### Apple Butter BBQ Pulled Pork: A Delightful Dish to Relish
Welcome to a world of deliciousness featuring the delectable Apple Butter BBQ Pulled Pork! This alluring blend of sweet and smoky flavors makes it an ideal dish for weekend gatherings and family dinners. With its rich apple butter BBQ sauce combined with succulent slow-cooked pork, this dish promises to be a treat for your taste buds.
### Why Make this Recipe?
There are many reasons to make this exceptional Apple Butter BBQ Pulled Pork. To start with, it is incredibly easy to prepare and requires a limited number of ingredients. The slow cooking process ensures the pork becomes tender and absorbs all the flavors, providing a melty-in-your-mouth experience. The apple butter in the sauce gives a unique sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Most importantly, this recipe is beautifully versatile. Whether you want to make a hearty sandwich, put together a sumptuous meal, or simply enjoy it as a main, this recipe serves all purposes.
### How to Make Apple Butter BBQ Pulled Pork?
Creating this flavorful dish is surprisingly straightforward. You just need the following ingredients:
#### Ingredients:
– 3-4 lbs pork shoulder (Boston butt)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup apple butter
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1 onion, chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
#### Directions:
The cooking process is simple and easy to follow. Below are the steps:
1. Season the pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper.
2. In a bowl, mix apple butter, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, chopped onion, garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cinnamon.
3. Place the seasoned pork in a slow cooker and pour the apple butter BBQ mixture over it. Make sure the pork is well-coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the pork is very tender and pulls apart easily with a fork.
5. After cooking, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
6. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, mix it with the sauce until well combined.
### How to Serve Apple Butter BBQ Pulled Pork?
Serve the Apple Butter BBQ Pulled Pork warm. You can serve it on buns topped with coleslaw, or over mashed potatoes for a complete, comforting meal.
### How to Store Apple Butter BBQ Pulled Pork?
You can store the leftover Apple Butter BBQ Pulled Pork in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 to 5 days.
### Tips to Make Apple Butter BBQ Pulled Pork
– Make sure you slow cook the pork. Rushing the process could keep the pork from becoming tender.
– Always use apple cider vinegar for the right acidity balance in the sauce.
– While shredding the pork, remove any large chunks of fat for a better texture.
### Variations
To change things up, you can replace the apple butter with peach butter or apricot butter. You can also add more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
### FAQs
#### Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dish a day before. It refrigerates well, and the flavors blend in better when left overnight.
#### Q: Can I use another type of pork cut for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use pork loin, pork belly, or pork legs, but bear in mind the cooking time may vary.
#### Q: Can I cook this in an instant pot?
A: Yes, the Apple Butter BBQ Pulled Pork can be made in an instant pot. However, the slow cooker gives the meat more time to absorb the flavors, making it more succulent and tasty.
When all is said and done, Apple Butter BBQ Pulled Pork is an irresistible dish that is sure to become a favorite in no time. Try it out today!