There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a delicious meal simmering slowly, and this Slow Cooker Pork Picnic Roast delivers that comforting experience alongside incredibly tender, flavorful meat. Infused with a perfect blend of savory spices, this recipe creates a versatile foundation for countless meals. Whether you’re craving juicy tacos, hearty burritos, flavorful enchiladas, classic pulled pork sandwiches, or something entirely new, this shredded pork is a culinary game-changer that promises ease and incredible taste.
Once you master this simple slow cooker picnic pork roast, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again as a staple for easy meal prep. Its adaptability means you’re always just steps away from a satisfying dish. Our absolute favorite way to savor this succulent pork is piled high on a soft slider bun, drizzled generously with tangy BBQ sauce, and topped with a crisp coleslaw and a zesty pickle. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that embodies pure comfort food perfection.
Easy and Flavorful Slow Cooker Pork Picnic Roast
A pork picnic roast, also known as pork shoulder or Boston butt, is a cut renowned for its rich flavor and ability to become incredibly tender when slow-cooked. It’s the quintessential comfort food, simple to prepare, incredibly versatile, and fills your home with an irresistible aroma that hints at the deliciousness to come. This particular slow cooker picnic roast recipe is a game-changer for meal prep in our household, providing a quick and easy way to add a boost of protein and flavor to meals throughout the week without much fuss.
While I certainly appreciate the sweetness in a good sweet pork recipe or the zesty kick of a Pork Carnitas Recipe, sometimes a more savory profile is what the palate craves. This recipe specifically focuses on a robust, perfectly blended spice rub that coats the pork before it enters the slow cooker. Once seasoned, the slow cooker takes over, transforming a humble cut of meat into fall-apart perfection. This hands-off approach ensures that you’ll have a bounty of delicious meal possibilities ready for days to come, minimizing your active cooking time and maximizing flavor.
Why the Slow Cooker is Perfect for Pork Picnic Roast
The slow cooker is an ideal tool for preparing tougher cuts of meat like the pork picnic roast. The prolonged, low-temperature cooking method allows the connective tissues in the pork to slowly break down, resulting in meat that is exceptionally tender and easy to shred. This process also helps to render some of the fat, leaving behind moist, succulent pork infused with all the spices and broth. It’s a truly forgiving method that guarantees consistent results, even for novice cooks, and turns an inexpensive cut of meat into a luxurious meal.
Unleash the Versatility: Creative Ways to Serve Shredded Pork
The beauty of this slow cooker pork picnic roast lies in its incredible versatility. While serving it on a slider bun with BBQ sauce, coleslaw, and a pickle remains a top contender, the possibilities extend far beyond. Having a batch of this flavorful shredded pork on hand opens up a world of quick and delicious meal options. Here are just a few of our favorite ways to transform this simple roast into exciting dishes:
- Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Tacos: Load tortillas with the shredded pork, your favorite slaw, a sprinkle of cheese, and fresh cilantro for an authentic taco experience.
- Pork Carnitas Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with shredded pork, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings. A drizzle of BBQ sauce or creamy southwest ranch dressing, along with white or red onions and a dollop of guacamole, elevates this classic.
- Quesadillas: A simple yet satisfying meal. Fill tortillas with the pulled pork and your preferred cheese, then grill until golden. Serve with a side of fresh homemade salsa.
- Hearty Taco Bowl: Combine fluffy ranch potatoes with a generous portion of pulled pork and shredded cheese for a complete and satisfying meal. You can also add rice, beans, corn, and avocado.
- Comfort Food Pairings: Serve this succulent pork over creamy mashed potatoes, stir it into a rich Baked Mac and Cheese for a hearty upgrade, or add it to your favorite green salad for a protein-packed and flavorful twist.
- Burritos and Enchiladas: Roll the seasoned pork into burritos with rice and beans, or use it as a filling for cheesy enchiladas baked to perfection.
- Loaded Baked Potatoes: Top a hot baked potato with shredded pork, sour cream, cheese, and chives for a hearty and customizable meal.
