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Pulled pork stuffed sweet potatoes make a rich and satisfying meal using only a few ingredients and a slow cooker. Caramelized baked sweet potatoes become the perfect canvas for saucy BBQ pulled pork creating a delicious blend of sweet and savory in every bite. This recipe is one I love making when pulled pork leftovers are around but I have also slow cooked pork just for this purpose especially when hosting friends or needing a simple meal that impresses.
The first time I brought a tray of these to a potluck they disappeared in less than five minutes. Now they are my go to way to stretch pork for a crowd or make a regular weeknight special.
Ingredients
- Pork loin: Look for meat that is pink with a little marbling so it stays juicy when slow cooked
- Chili powder and garlic salt: These contribute a punch of flavor to the pork and help season it throughout
- Coca cola: This keeps the pork moist and adds a hint of sweetness while breaking it down
- BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite I reach for Sweet Baby Rays Original for its tangy flavor but any will work
- Sweet potatoes: Look for heavy firm sweet potatoes with smooth skin for even baking
Step by Step Instructions
- Season the Pork:
- Generously rub chili powder and garlic salt all over the pork loin making sure to coat all sides so the spices infuse the meat while cooking
- Slow Cook the Pork:
- Place seasoned pork into your slow cooker pouring coca cola over until meat is just covered set to low and let it cook for eight hours for maximum tenderness
- Bake the Sweet Potatoes:
- While pork finishes clean and dry sweet potatoes then wrap each in foil place on a baking sheet and bake at four hundred degrees for about one hour until fully tender with caramelized edges
- Shred and Sauce the Pork:
- Remove pork from the slow cooker and discard all but one tablespoon of the cooking liquid shred pork with two forks and return to the slow cooker stirring in BBQ sauce until well coated and juicy keep on warm until ready to serve
- Assemble the Sweet Potatoes:
- Cut a long slit into each baked sweet potato squeeze to open up the center then pile high with hot pulled pork spooning over extra BBQ sauce if you like
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The deep orange color of the sweet potatoes always reminds me of fall family dinners where everyone builds their own plate. My favorite ingredient here has to be the BBQ sauce because it brings the pulled pork and sweet potato together perfectly each person can choose their own for that personal touch.
Storage Tips
Store leftover pulled pork and baked sweet potatoes separately in airtight containers. Pulled pork keeps in the fridge for three to four days and reheats perfectly in a covered skillet or microwave. Baked sweet potatoes can be reheated whole in the oven or sliced and warmed in a pan to get the edges crispy again.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use boneless pork shoulder if pork loin is not available for even richer results. For a lighter version try chicken breasts or thighs instead of pork. If you do not have coke or soda use a splash of apple juice or even beef broth for moisture. Regular russet potatoes work if sweet potatoes are not your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Top with a spoonful of slaw for crunch or sliced jalapenos for spicy kick. These stuffed potatoes pair well with a crisp green salad or roasted corn. Serve bar style with a range of toppings like sour cream cheddar or chopped herbs so everyone can customize their own.
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A Little History
Stuffed potatoes have a long history in Southern cooking often served at BBQ joints or special gatherings. The sweet potato version brings a uniquely Southern twist echoing the flavors of barbecue and comforting home kitchens.
Commonly Asked Questions
- → Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, regular potatoes can be substituted for sweet potatoes if preferred. The flavors will be less sweet, but still delicious with BBQ pork filling.
- → Is there a substitute for pork loin?
Pork shoulder or pork butt can also be used for shredding, as they become very tender after slow cooking.
- → Do I need to use cola when cooking the pork?
Cola helps tenderize the pork and adds subtle sweetness, but you may use another soda or even broth in a pinch.
- → What BBQ sauce works best for this dish?
Sweeter sauces like Sweet Baby Ray’s work great, but feel free to use your favorite brand or homemade barbecue sauce for the stuffing.
- → How can I store and reheat leftovers?
Keep assembled or separate components in airtight containers in the fridge and reheat thoroughly before serving.