Pulled Pork

Kansas City Pulled Pork

Name: Kansas City Pulled Pork
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 480 min
Total time: 510 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder, boneless; 6 slices of thick-cut bacon; 1/4 cup (60g) brown sugar; 1/4 cup (60g) ketchup; 2 tablespoons (30g) apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup (60g) water; 2 tablespoons (30g) Worcestershire sauce

By Jonah Blackwood · June 19, 2026 · Pulled Pork

Prep30 min

Cook480 min

Total510 min

Serves8

I still remember the first time I tried authentic Kansas City Pulled Pork - the tender, smoky meat just fell apart, and the flavors were incredible. As a home cook, I've spent years perfecting my own recipe, and I'm excited to share it with you. This dish is perfect for a crowd, whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ or just a family dinner.

What makes Kansas City Pulled Pork so special is the combination of slow-cooked pork shoulder, crispy bacon, and a tangy BBQ sauce. It's a comforting, indulgent dish that's sure to become a favorite. In this recipe, I'll walk you through every step, from preparing the pork to finishing it off with a delicious sauce.

One of the things I love about this recipe is how accessible it is. You don't need any special equipment or ingredients - just a few basic pantry staples and some good-quality pork. And while it does take some time to cook, the end result is well worth the wait. So if you're looking for a delicious, satisfying meal that's sure to please a crowd, keep reading - this Kansas City Pulled Pork recipe is for you.

As a home cook, I've found that the key to making great pulled pork is to cook it low and slow, so the meat is tender and falls apart easily. I also like to add some crispy bacon to give it a smoky flavor. And of course, no pulled pork is complete without a tangy BBQ sauce - I'll show you how to make your own from scratch.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal special equipment. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors of Kansas City Pulled Pork in the comfort of your own home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal special equipment.
The slow-cooked pork is tender and falls apart easily, making it perfect for pulled pork.
The tangy BBQ sauce adds a rich, complex flavor to the dish.
The addition of crispy bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor and a satisfying texture.
This recipe is perfect for a crowd, whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ or just a family dinner.
The dish is comforting and indulgent, making it a great choice for special occasions or everyday meals.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to great pulled pork is cooking it low and slow, so the meat is tender and falls apart easily. This is because the connective tissues in the meat break down over time, making it easier to shred. By cooking the pork shoulder at a low temperature for several hours, we can achieve this tender, fall-apart texture.

Another key factor is the use of a tangy BBQ sauce, which adds a rich, complex flavor to the dish. The acidity in the sauce helps to balance out the fattiness of the pork, while the sweetness adds a depth of flavor. By making our own BBQ sauce from scratch, we can control the level of sweetness and acidity to our taste.

Finally, the addition of crispy bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor to the dish. By cooking the bacon until it's crispy, we can add a satisfying texture to the pulled pork, as well as a boost of flavor.

Overall, the combination of slow-cooked pork, tangy BBQ sauce, and crispy bacon makes for a truly unforgettable dish. Whether you're serving it at a backyard BBQ or just a family dinner, this Kansas City Pulled Pork recipe is sure to please.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Kansas City Pulled Pork recipe, you'll need a few basic pantry staples, as well as some good-quality pork and bacon. Be sure to choose a pork shoulder with a good layer of fat, as this will help keep the meat moist and flavorful. You'll also want to select a thick-cut bacon, as this will be easier to crisp up in the pan.

In addition to the pork and bacon, you'll need a few ingredients for the BBQ sauce, including ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. You can adjust the level of sweetness and acidity to your taste, so feel free to experiment with different combinations.

