Slow Cooker Pineapple Brown Sugar Pulled Pork Recipe (2024)

The Recipe Rebel / Dinner

written by Ashley Fehr

5 from 11 votes

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 8 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings 15 servings

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Last updated on January 31, 2024

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Thiseasy Slow Cooker Pineapple Brown Sugar Pulled Pork recipe is smothered in homemade pineapple brown sugar barbecue sauce! Sweet, tangy and so tender!

Love easy slow cooker meals? Try my Crockpot Shredded Chicken or Crockpot Lasagna Soup next!

Slow Cooker Pineapple Brown Sugar Pulled Pork Recipe (2)

I cheated.

You thought you were getting a new recipe, and all I did was find one more thing to douse in my favorite Pineapple Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce.

Slow Cooker Pineapple Brown Sugar Pulled Pork Recipe (3)

I can’t help it! The stuff is amazing and everyone loves it. What can I say? Pineapple and brown sugar are a winning combination! And plus, now that I know you love pineapple as much as I do (like these No Bake Pineapple Squaresand these Baked Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Salsa), I’m not slowing down.

Pulled pork is one of our favorite meals here, any time of the year. This Honey Balsamic Pulled Pork has been our long standing favorite, but we just might have a tie. The flavors are so different in both of them that I think there is room for both of them to hold that #1 spot!

And if you’re looking for a basic recipe to use with your favorite barbecue sauce, this Crock Pot Pulled Pork is the one!

It’s summer, and I know you want to spend your day reading about my love for pulled pork about as much as I want to spend my day writing about it, so I’m just going to leave this recipe right here for you. Go make it!

Slow Cooker Pineapple Brown Sugar Pulled Pork Recipe (4)

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Slow Cooker Pineapple Brown Sugar Pulled Pork

written by Ashley Fehr

5 from 11 votes

This Slow Cooker Pineapple Brown Sugar Pulled Pork is the easiest weeknight dinner, perfect for a summer barbecue!

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Review

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Cuisine American

Course Main Course

Servings 15 servings

Calories 254cal

Ingredients

▢ 3-4 lbs boneless pork roast
▢ 2 cups water
▢ 1 tablespoon seasoning salt
▢ 2 cups pineapple juice
▢ 1 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
▢ 1 tsp garlic
▢ 4 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
▢ 1 1/2 cups ketchup
▢ 1 pinch red pepper flakes or more if you like it spicy!
▢ 1 tsp onion powder
▢ 1/2 teaspoon salt to taste
▢ 1-2 tbsp corn starch
▢ 1-2 tbsp water

Instructions

Add pork roast to a 4-6 quart slow cooker. Pour water over and sprinkle with seasoning salt. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Just before pork roast is done (or make in advance and keep in the fridge), make the sauce. Add pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, red pepper flakes, onion powder and salt to a large pot and bring to a boil over medium high heat.
Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until slightly thickened. Combine equal parts water and corn starch and gradually add to the sauce, whisking constantly, until desired thickness is reached. Keep in mind it will thicken as it cools!
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Drain juices from the slow cooker and shred pork. Pour sauce over pork and stir.

Notes

This makes a large batch but feel free to halve the sauce and use a smaller roast or tenderloin. We love pulled pork leftovers and use it on everything from baked potatoes to pizza!

Nutrition Information

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Meet Ashley

My name is Ashley Fehr and I love creating easy meals my family loves. I also like to do things my way, which means improvising and breaking the rules when necessary. Here you will find creative twists on old favorites and some of my favorite family recipes, passed down from generations!

