Carolina Gold Pulled Pork (Slow Cooker)

Carolina Gold Pulled Pork! This tangy, mustard-based slow cooker delight is one of my favorite crock pot recipies. Easy weeknight win! Try it now.

June 1, 2025
By Zelia Thorne.

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Alright, let's get this show on the road! Remember that time I attempted BBQ and it was a disaster ? Let’s NOT repeat that! Talking about BBQ, have you heard about crock pot recipies ? Specifically, the magic of slow-cooked, flavour-packed pulled pork?

Carolina Gold Pulled Pork: Your New Slow Cooker Obsession

This recipe gives basic pulled pork a serious upgrade. we're talking carolina gold bbq sauce. think tangy mustard, a bit of sweetness, and total bbq heaven.

This is southern comfort food made easy.

This delicious recipe comes from the heart of south carolina bbq tradition. carolina gold, that bright yellow, vinegar-based sauce, is a game-changer.

It’s super easy, requires almost zero effort, and feeds a crowd! we are talking about 8-10 happy people.

Carolina Gold Pulled Pork (Slow Cooker) Recipe Card

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:08 Hrs

Servings:8-10 servings

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lb (1.3-1.8 kg) pork shoulder (Boston butt), bone-in or boneless
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (8 g) smoked paprika
• 1 tsp (2 g) chili powder
• 1 tsp (2 g) ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp (1 g) cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp (6 g) kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp (3 g) black pepper
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cup (240 ml) yellow mustard (classic yellow, like French's)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) honey
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp (5 ml) hot sauce (such as Tabasco or Frank's RedHot)
• 1/2 tsp (3 g) kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp (1 g) black pepper

Instructions:

• Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder. Season generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using).
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned. This step adds depth of flavor.
• In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Place the sautéed onions and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the seared (or un-seared) pork shoulder on top. Pour in the chicken broth.
• Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the pork is easily shredded with a fork. Internal temperature should reach 195-205°F (90-96°C).
• While the pork is cooking (or in the last hour), whisk together all Carolina Gold sauce ingredients in a medium bowl.
• Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat. Drain some of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker, leaving about 1 cup of the flavorful juices.
• Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Pour in the Carolina Gold sauce and the reserved cooking juices. Toss to coat. Let it sit in the warm sauce for about 30 minutes to absorb the flavors. Serve hot. This is one of the easiest crock pot recipies to try!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

One of the main benefits? pulled pork is packed with protein and the crock pot recipies help render out some fat! plus, this is the perfect dish for a summer bbq, a potluck, or even just a casual sunday dinner.

Honestly, what makes this recipe special is that tangy sauce. it cuts through the richness of the pork. it’s an absolute flavour explosion.

You know, sometimes easy crockpot dinners are where it's at. trust me on this one. chicken crockpot recipes are nice, but this pulled pork? next level.

Before you get too excited, let's dive into what you'll need.

What You'll Need to Make This BBQ Masterpiece

Time to raid the pantry! Here's what you need for this killer Chicken Pot Pie Crock Pot :

• 3-4 lb pork shoulder
• One onion
• Garlic
• Spices
• Chicken broth
• Yellow mustard
• Apple cider vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Honey
• Worcestershire sauce
• Hot sauce
• Salt and pepper.

Basically, it's a simple ingredient list. this recipe is one of the pot pies recipes that also tastes amazing. the best crockpot recipes slow cooker allow a longer cook time.

Now, let's get cooking!

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make some banging Carolina Gold Pulled Pork. And you know what? This is perfect if you're into super easy crockpot dinners .

Ingredients & Equipment

So, let's get this Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie recipe started.

Main Ingredients

Here's the breakdown, measurements and all, in both US and proper sizes:

• Pork: 3-4 lb (1.3-1.8 kg) pork shoulder (Boston butt). Bone-in or boneless works, tbh. Look for good marbling, not too much fat.
• Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml). Any decent olive oil will do.
• Onion: 1 large yellow onion, chopped. Get a firm one.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Fresh is always best, innit?
• Smoked Paprika: 1 tbsp (8 g). Adds that smoky BBQ vibe.
• Chili Powder: 1 tsp (2 g). A bit of warmth.
• Ground Cumin: 1 tsp (2 g). Earthy notes, love it.
• Cayenne Pepper: 1/2 tsp (1 g). Optional, for a kick. Skip if you're a wimp.
• Kosher Salt: 1 tsp (6 g). Essential.
• Black Pepper: 1/2 tsp (3 g). Freshly ground if you can.
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup (240 ml). Low sodium is the way to go.

And that is it for the pork!

Seasoning Notes

Oh my gosh, the sauce!

• Yellow Mustard: 1 cup (240 ml). Classic yellow, like French's. This is the soul of Carolina Gold.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 1/2 cup (120 ml). Adds that tang.
• Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup (60 ml). Packed. Sweetness.
• Honey: 2 tbsp (30 ml). A bit more sweetness and stickiness.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tbsp (15 ml). Umami bomb!
• Hot Sauce: 1 tsp (5 ml). Tabasco or Frank's RedHot. Your call.
• Kosher Salt: 1/2 tsp (3 g).
• Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp (1 g).

If you don't have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar will work. But ACV gives such a complex flavor! For a Chicken Pot Pie Crock Pot style thing, you could add a dash of cream to this sauce!

Equipment Needed

You don't need loads of fancy gear for amazing crock pot recipies .