Essential Ingredients for Your Tender Pork Picnic Roast
Crafting this incredible slow cooker pork picnic roast requires just a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfectly juicy and tender result, infused with rich, savory flavors. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Pork Roast: The star of our dish. We recommend using pork shoulder, Boston butt, or a picnic roast. These cuts are ideal because they have a good amount of fat and connective tissue, which break down beautifully during slow cooking, resulting in incredibly moist and flavorful shredded pork. Unlike leaner cuts such as pork tenderloin, these cuts are designed for long, slow cooking. Any larger pieces of fat can easily be removed once the meat is shredded. A bone-in roast is also a fantastic choice, as the bone contributes even more moisture and depth of flavor to the cooking liquid.
- Avocado Oil: Used to coat the pork, helping the spice rub adhere and creating a beautiful crust. Avocado oil is a great choice due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor, but canola oil or olive oil also work wonderfully as substitutes.
- Savory Spice Mix: This expertly crafted blend is what gives our pork its distinctive, mouth-watering flavor. The recipe calls for a generous combination of cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, garlic salt, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mix creates a balanced, aromatic, and slightly smoky profile. Feel free to adjust the quantities of each spice to suit your personal taste preferences, making it spicier, smokier, or more garlicky as desired.
- Chicken Broth: This liquid gold is essential for keeping the roast incredibly tender and moist throughout the long cooking process. It provides a humid environment in the slow cooker, preventing the pork from drying out and infusing it with extra flavor. You can easily substitute chicken broth with beef broth for a richer, deeper flavor, or vegetable broth for a slightly lighter touch, depending on your preference.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Slow Cooker Pork Picnic Roast
Preparing this succulent pork picnic roast is surprisingly simple, with the slow cooker doing most of the heavy lifting. Follow these easy steps for a truly unforgettable meal:
- Prepare the Roast: Begin by removing your pork roast from the refrigerator about one hour before cooking. Allowing it to come to room temperature ensures more even cooking. Thoroughly pat the pork roast dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for helping the oil and spice rub adhere properly. Next, liberally coat the entire roast with avocado oil using a pastry brush or your hands, ensuring every surface is covered.
- Apply the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine all the dry spices: cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, garlic salt, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix them well to create a uniform rub. Generously massage this aromatic spice mixture over the entire surface of the oiled pork roast. Make sure to get into all the crevices for maximum flavor penetration.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Carefully place the seasoned pork roast into your slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over the top of the roast. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the HIGH setting for 6-7 hours, or on the LOW setting for 10-12 hours. The goal is for the meat to become so tender that it easily shreds with just two forks. Cooking times can vary slightly based on your slow cooker model and the size of your roast, so always check for tenderness.
- Shred and Moisten: Once the pork is fully cooked and fork-tender, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a large casserole dish or another wide-rimmed container. This provides ample space for shredding. Using two forks, begin to shred the pork, pulling it apart into delicious strands. As you shred, identify and remove any large pieces of unwanted fat. Before adding the pork back, strain the flavorful broth that remains in the slow cooker, removing any solid bits. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker and slowly pour about half of the strained broth over it. The aim is to moisten the pork without making it soggy. Stir gently, adding a little more broth if needed, until the pork is perfectly moist and flavorful.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your incredibly tender and flavorful shredded pork is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it warm as the base for a variety of dishes like tacos, burritos, sandwiches, nachos, salads, or any of the creative meal ideas mentioned above. Get ready to savor the results of your effortless slow-cooking masterpiece!
Pork Picnic Roast Recipe
This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Roast is juicy and tender with the perfect blend of spices. Use it as a base for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, pulled pork sandwiches and so much more.
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 7 hrs
Total: 7 hrs 10 mins
Yields: 15 people
Ingredients
- 8 pounds pork roast (or pork shoulder, Boston butt or picnic roast)
- 1/3 cup avocado oil
- 1½ tablespoons cumin
- 1½ tablespoons onion powder
- 1½ tablespoons garlic powder
- 1½ tablespoons chili powder
- 1½ tablespoons garlic salt
- 1½ tablespoons paprika
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Remove pork roast from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 1 hour. Pat dry the pork roast with paper towels, then coat the roast completely in oil using a pastry brush or your hands.
