Ultimate Crockpot Mississippi Pork Roast

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Pork Roast

Crafting the perfect Mississippi Pork Roast requires a handful of simple yet powerful ingredients that collectively create its signature rich and tangy flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:

• Pork Roast: For the most tender and shreddable results, opt for a boneless pork shoulder, also known as a pork butt. This cut is rich in connective tissue and fat, which slowly break down during the extended cooking process, yielding an exceptionally moist and fork-tender outcome. Pork tenderloin can also be used for a leaner option, but cooking times might need adjustment to prevent drying out. A 3-5 pound roast is ideal for feeding a family.
• Au Jus Seasoning Packet: This savory dry mix forms the foundational, beefy flavor base of the sauce. Despite being a “beef” product, it perfectly complements the pork, adding incredible depth and umami. You’ll typically find these one-ounce packets in the spice or gravy aisle of your local grocery store.
• Ranch Dressing Mix Packet: The iconic tang and herbaceous notes of ranch seasoning are what give Mississippi roast its unique character. It adds a delightful creaminess and a zesty flavor that balances the richness of the meat and butter. Look for the one-ounce packets near the salad dressings or spice blends.
• Pepperoncini Peppers: These mild, tangy pickled peppers are non-negotiable for an authentic Mississippi roast. They provide a bright, slightly spicy, and acidic counterpoint that cuts through the richness, preventing the dish from tasting too heavy. You’ll need about 6 large pepperoncini, along with a couple of tablespoons of their briny juice from the jar, which further enhances the flavor of the sauce.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred to control the sodium content, especially since the seasoning packets already contribute salt. Cut into small pieces, the butter slowly melts into the sauce, adding a luxurious richness, velvety texture, and a beautiful sheen that makes the final dish incredibly indulgent.

Simple Steps to Craft Your Mississippi Pork Roast

Making this incredible Mississippi Pork Roast is remarkably straightforward, regardless of your preferred cooking method. Here’s how to achieve tender, flavorful results every time:

Crockpot Instructions:

1. Prepare the Roast: Begin by lightly spraying the inside of your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. Place your chosen pork roast (ideally a pork shoulder or butt) into the prepared slow cooker.
2. Season Generously: Evenly sprinkle the entire one-ounce packet of ranch seasoning mix and the one-ounce packet of au jus seasoning mix over the pork roast. Gently rub the seasonings into the meat to ensure it’s well coated.
3. Add Tang and Richness: Distribute the 6 large pepperoncini peppers around and on top of the roast. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of the pepperoncini juice from the jar over the meat. Finally, scatter the 3 tablespoons of butter, cut into small pieces, across the top of the roast.
4. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the crockpot with its lid. Cook on the HIGH setting for 4-6 hours, or on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours. The pork is ready when it can be easily shredded with two forks, indicating it has reached optimal tenderness.
5. Shred and Combine: Carefully remove the cooked pork roast from the crockpot and transfer it to a large cutting board or shallow dish. Using two forks, shred the pork, discarding any large pieces of fat or gristle you encounter. Return the shredded pork to the crockpot, stirring it thoroughly into the delicious sauce that has formed during cooking.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Your Mississippi Pork Roast is now ready to be served! Spoon it generously over mashed potatoes, or create fantastic sandwiches using dinner rolls or pretzel buns.

Oven Instructions:

1. Prepare for Roasting: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place your pork roast into a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed, oven-safe pot with a lid.
2. Season the Roast: Sprinkle both the ranch seasoning packet and the au jus seasoning packet evenly over the pork. Add the 6 pepperoncini peppers along with 2 tablespoons of their liquid. Top the roast with the cut pieces of butter.
3. Bake Until Tender: Cover the Dutch oven tightly with its lid. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 5-6 hours, or until the pork is incredibly tender and can be effortlessly shredded with two forks.
4. Shred and Serve: Once cooked, remove the roast from the oven, shred the pork, discard any excess fat, and mix it back into the flavorful pan juices. Serve as desired.

Instant Pot Instructions:

1. Prepare in Pressure Cooker: Place your pork roast directly into the inner pot of your Instant Pot.
2. Season and Flavor: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning packet and au jus seasoning packet over the roast. Add the 6 pepperoncini peppers and 2 tablespoons of their liquid, then dot the top with the butter pieces.
3. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and ensure the steam release valve is set to the “sealing” position. Press the “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual”) button and set the timer for 45 minutes on high pressure.
4. Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for at least 15-20 minutes. This is crucial for tenderizing the meat. After natural release, carefully turn the valve to “venting” to release any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
5. Shred and Mix: Remove the pork, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot to soak up all the delicious sauce. Serve immediately.

Creative Ways to Serve Your Shredded Pork Roast

The beauty of this Mississippi Pork Roast isn’t just in its ease of preparation, but also in its incredible versatility. Once your pork roast is perfectly cooked and easily shreddable with two forks, a world of delicious meal options opens up. Here are some fantastic ways to transform your shredded pork into various culinary delights:

• Pulled Pork Sandwiches and Sliders: This is a classic choice! Pile a generous amount of shredded pork onto your favorite buns – whether it’s soft brioche, hearty ciabatta, or a savory pretzel bun. Enhance your sandwich with a slice of sharp cheddar or spicy pepper jack cheese, fresh avocado slices, ripe tomato, and a handful of crisp lettuce. For a twist, add a drizzle of your favorite BBQ sauce.
• Homemade Nachos: Elevate your nacho game by using this flavorful pork! Layer tortilla chips with shredded pork, plenty of cheese, black beans, corn, and jalapeños. Bake until bubbly, then top with a dollop of sour cream, fresh salsa, and a drizzle of southwest ranch dressing or even some BBQ sauce for an unforgettable appetizer or main dish.
• Hearty Main Course with Sides: Serve the shredded pork as the star of a comforting dinner. It pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or cheesy grits. Add a side of steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple garden salad to complete the meal. The rich sauce from the pot roast is perfect for spooning over your chosen carb.
• Delicious Quesadillas: For a quick and satisfying meal, fill tortillas with shredded Mississippi pork and a generous amount of shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend work well). Pan-fry until the tortilla is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and gooey. Serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
• Customizable Taco Bowls: Create vibrant and healthy taco bowls by starting with a base of ranch potatoes or cilantro-lime rice. Top with a generous serving of shredded pork, shredded cheese, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickled red onions, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream. It’s a fun and customizable meal for the whole family.
• Loaded Baked Potatoes: Transform a simple baked potato into a substantial meal by stuffing it with shredded pork, butter, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Add chives for freshness.
• Quick Tacos or Wraps: Use warm tortillas (corn or flour) as a vessel for your shredded pork. Add your favorite taco toppings like shredded cabbage, pickled onions, cotija cheese, and a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh take.
• Pork and Pasta: Toss the shredded pork with its savory sauce into a bowl of al dente pasta for a rich and hearty meal. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese is an excellent addition.
• Breakfast Hash or Omelets: For a unique brunch idea, incorporate leftover shredded pork into a breakfast hash with potatoes and onions, or fold it into a fluffy omelet with some cheese.