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Dutch Oven Pulled Pork

Dutch oven pulled pork is a flavorful and comforting dish that's perfect for any occasion. With its rich, smoky flavor and tender, juicy texture, it's a crowd-pleaser that's surprisingly easy to make. Whether you're serving it with classic sides like coleslaw and baked beans or using it to create delicious sandwiches, tacos, or burritos, Dutch oven pulled pork offers the smoky flavor you crave without the time commitment of a traditional smoker. It's a convenient and delicious way to enjoy this classic dish.
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Why you'll love this oven smoked pulled pork

  • Smokey Flavor: The liquid smoke adds a smoky depth without the need for a smoker.

  • Burnt Ends: The crispy, caramelized edges are a delicious bonus- Just like its been on the smoker all day!

  • Tender Meat: The Dutch oven ensures a juicy and tender pulled pork.

  • Quick Cook Time: Ready in approximately 2.5- 3 hours, faster than slow cooker or smoker methods.

  • Crowd Pleaser: Ideal for sharing with family and friends, especially for large gatherings.

  • Versatility: Use pulled pork in sandwiches, tacos, burritos, or stews. 

Why you'll love this oven smoked pulled pork

  • Quick and easy with simple ingredients – Minimal prep, big flavor payoff
  • Smoky, savory flavor – Slow-cooked in the Dutch oven for rich, tender pulled pork
  • Sweet + salty + savory combo – Bold flavor in every bite
  • Naturally gluten-free – Great option for a variety of dietary needs
  • Meal prep friendly – Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers all week
  • Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings – Easy enough for dinner, impressive enough for guests
  • Versatile serving options – Great in bowls, sandwiches, tacos, or alongside sides like sweet potatoes or salads
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This Dutch oven pulled pork recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or weeknight meals. To make it, season a boneless pork shoulder or pork butt with liquid smoke and spices for a  smoker style pulled pork. Brown the pork in a Dutch oven, Pour apple cider vinegar cover, and cook in the oven for 2.5-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shreds. Serve the pulled pork with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, baked beans, or potato salad. This versatile dish can also be used in sandwiches, tacos, burritos, or stews.

Ingredients you will need for Dutch oven pulled pork

  • 4 lbs pork butt- Excess fat trimmed, but not all Fat=flavor!

  • Liquid smoke-Liquid smoke is a convenient way to add a smoky flavor to your dishes without needing a smoker.

  • Avocado oil- For searing the meat to create those crispy carmelized edges aka burnt ends!

  • Apple cider vinegar- This adds a good amount of acid to the dish and also helps tenderizes the meat. 

  • Salt- Enhances the natural flavor of food. 

  • Pepper- Mild kick

  • Paprika- Opt for smoked paprika if you prefer. 

  • Garlic powder– Always need garlic!

  • Onion powder- Use this as the rub, but feel free to add real onions to the Dutch oven for more flavor. 

  • BBQ sauce- Use your favorite brand or make a homemade version! 

Pulled Pork Temperatures -For juicy & tender pulled pork

  • Pulled pork’s ideal temperature should be cooked between 190-200 degrees Fahrenheit. Pulled pork temperatures that are above 205 degrees are likely to produce a dry leathery pork. 

  • Pork cooked around 190 degrees F will be juicy, succulent and still have some pink to it.

  • Pork cooked to 200 degrees, will still be juicy, have less pink or no pink and is on the verge of being overdone. Any pork cooked beyond 205 degrees risks being dry and overdone. 

How to make Dutch oven pulled pork

  1. Cut and trim excess fat off pork butt and rub liquid smoke all over the pork. 

  2. Dip all sides into the dry rub seasonings. 

  3. Sear on all sides until golden and browned. 

  4. Pour apple cider vinegar over the meat and cover with lid and bake in oven for 2.5-3 hours or until tender. Check temperature and pull at when it reaches 190 degrees. 

  5. Shred pork with fork and top with favorite BBQ.

How to store oven BBQ pulled pork

Refrigerator- Store leftover pulled pork in a airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Freezer- Once cooked, cooled and shredded, use a food savor/vacuum sealer to seal your meat up and store in the freezer for up to 1 month. Pull out and defrost in refrigerator when ready to eat. Reheat in microwave. 

What to serve with oven smoked pulled pork

My favorite way to eat this Dutch oven pulled pork is with a big heaping spoonful of my Apple and Poppyseed Coleslaw. This tangy, sweet, and crunchy coleslaw is the perfect accompaniment to pulled pork, adding freshness and texture in every bite. Made without mayonnaise, it’s a lighter option that still packs plenty of flavor.

This pulled pork is also delicious served with my cottage cheese loaded baked sweet potato for an easy, high-protein side that turns it into a complete and satisfying meal.

Try these other recipes to pair with pulled pork

Fluffy Einkorn Buttermilk Biscuits

Avocado Relish

Einkorn Cheddar & Chive Drop Biscuits

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Dutch Oven Pulled Pork

Jennifer Hall
Dutch oven pulled pork is a flavorful and comforting dish that's perfect for any occasion. With its rich, smoky flavor and tender, juicy texture, it's a crowd-pleaser that's surprisingly easy to make. Whether you're serving it with classic sides like coleslaw and baked beans or using it to create delicious sandwiches, tacos, or burritos, Dutch oven pulled pork is sure to satisfy your cravings.
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Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 8 Servings

Equipment

  • Dutch Oven

Ingredients
  

  • 4 lbs Pork butt
  • 2 tbsp Liquid smoke
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Black pepper
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Onion powder
  • 1/4 cup Apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Avocado oil

Topping

  • 1-2 cups BBQ Your favorite brand

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Trim off any large excess fat from your pork butt, make sure to leave some on for flavor. Cut pork butt into smaller sections about 4 or 5 chunks.
  • Add dry seasonings to a shallow bowl or baking dish.
  • Pour or brush 2 tbsp of liquid smoke over your pork butt coating all sides. Dip each side of the pork butt into your dry rub mixture, evenly coating all sides.
  • Add 2 tbsp of avocado oil to your Dutch oven and heat over medium heat. Sear all sides of the pork Butt until golden brown. You can work in batches, if necessary.
  • once, seared place all the pork butt into your Dutch oven tightly packed and add your apple cider vinegar, place lid over top and place in preheated oven for 2.5-3 hours.
  • Check on the temperature at around 2.5- 3 hours, pork put should be between 190-200 degrees. Do not cook it past 200 degrees or your meat will be dry and overcooked. Remove from oven and allow to rest before shredding.
  • Shred and top with favorite BBQ sauce. Enjoy on sandwiches, tacos or as is!
Keyword BBQ, pulled pork
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Picture of Jennifer Hall

Jennifer Hall

Hi, I’m Jenn – welcome to Tinhateats! Here, you’ll find a collection of gluten-free, paleo, and Whole30-friendly recipes, with a special spotlight on einkorn flour. I love reimagining classic dishes in healthier, more nourishing ways—and I hope my recipes inspire you to try something new in your own kitchen. Follow along for real food, made simple!

 

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