- In a small bowl, mix together the cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, garlic salt, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mixture over the entire pork roast, then place in the slow cooker and pour the chicken broth on top.
- Cover and cook on high for 6-7 hours, or on low for 10-12 hours—until the meat shreds easily with two forks.
- Remove the cooked pork from the slow cooker and place in a casserole dish or another wide rimmed container to shred. Remove any large pieces of fat while shredding. Strain the broth that remains in the slow cooker, then add the shredded meat back in. Slowly pour about half of the broth over the shredded meat—just enough to keep it moist. Stir, adding a little more broth as needed.
- Serve in tacos, burritos, sandwiches, nachos, salads and more. Enjoy!
Notes
Storing instructions: Let your shredded pork cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer bags for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply transfer it to the fridge overnight.
Reheating: To reheat in the microwave, place a portion into a microwave-safe container and reheat for about 30 seconds at a time on high until warm. Alternatively, reheat in a pot on medium heat over the stove, adding a little broth or water to maintain moisture.
Nutrition
Calories: 245kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 86mg | Sodium: 927mg | Potassium: 499mg | Vitamin A: 595IU | Vitamin C: 1.2mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 2.3mg
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
Cuisine: American
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Recipe Tips and Tricks for a Flawless Pulled Pork
Achieving the perfect slow cooker pork picnic roast is easy with these expert tips and tricks. They’ll help you maximize flavor, tenderness, and ensure a smooth cooking process:
- Crockpot Size Matters: For an 8-10 pound shoulder roast, a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker is ideal. Ensure your roast fits comfortably without touching the lid, allowing for even heat distribution and proper cooking.
- Consider Cooking with Vegetables: If you desire a complete meal cooked in one pot, add chopped root vegetables like onions, potatoes, and carrots around the edges of the pork roast in the slow cooker. These vegetables will absorb some of the delicious pork juices and spices, creating flavorful side dishes. Remember to remove them when the pork is ready for shredding.
- Adjust Spices for Roast Size: The spice quantities provided are suitable for an 8-pound roast. If you opt for a smaller roast, such as a 5-6 pound cut, reduce the spice amounts proportionally. For instance, aim for about 1 tablespoon of each main spice to ensure the flavor isn’t overpowering.
- Room Temperature for Even Cooking: Taking your pork roast out of the refrigerator at least one hour before cooking is a simple yet effective step. This allows the meat to come closer to room temperature, ensuring it cooks more evenly throughout and achieves consistent tenderness from edge to center.
- Moisten After Shredding: After shredding the meat, returning it to the slow cooker and gradually adding about half of the reserved, strained cooking broth back in is key. The goal is to moisten the pork, not drown it. Stir the pork gently, adding more broth spoonful by spoonful until it’s perfectly juicy and flavorful. This step prevents dry pulled pork.
- Efficient Fat Removal: Pork shoulder is naturally fattier than cuts like tenderloin, which contributes to its incredible flavor and moisture. When shredding, it’s normal to encounter more fat. Transferring the roast to a casserole dish makes it easier to separate the tender meat from any large chunks of fat. Additionally, straining the cooking broth before reintroducing it to the shredded pork ensures a cleaner, less greasy final product.
- Don’t Peek!: While it’s tempting, try to resist lifting the lid of your slow cooker too frequently. Every time you open it, the internal temperature drops, extending the cooking time significantly. Trust the process and let your slow cooker work its magic uninterrupted.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Pork Picnic Roast
What is the best pork to use for shredded pork?
For the most succulent and flavorful shredded pork, we highly recommend cuts like pork shoulder, Boston butt, or a classic picnic roast. These cuts are characterized by a good amount of fat and connective tissue, which, when cooked low and slow, break down beautifully to create incredibly tender and moist results. You can even opt for a bone-in roast; the bone adds even more moisture and depth of flavor to the overall dish.