• Slow Cooker: A 6-quart (5.7 liter) one is perfect. Get ready for some dinner recipes crockpot magic!
• Skillet: Optional, but good for searing.
• Forks: Two forks for shredding. Essential!
• Whisk: For the sauce.

Honestly, the most important thing is a decent crock pot recipies . think of it as an investment! you can always use a dutch oven if you don't have a skillet.

Easy peasy. you know? it is so easy to make crockpot recipes easy .

And yeah, you can totally use this pulled pork in place of the chicken in any pot pies recipes .

Here's a draft section focusing on the cooking method, designed to be engaging and SEO-friendly, keeping in mind all your instructions.

Carolina Gold Pulled Pork: Let the Crock Pot Do the Work!

Craving that carolina gold bbq flavor? forget the smoker! this crockpot chicken pot pie recipe brings that tangy, delicious pulled pork right to your kitchen.

Honestly, easy crockpot dinners are my jam. this recipe is super easy, tastes amazing, and practically cooks itself. i love crockpot recipes easy that let me do other things!

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place is Your Friend

First, get organized! chop your onion, mince your garlic. i find that having everything ready to go saves me so much time and makes cooking less stressful.

Don't forget to trim any excess fat off the pork shoulder. this is important! you don't want it swimming in grease.

For safety, always wash your hands after handling raw pork. it's a habit i've had since i was little helping my grandma.

Step-by-Step: From Pork to Perfection

Here's how to transform that pork shoulder into delicious pulled pork:

1. Season the pork: Rub the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if you like a little heat).
2. Sear it (optional): Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the pork on all sides. This adds tons of flavor. Skip it if you're short on time but I promise you, the difference in taste is worth it!
3. Sauté the aromatics: Cook chopped onion and garlic in the same skillet until softened.
4. Combine in the crock pot : Place the onion and garlic in the slow cooker, then add the pork. Pour in the chicken broth.
5. Slow cook magic: Cook on low for 8- 10 hours , or on high for 4- 6 hours . You’ll know it’s ready when it easily shreds with a fork. Aim for an internal temperature of 195- 205° F (90- 96° C) .
6. Whip up the sauce: Whisk together the yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. It smells divine, right?
7. Shred and sauce: Shred the pork. Drain some of the cooking liquid from the crock pot. Add the Carolina Gold sauce.
8. Let it rest: Let the sauced pork sit in the warm crock pot for about 30 minutes to soak up all that flavor.

Pro Tips for Pulled Pork Perfection

• Don't overcook it! You want it tender, not mushy.
• If you're looking for chicken crockpot recipes with little work or any Dinner Recipes Crockpot this recipe delivers that perfect sweet-tangy experience.
• Make a double batch of the sauce! Trust me, you’ll want extra. It's also incredible on Chicken Pot Pie Crock Pot .

This crockpot chicken pot pie recipe is a game-changer. you will see how it's easy to use the same crockpot recipes slow cooker to cook many types of food, or how good this is as a pot pies recipes , or how much different, and interesting are chicken pot pie recipes .

You know? once you try this, you'll never go back to boring pulled pork again! also, don't forget to try serving this easy crockpot dinners with brioche buns and coleslaw.

Okay, let's get this show on the road!

Recipe Notes: Carolina Gold Pulled Pork

Alright, so you've got the carolina gold pulled pork simmering away in your slow cooker. now what? let's talk about making it extra special, shall we? because honestly, good food deserves a little fanfare.

Crock pot recipies are seriously the best.

Plating like a Pro

Listen, presentation matters . honestly, nobody wants a sloppy pile of pork. oh my gosh! try piling the pulled pork high on a toasted brioche bun.

Add a scoop of creamy coleslaw and a couple of tangy dill pickles. for a fancier touch, serve it on a wooden board with a little pot of extra carolina gold sauce.

Think about some complementary sides or beverages that enhance the meal. Pot Pies Recipes are great, but you want a lighter meal to complement it.

Storage Savvy

Got leftovers? lucky you! once it's cooled, pop that pulled pork into an airtight container. it'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days, no problem.

For longer storage, freezing is your friend! divide it into portions. it will last for up to 3 months. reheating is a breeze.

Just microwave it, or gently warm it in a pan. add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist.

Mix it Up: Variations on a Theme

Want to get creative? chicken crockpot recipes are nice, but have you ever considered pulled pork nachos ? instead of traditional pulled pork, try a keto-friendly variation, using a sugar-free sweetener.

Or, swap out the classic yellow mustard for dijon mustard! crockpot recipes slow cooker variations exist for a reason!

Another idea? For a seasonal swap, try adding some roasted butternut squash to the slow cooker in the last hour of cooking. The sweetness pairs beautifully with the tangy sauce. You know?

Nutrition Nuggets

Alright, let's talk about the healthy stuff (sort of!). look, pulled pork isn't exactly a health food, but it's got protein! it's a great way to fuel your body.

The protein is important. also, you get a little bit of vitamin c from the apple cider vinegar. key health benefits, sorted.

Hey, you’re doing great! don't be intimidated. crockpot recipes easy really are! give it a go and you'll be chowing down on some delicious, slow-cooked goodness in no time.

Chicken pot pie crock pot recipes are all the rage, but don't forget the pulled pork. easy crockpot dinners don't have to be boring! experiment with various pot pies recipes or chicken pot pie recipes! if you liked this, search the dinner recipes crockpot for more inspiration.