2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder, bonelessChoose a pork shoulder with a good layer of fat, as this will help keep the meat moist and flavorful. You can also use a bone-in pork shoulder, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
6 slices of thick-cut baconSelect a thick-cut bacon, as this will be easier to crisp up in the pan. You can also use thin-cut bacon, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
1/4 cup (60g) brown sugarBrown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to the BBQ sauce. You can also use white sugar, but brown sugar is preferred for its deeper flavor.
1/4 cup (60g) ketchupKetchup is a key ingredient in the BBQ sauce, adding a tangy, slightly sweet flavor. You can also use tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, but ketchup is preferred for its thicker consistency.
2 tablespoons (30g) apple cider vinegarApple cider vinegar adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to the BBQ sauce. You can also use white vinegar or balsamic vinegar, but apple cider vinegar is preferred for its milder flavor.
1 teaspoon smoked paprikaSmoked paprika adds a smoky, savory flavor to the BBQ sauce. You can also use sweet paprika, but smoked paprika is preferred for its deeper flavor.
1 teaspoon garlic powderGarlic powder adds a savory, slightly sweet flavor to the BBQ sauce. You can also use onion powder or dried onion, but garlic powder is preferred for its milder flavor.
1/2 teaspoon saltSalt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and helps to balance out the sweetness of the BBQ sauce. You can also use kosher salt or sea salt, but table salt is preferred for its finer texture.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper adds a subtle, slightly spicy flavor to the BBQ sauce. You can also use white pepper or cayenne pepper, but black pepper is preferred for its milder flavor.
1/4 cup (60g) waterWater helps to thin out the BBQ sauce and achieve the right consistency. You can also use broth or stock, but water is preferred for its neutral flavor.
2 tablespoons (30g) Worcestershire sauceWorcestershire sauce adds a savory, umami flavor to the BBQ sauce. You can also use soy sauce or fish sauce, but Worcestershire sauce is preferred for its milder flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large Dutch oven or heavy pot with a lidSharp knifeCutting boardMeat thermometerInstant-read thermometerWooden spoon or spatulaTongs or slotted spoon

How to Make Kansas City Pulled Pork

1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature will help to break down the connective tissues in the pork, making it tender and easy to shred.
2
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This spice blend will add a rich, complex flavor to the pork.
3
Rub the spice blend all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat it evenly. This will help to create a flavorful crust on the pork as it cooks.
4
Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Add the slices of bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
5
Add the pork shoulder to the pot and sear it on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes. This will help to create a flavorful crust on the pork.
6
Add the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and water to the pot. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
7
Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Braise the pork for 6-8 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C).
8
Remove the pot from the oven and let the pork rest for 30 minutes. This will help the meat to relax and become easier to shred.
9
Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded pork to the pot and stir to combine with the BBQ sauce.
10
Add the crispy bacon back into the pot and stir to combine. This will help to add a smoky, savory flavor to the pulled pork.
11
Serve the pulled pork hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika. You can also serve it on a bun, topped with coleslaw or pickles.
12
Let the pulled pork rest for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will help the flavors to meld together and the meat to become even more tender.

Expert Tips

To achieve tender, fall-apart pork, it's essential to cook it low and slow. This will help to break down the connective tissues in the meat, making it easy to shred.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches a safe internal temperature of 190°F (88°C). This will help to prevent foodborne illness and ensure the meat is cooked to perfection.
Let the pork rest for at least 30 minutes before shredding. This will help the meat to relax and become easier to shred, resulting in a more tender final product.
Use a sharp knife to shred the pork, as this will help to create a more even texture. You can also use two forks to shred the pork, but a sharp knife is preferred for its precision.
Add the crispy bacon back into the pot and stir to combine. This will help to add a smoky, savory flavor to the pulled pork and create a more complex flavor profile.
Experiment with different spice blends and BBQ sauces to find your favorite flavor combination. This will help to make the recipe your own and ensure you enjoy the final product.
Consider using a slow cooker or Instant Pot to cook the pork, as this will help to simplify the recipe and reduce cooking time. However, be sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly to achieve the best results.
To add extra flavor to the pulled pork, try adding some diced onions or bell peppers to the pot during the last hour of cooking. This will help to create a more complex flavor profile and add texture to the final product.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pork, which can make it dry and tough. To avoid this, be sure to use a meat thermometer and cook the pork to the recommended internal temperature.
Not letting the pork rest long enough, which can make it difficult to shred. To avoid this, let the pork rest for at least 30 minutes before shredding.
Not using a sharp knife to shred the pork, which can result in uneven texture. To avoid this, use a sharp knife to shred the pork, as this will help to create a more even texture.
Not adding the crispy bacon back into the pot, which can result in a less flavorful final product. To avoid this, be sure to add the crispy bacon back into the pot and stir to combine.
Not experimenting with different spice blends and BBQ sauces, which can result in a less complex flavor profile. To avoid this, try adding different spices or BBQ sauces to the recipe to find your favorite flavor combination.
Not considering the use of a slow cooker or Instant Pot, which can simplify the recipe and reduce cooking time. To avoid this, consider using a slow cooker or Instant Pot to cook the pork, as this will help to simplify the recipe and reduce cooking time.

