From classic smoked shoulders to creative dishes like nachos and Cuban sandwiches. these BBQ recipes showcase the versatility of pulled pork.

Pulled Pork Power: the Most Popular Pulled Pork Recipes

Whether you’re feeding a crowd on the cheap, or meal prepping for the entire week, a perfectly smoked pork shoulder is your ticket to effortless, delicious BBQ. When you master the basics, a whole new menu of pulled pork recipes opens up for you.

From my classic Simple Smoked Pulled Pork to exciting new twists like Pumpkin Spice Pulled Pork, this roundup covers every pulled pork recipe you’ll ever need. And to top it off, I also share all my favorite ways to transform those leftovers into completely new and delicious meals.

Whether you’re a BBQ beginner looking for foolproof techniques or a seasoned Pitmaster ready to experiment with bold new flavors, these recipes will keep your smoker busy and your family happy.

1. Simple Smoked Pulled Pork Butt (Smoked Pork Shoulder)

If you want to be a Pulled Pork Hero, start with this recipe. With nothing but pork shoulder, yellow mustard, and my Signature Sweet Rub, this foolproof method yields tender, flavorful pulled pork every time. No fancy injections, no complicated wrapping techniques, just pure BBQ essentials that create that coveted bark and juicy interior that makes pulled pork legendary.

2. Cider Brined Pulled Pork

Give your pulled pork a whole new depth of flavor with this apple cider brine that infuses sweetness into every fiber of the meat. Combined with some injection techniques, the brining process creates incredibly juicy pork with subtle apple undertones. This recipe truly turns a simple pork shoulder into something special.

3. Carolina Pulled Pork

For a classic regional twist, experience the tangy, vinegar-forward tradition of North Carolina BBQ. This recipe combines a simple salt, pepper, and paprika rub with regular mopping and a thin, ketchup-kissed vinegar sauce that cuts through the rich pork with bright acidity. It’s BBQ history on a plate and absolutely essential for any serious Pitmaster.

4. Easy Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork

When you want authentic BBQ flavor in half the time, this hot-and-fast method gets you there. By wrapping aluminum foil, then cooking on your smoker at 275 degrees F, you’ll have restaurant-quality pulled pork in just 8 hours. The recipe is perfect for busy weekends when you want great BBQ without the overnight commitment.

5. Cherry Cola Pulled Pork

Sweet, smoky, and bursting with unique cherry cola flavor from injection to finish. This fun recipe uses cherry cola for injection, spritzing, and braising, then tops everything off with homemade Cherry Cola BBQ Sauce. It’s BBQ guaranteed to spark conversation and keep everyone coming back for more.

6. Bourbon Brown Sugar Pulled Pork

Rich, complex, and absolutely irresistible, this pulled pork gets layered flavors from a sweet bourbon brown sugar Mop Sauce applied hourly throughout the cook. The combination of my Sweet Rub with the bourbon-spiked mop creates pulled pork that’s fancy enough for special occasions but easy enough for weekend family dinners.

7. Buffalo Smoked Pulled Pork

For those who love heat with their meat, this buffalo-style pulled pork provides tangy, spicy goodness. Seasoned with my Signature Beef Seasoning and finished with a buttery Buffalo Sauce braise, it’s perfect for sandwiches, nachos, or anywhere you want that classic buffalo wing flavor in pulled pork form.

8. Pumpkin Spice Pulled Pork with Pumpkin Spice BBQ Sauce

Don’t knock it until you try it, because this fall-inspired pulled pork is a sleeper hit. A Pumpkin Spice Dry Rub combines warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with traditional BBQ flavors. Wrapped in butcher paper and finished with Pumpkin Spice BBQ Sauce, this recipe is a conversation starter that actually tastes incredible. It’s perfect for adventurous Pitmasters ready to surprise their guests.

9. Smoked Pork Carnitas

Traditional Mexican carnitas get a BBQ makeover with low-and-slow smoking followed by a crispy fat finish. This recipe maintains authentic carnitas flavors through citrus marination and traditional seasoning while adding those irresistible wood smoke notes. The final crisping step in reserved cooking fat creates those coveted caramelized edges.

