How Long to Reheat Pulled Pork in a Crock Pot for Maximum Flavor

Pulled pork is a delicious, versatile meat that can be used in sandwiches, tacos, pizza, salads and more. Its smoky, tender texture makes pulled pork a crowd favorite. But like any leftover, maintaining moisture and flavor when reheating pulled pork can be a challenge. This is where using a crock pot comes in handy.

Reheating pulled pork in a crock pot allows you to gradually bring the meat up to a safe internal temperature while keeping it incredibly moist and delicious. Follow this guide to learn how long you need to reheat pulled pork in a crock pot helpful tips and serving ideas.

Why Use a Crock Pot for Reheating Pulled Pork?

Crock pots also known as slow cookers are ideal for reheating meats like pulled pork for a few key reasons

• Low, even heat – The crock pot’s low heat evenly penetrates large cuts of meat, allowing thorough heating without drying out the exterior.

• Moist environment – The crock pot’s covered environment traps moisture released by the meat as it reheats.

• All-day convenience – Crock pots safely reheat food unattended for hours, freeing up your time.

• Flavor fusion – Slow reheating blends spices and allows tender meat to reabsorb any liquid or sauce.

• No burning – With no direct contact between the heating element and food, crock pots prevent burning or scorching.

So if you want leftover pulled pork that retains juiciness and pulls apart easily, the crock pot is a great solution.

How Long to Reheat Pulled Pork in a Crock Pot

The amount of time needed to reheat pulled pork in a crock pot ranges from:

• 2 to 4 hours on LOW
• 1 to 2 hours on HIGH

To ensure food safety, you want the internal temperature of the pork to reach 165°F.

For shredded or chopped pork, 2 to 3 hours on LOW usually suffices. Larger, more dense pork roasts may require the full 4 hours to heat through.

Watch the temperature and stir the meat occasionally to check doneness. Cook longer if needed to reach 165°F.

Also consider the quantity you are reheating. A full crock pot will naturally take longer than a single portion. Go with 3 to 4 hours for a very full slow cooker.

Tips for Reheating Pulled Pork in a Crock Pot

Follow these tips for the best results when using your crock pot to reheat pulled pork:

• Add a splash of defatting liquid from initial cooking or use broth, barbecue sauce or juice to provide moisture.

• Break up large clumps of pork so it reheats evenly.

• Keep the lid on and resist stirring frequently to allow even, low heating.

• Shred with forks once done and mix in more reserved sauce or liquid as needed.

• Transfer to a serving dish instead of eating directly from the crock to prevent overcooking.

• Don’t overload the crock or pile pork higher than 3/4 full for proper heat circulation.

• For food safety, only reheat once and consume leftovers within 3 to 4 days.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for reheating pulled pork in a crock pot:

1. Add pork to slow cooker, separating large clumps.

2. Pour in 1 to 2 cups of defatting juices, broth, barbecue sauce or other liquid.

3. Cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours or HIGH for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

4. Use a meat thermometer to check internal temp, aiming for 165°F or higher.

5. Once done, shred pork with two forks.

6. Stir in additional sauce to taste if needed.

7. Transfer to a serving bowl, dish up and enjoy!

Ideas for Enjoying Reheated Pulled Pork

The possibilities are endless when it comes to enjoying leftover pulled pork from the crock pot. Here are just a few ideas:

• Sandwiches – Pile high on buns, bread or rolls with your favorite toppings and sauce.

• Tacos – Warm tortillas and load with shredded pork, salsa, onions, cilantro and lime.

• Pizza – Top baked crust with shredded pork, cheese, onions, pineapple and barbecue sauce.

• Tostadas – Layer pulled pork over crispy tortillas with refried beans, cabbage, avocado and Cotija cheese.

• Burritos – Fill large tortillas with pork, rice, black beans, cheese, salsa and sour cream.

• Nachos – Cover tortilla chips with pork, cheese, peppers, scallions and barbecue sauce.

• Salads – Toss tender pulled pork into leafy greens, pasta salads or potato salads.

• Soups – Add shredded pork to vegetable soup, minestrone, split pea or lentil soup.

The next time you have leftover pulled pork, let your crockpot do the work reheating it gently. In just a few hours you’ll have hot, juicy pulled pork ready for any recipe.