Variations and Substitutions

Try adding some diced onions or bell peppers to the pot during the last hour of cooking for added flavor and texture.
Experiment with different spice blends, such as a spicy Cajun seasoning or a sweet and smoky rub.
Use a different type of wood for smoking, such as hickory or cherry, for a unique flavor profile.
Add some diced jalapenos or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for an extra kick of heat.
Try using a different type of bacon, such as applewood-smoked or brown sugar-cured, for a unique flavor profile.
Consider adding some beans or other vegetables to the pot during the last hour of cooking for a hearty and filling meal.
Experiment with different types of BBQ sauce, such as a vinegar-based or tomato-based sauce, for a unique flavor profile.

What to Serve With Kansas City Pulled Pork

This Kansas City Pulled Pork is perfect for serving at a backyard BBQ or family gathering. You can serve it on a bun, topped with coleslaw or pickles, or as a main course with some roasted vegetables on the side.

Some other ideas for serving this pulled pork include:

As a sandwich filling, topped with cheese, lettuce, and tomato

As a topping for baked potatoes or nachos

As a filling for tacos or burritos

As a main course, served with some roasted vegetables or a side salad

Serve on a bun with coleslaw and picklesUse as a topping for baked potatoes or nachosAdd to tacos or burritos for a flavorful fillingServe as a main course with roasted vegetables or a side saladUse as a sandwich filling, topped with cheese, lettuce, and tomatoAdd to a charcuterie board for a hearty and filling snack

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This Kansas City Pulled Pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store, let the pork cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag.

To reheat, simply microwave or oven-heat the pork until it's hot and steaming. You can also add some extra BBQ sauce or broth to the pork to keep it moist and flavorful.

Some tips for storing and reheating this pulled pork include:

Letting it cool to room temperature before storing to prevent bacterial growth

Using an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent drying out

Adding some extra BBQ sauce or broth to the pork to keep it moist and flavorful

Reheating the pork to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pork is best for pulled pork?

A pork shoulder or butt is best for pulled pork, as it has a good layer of fat to keep the meat moist and flavorful.

How long does it take to cook pulled pork?

It can take anywhere from 6-12 hours to cook pulled pork, depending on the size of the pork and the cooking method.

What is the best way to shred pulled pork?

The best way to shred pulled pork is to use two forks to pull the meat apart, or a sharp knife to cut it into thin strips.

Can I use a slow cooker to cook pulled pork?

Yes, you can use a slow cooker to cook pulled pork. Simply place the pork in the slow cooker, add some BBQ sauce and spices, and cook on low for 8-10 hours.

How do I keep pulled pork moist and flavorful?

To keep pulled pork moist and flavorful, be sure to cook it low and slow, and to add some extra BBQ sauce or broth to the pork during the last hour of cooking.

Can I freeze pulled pork?

Yes, you can freeze pulled pork. Simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

What is the best way to reheat pulled pork?

The best way to reheat pulled pork is to microwave or oven-heat it until it's hot and steaming. You can also add some extra BBQ sauce or broth to the pork to keep it moist and flavorful.

Can I use a different type of meat for pulled pork?

While pork is the traditional choice for pulled pork, you can also use other types of meat such as beef or chicken. However, pork is preferred for its tender and flavorful texture.

How do I make pulled pork more spicy?

To make pulled pork more spicy, you can add some diced jalapenos or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce, or use a spicy rub or seasoning blend on the pork before cooking.

The Full Recipe

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