Reader Interactions

Comments

Barbara says
March 6, 2023 at 7:44 pm
Family loved this recipe!! Didn’t have pineapple juice on hand but did have a large can of pineapple slices in 100% juice. Pureed the pineapple and juice and added that….came out awesome.
Reply
Wendy p says
August 16, 2020 at 5:25 pm
Made this yesterday and the bbq sauce is absolutely amazing! A big hit!
The only change I made was to boil the sauce for a while and reduce it by half, rather than thicken with cornstarch. Intensified the flavor.
Reply
- Ashley Fehr says
  August 17, 2020 at 3:56 pm
  Thanks Wendy!
  Reply
Julie says
November 19, 2018 at 9:24 pm
So question….I am wanting to try this recipe but…..I am wondering if the writer or anyone else has tried to ise Ace Pineapple Cider Ale instead of pineapple juice?
Reply
- Ashley Fehr says
  November 20, 2018 at 10:20 am
  I haven’t tried it before, but I’d love to hear if you do!
  Reply
Mariah says
August 12, 2018 at 6:41 pm
Hi there! My husband and I were so excited to try this recipe with the brown sugar and pineapple! We made it tonight and we are a little disappointed 🙁 I followed the recipe to the T but it came out very bland almost no flavor tasting. I would like to try and make it again… Do you have any suggestions??? Thank you!
Reply
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Danielle says
July 13, 2016 at 7:40 pm
Pineapple and brown sugar are definitely a winning combination! I really love pulled pork, so this version sounds fantastic!
Reply
Jen | Baked by an Introvert says
July 13, 2016 at 8:07 am
I do not make pulled pork nearly enough. And I feel as though I’m missing out on some serious deliciousness. This pineapple brown sugar version sounds fantastic, Ashley. It’s even better that it’s made in the slow cooker, my favorite way to make dinner during the week!
Reply
Rachel @ Mesa Cooking Co. says
July 12, 2016 at 11:31 pm
This sounds so amazing! I don’t eat a LOT of meat, but this is definitely going to make it into my meal plan soon! I am all about that pineapple and so this is totally speaking to me. Beautiful!
Reply
Mary says
July 12, 2016 at 7:10 pm
The slow cooker is the perfect cooking apparatus for the summer, it’s way too hot to turn on the oven but you still want and need a hearty meal. Pineapples are in season and I’m looking for every excuse to use them in all my recipes. Looks like I found a winner. 🙂
Reply
- Ashley Fehr says
  July 12, 2016 at 9:06 pm
  Thanks Mary! I totally agree!
  Reply
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction says
July 12, 2016 at 12:16 pm
I was just wondering what to do with the pork roast that I bought! Now I know! Can’t wait to try this!
Reply
Jane Couric says
July 12, 2016 at 5:03 am
The concept of this recipe is absolutely new to me, but it those look so good. Thanks for sharing .
Reply
- Ashley Fehr says
  July 12, 2016 at 9:18 am
  Thanks Jane!
  Reply
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
July 11, 2016 at 9:11 pm
Ashley, I love slow cooker pulled pork! love the pineapple juice!!! brilliant!
Reply
- Ashley Fehr says
  July 12, 2016 at 9:18 am
  Us too Alice! Thanks friend!
  Reply
Dorothy Dunton says
July 11, 2016 at 2:27 pm
! Hi Ashley! Oh yes, pineapple and pork! Great in toasted buns! Have you ever tried pulled pork nachos? If not, you should…so good!
Reply
- Ashley Fehr says
  July 12, 2016 at 9:18 am
  You know, I think I have, but I can’t actually remember! My husband would LOVE those — I will have to make some the next time I have a bunch of leftover pulled pork!
  Reply
Rachel @ Bakerita says
July 11, 2016 at 1:19 pm
Pulled pork is the bessstt and one of my favorite things to make in the slow cooker! Adding the pineapples sounds like the best summery twist ever – I’ve got to try it!
Reply
- Ashley Fehr says
  July 12, 2016 at 9:19 am
  Thanks Rachel!
  Reply
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
July 11, 2016 at 12:40 pm
OMG, if this is what it looks like when you cheat, I say keep on cheatin’ girlfriend! 😉 This pulled pork looks like perfection! Super saucy and super flavorful! I could absolutely eat the entire crock pot of this shredded deliciousness! Nom Nom Nom! Cheers!
Reply
- Ashley Fehr says
  July 12, 2016 at 9:19 am
  Haha! I’m alllllll about taking the easy way out in the summer, in more ways that one I guess! Lol. Thanks Chey!
  Reply
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
July 11, 2016 at 12:37 pm
Pineapple and brown sugar are definitely a winning combination! This pulled pork sounds amazing!
Reply
- Ashley Fehr says
  July 12, 2016 at 9:20 am
  Thanks Christin!
  Reply
Annie @ The Garlic Diaries says
July 11, 2016 at 11:54 am
Oh my gosh…my mouth is watering so bad. Homemade pulled pork is one of my favorite things in the whole world, and this version sounds EXTRA awesome! So excited to try it!
Reply
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
July 11, 2016 at 6:30 am
Oh maaaaan. This looks so fall-apart tender and saucy just how I like my meat! This pork is total Monday comfort food and yup, I’m just gonna need the whole crockpot, please and thanks. 🙂
Reply
- Ashley Fehr says
  July 11, 2016 at 9:45 am
  Haha! This is really what I should be making for supper today because on Monday I don’t feel like cooking AT ALL. Thanks Sarah!
  Reply
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
July 11, 2016 at 6:14 am
I love making pulled pork in my slow cooker…it’s one of those easy meals that tastes so darn good! The pineapple brown sugar sauce sounds like it would make any dish taste even better. I love the sweet flavors, looks SO good!
Reply
- Ashley Fehr says
  July 11, 2016 at 9:46 am
  Yes, pulled pork is one of our favorites too! Thanks Gayle!
  Reply

Slow Cooker Pineapple Brown Sugar Pulled Pork Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Should you brown pulled pork before slow cooking? ›

Preparing the pork

I prefer to season the meat before adding it to the slow cooker with my favourite spices, along with salt and pepper. I also recommend browning the meat slightly prior to slow cooking which will help maximise the flavour. However, this is a step that can be left out if you don't have enough time.

