best boston butt slow cooker recipe

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The Best best boston butt slow cooker recipe

I’ve been making Boston butt slow cooker recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. This recipe is a staple in our household, especially during the colder months when we want something hearty and comforting.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort, which is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. I love how the slow cooker tenderizes the pork to perfection, making it fall-apart tender and juicy.

The flavor is also amazing, with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes from the brown sugar and vinegar. My kids always ask for seconds, and I’m happy to oblige because it’s just that good!

I’ve experimented with different seasonings and spices over the years, but this basic recipe remains my go-to. It’s also a great way to use up any leftover veggies or herbs you have lying around.

I like to serve it with some crusty bread or over mashed potatoes to soak up all the juices. It’s honestly one of the easiest and most satisfying meals I’ve ever made.

We’ve had this recipe for so long now that I’ve started making it for special occasions too – holidays, game days, you name it! My friends and family always rave about it, and I’m happy to share the love with them.

4.8 from 792 votes

This slow cooker Boston butt yields tender, pull-apart pork with a smoky, savory bark. The low and slow method ensures juicy meat that shreds effortlessly for sandwiches or tacos.

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Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time8 hours

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time8 hours 15 mins

Servings: 10Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pork

1 bone-in Boston butt (about 6-8 lbs)

2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Dry Rub

2 tbsp smoked paprika

1 tbsp garlic powder

1 tbsp onion powder

1 tbsp brown sugar

2 tsp kosher salt

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

For the Slow Cooker Liquid

1 cup apple cider vinegar

1/2 cup chicken broth

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp liquid smoke

👨‍🍳Directions

1Pat the Boston butt dry with paper towels.

2In a small bowl, combine all dry rub ingredients and mix well.

3Rub the mixture evenly over the entire surface of the pork, pressing gently to adhere.

4Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

5Sear the seasoned pork butt on all sides for 3-4 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms, then transfer to the slow cooker.

6In a separate bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke.

7Pour the liquid around the pork in the slow cooker, being careful not to wash off the rub.

8Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours.

9The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 200-205°F and shreds easily with a fork.

10Remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes.

11Shred the meat using two forks, discarding any excess fat or bone, then return the shredded pork to the cooking juices and toss to coat.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker (6-8 quart)

Mixing bowl

Tongs

Cutting board

Sharp knife

Fork for shredding

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 6g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 42g

📝Notes

For a thicker bark, pat the pork dry before applying the rub and let it sit uncovered in the fridge for 1 hour before searing. Serve with coleslaw and your favorite barbecue sauce.

Watch Video Of How Best Boston Butt Slow Cooker Recipe Works

This Boston butt slow cooker recipe is one of my absolute favorites because of its ease of preparation and versatility in terms of serving options.

You can serve it as-is, or get creative by adding some extra toppings or sides – maybe some roasted vegetables or a side salad?

One thing that’s really nice about this recipe is that you can easily scale up or down depending on how many people you’re serving; just adjust the amount of pork accordingly based on your needs.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Boston Butt Slow Cooker

1. What is the best cut of pork for a slow cooker Boston butt?

Boston butt is the best cut because it has a good amount of fat that keeps the meat moist during long cooking. You can also use a pork shoulder but Boston butt is more marbled and tender. Look for one that is 4 to 6 pounds for the best results.

2. Do I need to sear the pork before putting it in the slow cooker?

Searing is optional but I recommend it for extra flavor. It browns the outside and adds a deeper taste to the final dish. If you are short on time you can skip it and the pork will still be delicious.

3. How long should I cook a Boston butt in a slow cooker?

Cook it on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 5 to 6 hours. Low and slow gives the most tender result. The internal temperature should reach at least 195 degrees F for easy shredding.

4. Can I add barbecue sauce to the slow cooker while cooking?

I recommend adding barbecue sauce after the pork is cooked and shredded. Adding it during cooking can make the sauce too thin and the pork may become mushy. Mix it in after shredding for the best flavor and texture.

5. How do I store and reheat leftover pulled pork?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat add a splash of broth or barbecue sauce and warm it in a skillet or microwave. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months in a freezer bag.

best boston butt slow cooker recipe

The Best best boston butt slow cooker recipe