This BBQ pork sandwich is an easy, no-fail dinner idea made with tender shredded pulled pork smothered in tangy BBQ sauce then served on a toasted bun.

Bbq pork sandwich on white plate.

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BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Whenever we make my easy BBQ pulled pork, we almost always serve it on hamburger buns with our favorite toppings. It makes the best BBQ pork sandwiches (or pulled pork sliders) and has the best sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor from the homemade BBQ sauce.

The easiest part about this recipe and my slow cooker BBQ brisket sandwiches is that the slow cooker does all the work for you. Just add the meat in with the BBQ sauce and spices and let it work its magic. A BBQ sandwich is an easy crowd-pleasing lunch or dinner idea!

Ingredient Notes

Pulled pork on wooden cutting board.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Pork loin: This is a fattier part of the meat, making this even better in the slow cooker. This will help keep the meat tender and juicy.
  • Salt: Kosher salt is thicker salt that helps tenderize and balance out the flavors.
  • Black pepper: Add in a bit of a kick that will add flavor and texture.
  • BBQ sauce: Make a homemade barbecue sauce or pick your favorite kind.
  • Liquid smoke: A delicious smoky and woody flavoring. Liquid smoke gives it that woodsy flavor with a liquid content that can be poured over the top of the pork.
  • Hamburger buns: Grab your favorite type of hamburger bun that will hold the pork loin inside.

How to Make BBQ Pork Sandwiches

Bbq pulled pork in crock pot.
  • Prepare. Wash pork and then pat dry. 
  • Combine. Place in the slow cooker. Pierce pork several times. Add 1/2 cup water. Pour BBQ sauce and liquid smoke over the top. Then sprinkle salt and pepper on top. Cook on low for 10 hours, or until it easily shreds.
  • Shred. Remove pork and shred with forks. Remove any excess fat.
  • Rest. Place back in the pot and let sit in the juices for 15 minutes, or until ready to serve.
  • Serve. Serve pork warm on a bun. Add desired toppings such as slaw.

Recipe Tips

  • Type of pork. The best type of pork for a pulled pork sandwich recipe is boneless pork loin or shoulder. Both are a bit fattier, which makes them perfect for slow cooking or pressure cooking. The meat will be fall-apart tender.
  • Liquid smoke. You don’t have to add this, although I highly recommend it. It adds the same smoky flavor that you would get from wood-smoking the meat.
  • Keep the lid on. As tempting as it is, don’t remove the lid to peek inside. The lid should stay covered for the full 10 hours so that the steam doesn’t escape.
  • Let sit. After shredding the meat, add the pork back into the pot with the sauce. Mix it together and let it sit in the sauce for about 15 minutes. The meat will be more flavorful this way.
  • Toast your bun. Toasting the bread keeps it from getting soggy from the sauce. You can even spread a little garlic butter on your bun before toasting for extra flavor.
  • You can usually make four to five sandwiches from one pound of pulled pork. This will vary depending on the size of the bun and how much pork is used on each bun.

Favorite Sandwich Toppings

Add another layer of dimension to your BBQ pork sandwich by piling on any of the delicious toppings!

BBQ pulled pork in white crock pot.

Sides for Pulled Pork Sandwiches

The good news is that just about anything can be served alongside these pork sandwiches!

Storage

  • Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Freeze: Turn this into a freezer meal! Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to enjoy.
BBQ pulled pork sandwich on white plate.

More BBQ recipes we love include these pulled pork quesadillas and BBQ nachos!

More BBQ Dinner Recipes

bbq pork sandwich on white plate

BBQ Pork Sandwich

5 from 9 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 hours
Resting Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 10 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8
This BBQ pork sandwich is an easy, no-fail dinner idea made with tender shredded pulled pork smothered in tangy BBQ sauce then served on a toasted bun.

Ingredients 

  • 3-4 pounds boneless pork loin or shoulder
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 – 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon liquid smoke , optional but recommended
  • 8 hamburger buns

Optional toppings: slaw, pickles, lettuce, sliced cheese

Instructions

  • Wash pork and then pat dry. 
  • Place in the slow cooker. Pierce pork several times. Add 1/2 cup water. Pour 1 1/2 – 2 cups BBQ sauce and 1 Tablespoon liquid smoke over the top. Then sprinkle salt and pepper on top. Cook on low for 10 hours, or until it easily shreds.
  • Remove pork and shred with 2 forks. Remove any excess fat.
  • Place back in the pot and let sit in the juices for 15 minutes, or until ready to serve.
  • Serve pork warm on a bun. Add desired toppings such as slaw.

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

Instant pot version: Cut into 4 chunks, pierce with a fork, then place in the instant pot. Add 1 cup water. Pour BBQ sauce and liquid smoke over the top. Then sprinkle salt on top. Place lid on top and set to high pressure. Cook for 60 minutes and then do a natural slow release for 10 minutes. 
Tip: When cooking pork in the slow cooker, don’t take the lid off before 10 hours. You need the steam to make it tender.
Freezer instructions: Add pork to a zip top freezer bag (make sure all air is removed) and store in freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge overnight when ready to enjoy. 
Nutrition: Please note that the nutrition information provided below is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. It will vary based on ingredients used.

Nutrition

Calories: 498kcal, Carbohydrates: 58g, Protein: 43g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 107mg, Sodium: 1511mg, Potassium: 900mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 32g, Vitamin A: 201IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 113mg, Iron: 3mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.