Pork shoulder picnic roast is an inexpensive, flavorful cut of pork that becomes meltingly tender when cooked low and slow. This cut consists of the upper part of the front leg from the pig. It’s leaner than a pork butt roast but still has plenty of connective tissue that breaks down into succulent gelatin when braised.
Cooking pork shoulder picnic roast in the slow cooker results in incredibly moist, fork-tender meat that shreds perfectly for pulled pork sandwiches, tacos, soups and more. The slow cooker helps break down the collagen while keeping the meat incredibly juicy.
Follow this simple recipe and you’ll have delectable pulled pork in just 4-6 hours, with very little hands-on time. Let’s get cooking!
Benefits of Slow Cooking Pork Shoulder Picnic Roast
Here are some of the key benefits of using a slow cooker for pork shoulder picnic roast:
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Convenience – Just season and add to the slow cooker in the morning Dinner is ready when you get home.
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Tender meat – The low slow cooking renders fat and connects tissue for fall-off-the-bone meat
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Infused flavor – The pork soaks up spices, garlic, and cooking liquids over several hours.
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Forgiving – It’s nearly impossible to overcook. The slow cooker environment keeps the pork moist.
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Easy clean-up – Slow cooker liners make clean up a breeze. No messy oven to scour!
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Shoulder Picnic
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Choose the right size – A 3-5 pound pork picnic roast is ideal. Scale up or down depending on servings needed.
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Trim excess fat – Use a sharp knife to trim off any large hunks of hard white fat. Leave about 1⁄4 inch.
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Season all over – Coat the roast liberally in salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika and other desired spices.
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Let sit – Allow the seasoned meat to rest for 15-30 minutes at room temperature before cooking.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Liquid
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Sauté aromatics – In a skillet, cook onion, garlic, celery and carrots until softened. This adds extra flavor.
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Add liquid – Pour in 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth or stock. This will braise the pork.
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Insert roast – Place the seasoned pork roast directly into the slow cooker.
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Pour over aromatics – Ladle the cooked vegetable mixture all over and around the roast.
Step 3: Cook on Low Heat
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Cover and cook – Place lid on slow cooker and cook for 4-6 hours on low heat. Cooking time depends on size of roast.
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Flip roast – Halfway through, gently flip roast so both sides braise evenly.
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Check for doneness – Pork is done when it shreds easily with a fork and reaches 200°F internally.
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Shred the pork – Use two forks to shred inside the slow cooker. Mix with cooking juices.
Step 4: Finish the Pulled Pork
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Drain and reserve liquid – Pour juices into a fat separator. Save broth for dipping or sauce.
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Flavor as desired – Mix in barbecue sauce, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, etc. Taste and adjust seasonings.
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Keep warm – Use “Warm” setting to keep pulled pork heated until serving.
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Build sandwiches – Pile pork high on buns, bread or rolls. Add coleslaw, pickles, cheese, etc.
Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder
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Choose a roast with visible marbling for the most flavor and moisture after cooking.
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Cut roast into large chunks to ensure even cooking. Pieces smaller than 3 inches may overcook.
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Cook on low setting only to allow connective tissue time to break down into luscious gelatin.
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Use a slow cooker liner for easy clean-up. Otherwise, deglaze the ceramic with broth after cooking.
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Shred pork with the broth in the cooker to keep it moist. Add more broth or sauce as needed.
Favorite Uses for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
The uses for fork-tender pulled pork are endless! Here are some of my favorites:
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Pulled Pork Sandwiches – The classic! Pile pork high on brioche buns with pickles, slaw and barbecue sauce.
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Pulled Pork Breakfast Hash – Sauté pork with potatoes, bell peppers, onions, and eggs.
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Pulled Pork Nachos – Layer pulled pork with tortilla chips, shredded cheese, salsa and jalapeños.
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Pulled Pork Tacos – Serve in soft corn or flour tortillas with pineapple salsa and queso fresco.
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Pulled Pork Casserole – Mix pork with macaroni and cheese and bake until bubbly.
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Pulled Pork Pizza – Top cheese pizza with pulled pork, red onion and barbecue drizzle.
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Pulled Pork Chili – Stir shredded pork into your favorite chili recipe for extra heartiness.
The possibilities are endless! Pulled pork also freezes well for quick meals later.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What’s the difference between pork butt and pork picnic? Pork butt comes from higher up on the shoulder. It’s fattier with more marbling. Pork picnic is leaner but still flavorful.
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Can I cook a frozen roast in the slow cooker? Yes, but add about 4 hours to the cook time if starting completely frozen. Defrosting first is ideal.
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Do I need liquid in the slow cooker? Yes, the liquid helps braise the pork as it cooks low and slow. Use 1-2 cups broth, apple juice, etc.
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Should I flip the pork during cooking? It’s a good idea to flip at least once mid-way through cooking to ensure even braising on both sides.
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Is pork safe to eat cooked low and slow? Yes, as long as cooked until it reaches an internal temp of 200°F. The extended cooking time kills any bacteria.
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How should I reheat leftover pulled pork? Place in a skillet with a bit of broth and warm through over medium-low heat on the stovetop.
Make Your Best Pulled Pork Yet in the Slow Cooker
With this easy recipe, you’ll make the most mouthwatering pulled pork ever – fall-apart tender with deep, succulent flavor. No need to slave over a hot smoker or oven for hours. Just pop the seasoned pork in the slow cooker in the morning and shredded barbecue is ready by dinnertime!