10. Smoked Kalua Pork

Send your taste buds on a tropical getaway with this BBQ interpretation of traditional kalua pork. Using Hawaiian pink salt, mesquite wood, and butcher paper (in place of banana leaves), this recipe captures the essence of underground pit cooking in your backyard. With simple, authentic flavors, you’ll feel like you’re eating right on the beaches of Hawaii.

11. Smoked Chile Verde

Rich, savory pulled pork gets the Mexican treatment with a trio of green sauces creating an incredible braising liquid. Tomatillo salsa verde, green enchilada sauce, and fire-roasted green chiles combine to create pulled pork perfect for tacos, burritos, or enjoying straight from the pan with warm tortillas.

12. Loaded Smoked Pulled Pork Nachos

Turn leftover pulled pork into an awesome game day snack with these loaded nachos. Crispy tortilla chips get topped with homemade nacho cheese sauce, seasoned black beans, and tender pulled pork, then finished with fresh toppings. These aren’t your average nachos, they’re a full meal that feeds a crowd. If you really want to impress, add a scoop of Homemade Guacamole.

13. Smoked Pulled Pork with Cholula Swirled Corn Bread

This down-home masterpiece layers saucy pulled pork in a cast iron skillet, then tops it with fluffy cornbread swirled with Cholula butter. Baked until golden, it’s a complete meal perfect for chilly evenings when you want something hearty and warming. Just be prepared to make it a lot, because once you share it with your family, it will be requested again and again.

14. Loaded Potato Skins

If you’re looking for the perfect tailgate food, you found it. We’re talking crispy potato skins overflowing with smoky pulled pork, melted cheddar, sour cream, and green onions. These crowd-pleasers are easy to make ahead and perfect for game day gatherings or any time you want a filling snack that satisfies.

If you love this, try these: Smoked Potato Skins

15. Smoky Cuban Sandwich

The classic Cuban Sandwich gets an upgrade with the addition of smoked pulled pork alongside traditional ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. Pressed to crispy perfection and served hot, this sandwich showcases how leftover pulled pork can create restaurant-quality meals at home. When you want a BBQ twist on a classic sandwich, you want this smoky Cuban.

16. Smoked Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese

When mac and cheese meets pulled pork, BBQ magic happens. This one-skillet wonder combines creamy, homemade cheese sauce with tender pasta and, of course, generous portions of pulled pork. Cooked entirely in a cast iron skillet, it’s comfort food that’s both inventive and satisfying. If you’re looking for a knockout comfort food, look no further.

17. Pulled Pork Stuffed Mac & Cheese Bombs

The ultimate indulgence: mac and cheese and pulled pork rolled into balls, breaded, then deep-fried to golden perfection. These crispy-on-the-outside, molten-on-the-inside bombs are perfect for National Pulled Pork Day, or any time you want to blow minds with over-the-top delicious pulled pork.

18. Brunswick Stew (with Brisket and Pulled Pork)

This might be ultimate leftover BBQ stew, combining pulled pork, brisket, and chicken in a tomato base with vegetables. This no-fuss, customizable stew is perfect for using up all your BBQ leftovers while at the same time creating a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for cold weather.

19. Loaded Breakfast Nachos

If you want to start your day right, start it with breakfast nachos loaded with sausage, eggs, cheese, and pulled pork. Baked in a cast iron skillet until the eggs are perfectly set and the cheese is bubbly, these nachos make brunch exciting and are perfect for feeding a crowd. Fair warning: if you serve this at breakfast, it may ruin you for other meals.

Master the Art of Pulled Pork

If you’re ready to become a pulled pork pro, check out the Pulled Pork Pitmaster class over at The Grill Squad. I’ll teach you the fundamentals of pulled pork so you can nail it every time. Then, you branch out with different flavor profiles and recipes. Your family, friends, and taste buds will thank you.

Save this roundup so you have it for reference, and don’t forget to share your pulled pork successes with us on social media! Tag @heygrillhey so I can see your BBQ masterpieces. Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for even more BBQ tips, tricks, and behind-the-scenes fun!

When you make something delicious with your pulled pork leftovers, I want to hear about it. Drop a comment below and let me know so I can cheer you on as you become a Pulled Pork Hero!