Holiday BBQ Pork (Oven or Slow Cooker)
Ingredients
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4–5 lb pork shoulder (aka pork butt), boneless or bone-in
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2 tbsp olive oil
Dry Rub
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2 tsp salt
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2 tsp smoked paprika
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1½ tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp black pepper
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1 tsp brown sugar
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½ tsp cinnamon (holiday touch ✨)
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¼ tsp ground cloves or allspice (optional but festive)
BBQ Sauce Mix
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1½ cups BBQ sauce (sweet or smoky style)
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¼ cup apple cider vinegar
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¼ cup apple juice or orange juice
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2 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
Option 1: Oven-Roasted (Best Flavor)
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Prep the pork
Pat pork dry, rub with olive oil, then coat generously with dry rub. -
Roast low & slow
Place pork in a covered roasting pan or Dutch oven.
Roast at 300°F (150°C) for 4–5 hours, until fork-tender. -
Shred & sauce
Remove pork, shred with forks.
Mix BBQ sauce ingredients and pour over shredded pork. -
Caramelize
Return uncovered to oven for 20–30 minutes, stirring once, until sticky and glossy.
Option 2: Slow Cooker (Easy Holiday Win)
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Rub pork and place in slow cooker.
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Cook 8 hours on LOW or 5 hours on HIGH.
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Shred, stir in BBQ sauce mix.
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Cook uncovered on HIGH 20–30 minutes to thicken.
How to Serve (Holiday Style)
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Soft buns + coleslaw 🥪
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Over mashed potatoes
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With cornbread & green beans
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As sliders for parties
Pro Tips
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Let pork rest 20 minutes before shredding
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Sweet BBQ pairs best with the warm spices
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Make a day ahead—flavor gets even better overnight
If you want a pineapple BBQ version, spicy bourbon glaze, or oven-to-table centerpiece style, just tell me