See Details ›

Can I use pineapple juice instead of apple juice for pulled pork? ›

Liquid – I like to use pineapple juice. If you don't have this on hand you can use apple juice or even a light lager beer. If you don't have any of those options on hand water always works but just does not provide as much flavor.

Discover More ›

What is the best liquid to moisten pulled pork? ›

Pull the pork from the fridge to take the chill off while you chop a few onions and smash garlic cloves. Transfer everything to a large slow cooker and add a splash of liquid — water is great, but so is broth, apple juice, or beer if you have them handy.

Keep Reading ›

How do you keep pulled pork moist in a slow cooker? ›

Set the cooker to low; the high setting will boil the meat instead of braise it, so it's only a quicker trip to an undesirable outcome. Pork shoulder self-bastes and stays moist, and is nearly impossible to overcook. After the meat is done, the fat can be skimmed off the braising liquid.

Read The Full Story ›

Should pulled pork be covered in liquid in slow cooker? ›

Your liquid should not cover your pork in the slow cooker: it should only come up about a quarter of the way up the sides. The pork will make more liquid as it cooks, and you need to leave room for that. And 10 hours later, this huge hunk of meat is tender and ready.

Tell Me More ›

What liquid should I cook pork in? ›

Pour 1 1/2 cups liquid, such as low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, tomato juice, light or amber beer, white or red wine, orange juice, or a mix of several liquids (and optional liquid smoke) over the pork. The pork should be only partially submerged, with some of the pork remaining above the surface of the liquid.

View Details ›

How long to let meat sit in pineapple juice? ›

Craft Your Marinade: Combine pineapple juice with your favorite flavors – soy sauce, ginger, garlic, chilies, onions, and any of Station 1923's rubs and seasonings – the possibilities are endless! Marinate Wisely: Marinate for 30 minutes to an hour for thin cuts, or up to 2 hours for thicker cuts.

Explore More ›

Why do you put apple cider vinegar in pulled pork? ›

Apple Cider Vinegar: to help tenderize the meat and add a little tang we're using a bit of apple cider vinegar. Apple Juice: to keep the meat nice and juicy you'll add a bit of apple juice to the slow cooker.

View Details ›

Does pineapple tenderize pork? ›

Pineapple is mainly used in the form of juice to the marinade to tenderize the meat and add flavor. However, pineapple pulp in minced form can also be used for the same purpose.

Read The Full Story ›

How do BBQ restaurants keep pulled pork moist? ›

Many competition barbecue teams will wrap briskets and pork butts in aluminum foil during the final stages of cooking and add broth, juice, or other flavorful concoctions to the foil package.

How do I get more flavor in my pulled pork? ›

We use brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, a good amount of salt & pepper, and a pinch of cayenne! Make sure you use all of the seasoning! Also, really rub it into the pulled pork, get all of the nooks and crannies!

Explore More ›

Why does my pulled pork taste dry? ›

It's dried out because it's been over cooked. There's no moisture left in the meat. Contrary to the common idea, braising, cooking in liquid, does not make dry meat moist. The meat will remain dry.

View Details ›

Should I rotate pulled pork in slow cooker? ›

Close the Proofer and allow the pork to cook for a total of 10 or 11 hours. Midway during the slow cook process you can turn the pork over once. After 10 hours check the interior of the pork with a thermometer. We recommend a temperature of 195-200 °F / 90-93 °C for tender, juicy pork which pulls apart easily.

Learn More ›

How do you thicken pulled pork sauce in a slow cooker? ›

In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch with 3 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry. Pour into the slow cooker, then whisk to combine. Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH, whisking every so often, until the sauce is thickened to your liking, about 20 to 30 minutes.

See Details ›

Why is my slow cooked pork not shredding? ›

If the pulled pork doesn't shred easily you either got the wrong cut of meat, or it is not done cooking. For best results, cook on low heat. If you must, this can be cooked on high for about 6 hours.

How long to sear pork before slow cooking? ›

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the pork butt. Let sear undisturbed for 2 minutes, then flip and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes. Transfer the seared pork butt to your slow-cooker and pour the BBQ sauce all over the top.

View Details ›

Should I brown meat before putting in a slow cooker? ›

"Browning, or caramelizing, meat before putting it into a slow cooker isn't 100 percent necessary, but it is well worth the effort for the most flavorful and full-bodied end result," he says. "The caramelized surface of the meat will lend rich flavor and color to the finished dish."

Get More Info Here ›

Does pork get more tender the longer you slow cook it? ›

At around 2 hours, your pork chops will be cooked through (145°F) and have a texture similar to chicken breast — tender, but firm. Between 3 to 6 hours, the chops will have a texture closer to pulled pork; it will be easy to cut with a fork and will pull easily from the bone.

Find Out More ›

Slow Cooker Pineapple Brown Sugar Pulled Pork Recipe (2024)

Slow Cooker Pineapple Brown Sugar Pulled Pork

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition Information

Meet Ashley

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FAQs

Should you brown pulled pork before slow cooking? ›

How do I get more flavor in my pulled pork? ›