How do you know when the pork roast has finished cooking?
There are two primary indicators that your pork roast is perfectly cooked. Firstly, if you’re using a digital meat thermometer, the internal temperature should register between 160-190 degrees Fahrenheit. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the roast, avoiding the bone. Secondly, and perhaps the most satisfying indicator, is when the meat can be easily shredded with two forks. If you find resistance or if the meat isn’t falling apart readily, it means the connective tissues haven’t had enough time to fully break down, and it needs more time in the slow cooker.
How long does it take to cook pork in a slow cooker?
Cooking times for pork in a slow cooker can vary due to several factors, including the specific cut of pork (pork shoulder is tougher and requires longer than, say, tenderloin), the size of your pork roast, and the setting (low or high) of your slow cooker. This recipe provides a general guideline of 6-7 hours on high or 10-12 hours on low. However, slow cooking often requires a bit of intuition. If you check your roast at the 5-hour mark on high and it shreds effortlessly, it’s done! Conversely, if it’s still firm after 10 hours on low, continue cooking. We advise checking the roast a couple of times towards the end of the suggested cooking window (unless cooking overnight) because every slow cooker and piece of meat cooks a little differently.
Can I sear the pork before slow cooking?
While not strictly necessary for tenderness, searing the pork roast on all sides in a hot pan before placing it in the slow cooker can add an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful browned crust. This process, known as the Maillard reaction, creates complex savory notes that enhance the overall taste of your pulled pork.
What if my pork is tough after cooking?
If your pork roast is still tough after the recommended cooking time, it simply means it needs more time. The connective tissues require ample time to break down, which is what makes the pork tender. Return it to the slow cooker, ensuring there’s still enough liquid, and continue cooking for another hour or two on your chosen setting. It will eventually become fall-apart tender.
Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Leftovers
This slow cooker pork picnic roast makes fantastic leftovers, perfect for quick meals throughout the week. Proper storage and reheating will help maintain its delicious flavor and tender texture:
- Storing in the Refrigerator: Once your shredded pork has cooled completely to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored safely in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For best results, keep a little of the cooking juices with the pork to help retain moisture.
- Freezing for Longer Storage: To extend the life of your pulled pork, it freezes beautifully. Place the cooled shredded pork into freezer-safe bags or airtight containers. Adding a small amount of the cooking juices to the bag before freezing will help keep the pork moist when reheated. It can be stored frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to use it, simply transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight.
- Reheating in the Microwave: For a quick reheat, place the shredded pork into a microwave-safe container. Reheat on high for approximately 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it is thoroughly warmed through. Adding a tablespoon or two of the reserved cooking liquids, or even a splash of water or extra broth, can prevent it from drying out.
- Reheating on the Stove Top: For a more even reheat, or for larger quantities, transfer the pork to a pot or skillet. Reheat over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally, until hot. Again, a little extra cooking liquid, a touch of oil, or a knob of melted butter can help keep the pork moist and flavorful during the reheating process. Avoid overheating, which can dry out the meat.
More of the Best Pork Recipes
- Mississippi Pork Roast
- Cafe Rio Sweet Pork
- Easy Ham Fried Rice
- Easy Kalua Pork
- Spicy Italian Meatballs
- Pork Tenderloin and Potatoes
- More Easy Dinner Ideas
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More Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes
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- Tuscan Chicken
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- Venison Roast
- Tortellini Pasta Bake
- Mississippi Beef Roast
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This classic Slow Cooker Pork Picnic Roast is a culinary marvel, delivering incredibly tender meat infused with a perfect blend of savory spices. It’s an ideal base for a myriad of dishes, from zesty tacos and hearty burritos to comforting enchiladas and classic pulled pork sandwiches. Truly, it stands out as one of the best slow cooker pork roast recipes you’ll ever make, promising effortless preparation and unforgettable flavor.