Mississippi BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe: A Southern Classic You’ll Love

If you’re looking for a true taste of Southern barbecue, look no further than Mississippi’s own BBQ pulled pork sandwich. This recipe brings the tender, juicy flavor of slow-cooked pork paired with a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. Every bite delivers a delicious combination of smoky, savory goodness, softened by the pillowy texture of a fresh bun.

Photo byNick Davies

I’ve always been a fan of Southern BBQ, and this Mississippi-style pulled pork sandwich is something I first tried during a road trip through the Magnolia State. The slow-smoked pork with its distinctive sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor had me hooked. I’m excited to share this version, which is easy to recreate at home and brings a little bit of Mississippi to your own kitchen.

Don’t forget to hit that follow button so you never miss another tasty recipe! Sharing this delicious Mississippi BBQ pulled pork sandwich is my way of bringing some Southern flavor into your home.

The Origin of Mississippi BBQ

Mississippi BBQ traditions run deep, with an emphasis on slow-cooked meats and unique regional sauces that balance sweetness and heat. The Mississippi River Delta has a rich history of BBQ, and its distinct flavors often feature molasses or brown sugar-based sauces. These flavors, combined with slow-smoking techniques, make Mississippi BBQ a unique part of Southern culinary tradition.

This sandwich combines the best of these elements: tender pulled pork with a rich, sweet BBQ sauce served on a soft bun, usually topped with coleslaw for added crunch and flavor. It’s comfort food at its finest!

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs pork shoulder (also called Boston butt)
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups BBQ sauce (preferably Mississippi-style, or your favorite sweet BBQ sauce)
• 8 sandwich buns
• Optional: coleslaw, pickles, extra BBQ sauce

Instructions:

1. Prepare the pork: In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub the mixture evenly over the pork shoulder.
2. Slow cook the pork: Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker and add the apple cider vinegar and brown sugar. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
3. Shred the pork: Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Discard any excess fat. Mix the shredded pork with your favorite BBQ sauce.
4. Assemble the sandwiches: Pile the BBQ pulled pork onto your sandwich buns. For a more authentic Mississippi flavor, top the pork with coleslaw and pickles.
5. Serve: Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling. Enjoy with a side of baked beans, potato salad, or cornbread for a true Southern BBQ meal.

Variations:

• Low-carb option: Skip the bun and serve the pulled pork over a bed of greens or in lettuce wraps.
• Spicy twist: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for a little kick.
• Vegetarian option: Replace the pork with jackfruit for a plant-based version that still delivers on flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips:

• For the best flavor, you can smoke the pork shoulder for several hours before placing it in the slow cooker. This adds an extra layer of smoky flavor.
• Make sure to use a high-quality BBQ sauce. Mississippi BBQ is known for its balance of sweet and savory, so opt for a sauce that incorporates molasses or brown sugar for an authentic taste.
• If you're short on time, you can cook the pork in an Instant Pot. Set it to high pressure for 90 minutes, then release the pressure and shred.

Call to Action:

Did you enjoy this Mississippi BBQ pulled pork sandwich recipe? Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and follow me for more Southern-inspired dishes.