Amazing 4th of July Pulled Pork Sandwiches in One Pot

Hey there! Savana here. You know, when the Fourth of July rolls around, my mind immediately goes to easy, delicious food that lets me actually enjoy the fireworks and the company, not just the kitchen. That s where these 4th of July Pulled Pork Sandwiches come in. They are seriously a game changer for holiday gatherings.

I ve always loved how a simple meal can bring everyone together, and summer holidays are the perfect time for that. Growing up, our Fourth of July was always about laid-back vibes and food you could eat with your hands while chatting with family and friends.

Making comforting food easy is kind of my thing here at 911Recipes, and this recipe is a prime example. You just set it up and let the slow cooker do the magic. It s perfect for those long summer days when you want maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

These sandwiches are tender, saucy, and just scream summer celebration. Trust me, your guests will be asking for the recipe!

Why You ll Love These 4th of July Pulled Pork Sandwiches

These aren t just any sandwiches; they are your ticket to a stress-free holiday! Seriously, these 4th of July Pulled Pork Sandwiches are a winner for so many reasons.

• They are ridiculously easy thanks to the slow cooker.
• The flavor is absolutely incredible.
• Everyone loves them they are a total crowd-pleaser.
• Minimal effort means more time for fun!
• Perfect for feeding a hungry group.

They really let you relax and enjoy your celebration.

Essential Gear for Making 4th of July Pulled Pork Sandwiches

You really don t need much fancy stuff for these glorious sandwiches. The star player here is definitely your slow cooker.

• A reliable slow cooker (mine is a simple 6-quart one).
• Two forks for shredding the pork.
• A small bowl for mixing spices and sauce.

That s it! See? Easy peasy.

Ingredients for Your Perfect 4th of July Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Okay, let s talk about what you need to make these amazing sandwiches. The ingredients are pretty straightforward, which is another reason I love this recipe so much.

• You ll need about a 4 to 5 pound pork shoulder. Make sure to trim off any big fatty pieces before you start.
• One bottle, that s usually 18 ounces, of your favorite barbecue sauce. Use something you really enjoy!
• Half a cup of apple cider vinegar. This adds a nice tang.
• A quarter cup of brown sugar for a touch of sweetness.
• Then for the dry rub: one tablespoon of paprika, one teaspoon of garlic powder, one teaspoon of onion powder, and of course, salt and black pepper to taste.
• Don t forget the hamburger buns for serving!
• And for toppings, think coleslaw, pickles, or maybe even a little extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Gathering these simple things is the first step to deliciousness.

How to Make 4th of July Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Alright, let s get cooking! This is where the magic happens with very little effort on your part, which is exactly what we want for the 4th of July.

Preparing the Pork for Your 4th of July Pulled Pork Sandwiches

First things first, grab that pork shoulder. I like to give it a quick rinse and pat it dry. Then, take a sharp knife and trim off any really thick layers of fat. You don t have to get every single bit, but getting the majority off helps. In a small bowl, mix up your paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This is your flavor booster! Generously rub this spice mixture all over the pork shoulder. Get it into all the nooks and crannies. Don t be shy!

Slow Cooking Your 4th of July Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Now, place that beautifully seasoned pork shoulder right into your slow cooker. It should fit snugly. In a separate bowl, whisk together your favorite BBQ sauce, the apple cider vinegar, and the brown sugar. Give it a good stir until everything is combined. Pour this delicious sauce mixture all over the pork in the slow cooker. Make sure it s coated well. Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker to low. Let it cook for about 8 to 10 hours. You ll know it s ready when it s super tender and falls apart easily with a fork.

Shredding and Finishing Your 4th of July Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Carefully take the pork out of the slow cooker. It will be hot and very tender, so be gentle! Reserve the liquid that s left in the pot that s liquid gold for flavor. Using two forks, start shredding the pork. This is usually pretty easy because it s so soft. Discard any bones or big pieces of fat you find. Return the shredded pork back to the slow cooker. Stir it into the reserved cooking liquid and sauce. Let it hang out on the warm setting for at least 30 minutes. This lets the pork soak up all that yummy flavor. Now it s ready to pile high on those buns!

Tips for Amazing 4th of July Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Making these sandwiches is already pretty simple, but a few little tricks can make them even better. For the most tender pork, don t rush the cooking time. Letting it go the full 8-10 hours on low is key.

Once the pork is shredded and back in the sauce, let it sit on warm for that extra 30 minutes. This really lets the flavors meld and soak in. Before serving, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Maybe a pinch more salt or a splash more apple cider vinegar if you like it tangy.

And don t underestimate the bun! A good quality hamburger bun that can hold up to the juicy pork is a must. Sometimes I even lightly toast the buns for a little extra texture.

Serving Suggestions for 4th of July Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Once your incredible pulled pork is ready, it s time to build those delicious sandwiches! Piling the hot, saucy pork high on a soft hamburger bun is just the start.

For toppings, classic coleslaw is a must in my book. That creamy crunch is just perfect with the tender pork. Pickles add a nice briny bite too. And of course, having extra BBQ sauce on the side lets everyone add as much as they like.

As for sides, potato salad, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad are all fantastic choices. Keep it easy and festive!

Frequently Asked Questions About 4th of July Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Got questions about making these delicious sandwiches? I ve got answers! Here are some common things people ask when making pulled pork.

Can I use a different cut of pork?

Yes, you absolutely can! Pork butt (which is actually from the shoulder area) works just as well. Look for something with good marbling for tenderness.

What if I don t have a slow cooker?

No problem! You can make pulled pork in the oven. Place the seasoned pork in a Dutch oven with the sauce, cover tightly, and cook at 300 °F (150 °C) for 3-4 hours, or until very tender. You can also use an Instant Pot following the manufacturer s instructions for pulled pork.

Can I make the pulled pork ahead of time?

Oh, absolutely! This is one of the best things about pulled pork. Make it a day or two before, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the slow cooker on warm before serving. The flavors often get even better!

Can I adjust the level of sweetness or tanginess?

Definitely! Taste the sauce mixture before you pour it over the pork. If you like it sweeter, add a little more brown sugar. For more tang, add another splash of apple cider vinegar.

Storing Your Leftover 4th of July Pulled Pork Sandwiches

If you happen to have any of these amazing sandwiches left over (which is a big if!), storing them is easy. Let the pulled pork cool down completely first.

Transfer the leftover pulled pork and sauce to an airtight container. Pop it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, or in the microwave until heated through. You might need to add a tiny splash of water or broth if it seems a little dry.

Nutritional Information

I know some of you like to keep track of the nutritional side of things, so here s a general idea of what one of these delicious sandwiches contains.

• Calories: Around 450
• Sugar: About 20g
• Sodium: Roughly 700mg
• Fat: Approximately 25g
• Saturated Fat: About 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: Around 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: Roughly 30g
• Fiber: About 2g
• Protein: Around 30g
• Cholesterol: Approximately 80mg

Just remember, these are estimates. The actual numbers can change depending on the exact ingredients and brands of things like the pork cut and the BBQ sauce you use. It s a good general guide though!