub generously, ensuring it covers all sides of the pork.

      Slow Cook the Pork: Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a slow cooker. Pour the apple cider vinegar around the pork (not on top, to avoid washing away the rub). Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easy to shred.

        Shred the Pork: Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any large pieces of fat.

          Combine with BBQ Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded pork with BBQ sauce, mixing until well coated. Add extra sauce to taste, depending on how saucy you like it.

            Serve: Toast the sandwich buns (optional) and pile a generous amount of the BBQ pulled pork mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with coleslaw and pickles if desired, then place the top bun on.

              Enjoy: Serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce on the side and enjoy your smoky sweet BBQ pulled pork sandwiches!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                  15 minutes | 8-10 hours | Serves 8