Slow Cooker Louisville-Style Pulled Pork with Bourbon BBQ Sauce

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pulled pork slow-cooked and smothered in a bourbon-infused barbecue sauce, capturing Kentucky regional barbecue flavors. This american-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes blends pork shoulder (boneless), salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder to create a dry rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub the 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder evenly on all sides with 1 tbsp olive oil, then massage the dry rub over the pork, coating thoroughly.
  3. Step 3: Place the seasoned pork shoulder into a slow cooker.
  4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup bottled barbecue sauce, 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 2 tbsp honey.
  5. Step 5: Pour the bourbon BBQ sauce mixture over the pork in the slow cooker.
  6. Step 6: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until pork is fork-tender and easily shredded.
  7. Step 7: Remove pork from slow cooker and shred with two forks, discarding any excess fat. Return shredded pork to sauce in slow cooker and stir to coat.
  8. Step 8: Serve warm on sandwich buns or over rice for a hearty meal.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Louisville-Style Pulled Pork with Bourbon BBQ Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 min prep + 480 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Louisville-Style Pulled Pork with Bourbon BBQ Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Louisville-Style Pulled Pork with Bourbon BBQ Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow Cooker Louisville-Style Pulled Pork with Bourbon BBQ Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow Cooker Louisville-Style Pulled Pork with Bourbon BBQ Sauce?

American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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