There’s something irresistibly satisfying about a stack of tender BBQ pork, sweet cornbread, and creamy slaw.
These Pulled Pork Cornbread Stacks deliver all the comfort of a backyard BBQ in one epic bite.
They’re easy enough for a casual family dinner but delicious enough to impress guests at your next get-together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Smoky & juicy pork – Cooked low and slow in beer for unbeatable tenderness.
Bold flavor layers – Sweet cornbread, tangy slaw, and saucy BBQ in every bite.
Minimal effort, big results – Crockpot does most of the work for you.
Crowd-pleaser – A fun, hearty dish perfect for potlucks or parties.
Easy to prep ahead – Make the pork and slaw the day before for a stress-free meal.
Customizable heat – Add more jalapeño if you like it spicy, or keep it mild.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Pulled pork – Slow-cooked for hours in beer until it falls apart.
BBQ sauce – Choose your favorite; sweet and smoky works best.
Cornbread – A simple Jiffy mix keeps things quick and easy.
Slaw mix – Cabbage and carrot combo adds fresh crunch.
Jalapeño – A kick of heat to balance the sweet and smoky.
Mayonnaise + vinegar – Creamy and tangy slaw dressing brings everything together.
Beer – Adds depth and moisture to the pork as it cooks.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Brown the pork first – A quick sear adds rich flavor before slow cooking.
Use flavorful beer – A lager or amber ale works great (avoid anything too bitter).
Cool before shredding – The pork will be easier to handle and won’t dry out.
Adjust slaw to taste – Make it creamier, tangier, or spicier based on your preferences.
Let cornbread cool fully – This helps it slice cleanly and stack neatly.
How to Make Pulled Pork Cornbread Stacks
Step 1: Cook the Pulled Pork
Sear the pork in a hot skillet until golden brown on all sides.
Transfer it to a slow cooker and pour in the beer and a splash of apple cider vinegar.
Cover and cook on low until the meat is fork-tender.
Once done, let it cool slightly before shredding and mixing with your favorite BBQ sauce.
Step 2: Mix the Slaw
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, both vinegars, sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Toss in the cabbage and carrot slaw mix along with the diced jalapeño.
Stir to combine and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 3: Bake the Cornbread
Prepare the cornbread according to package directions. Once baked, let it cool fully, then slice into even squares for stacking.
Step 4: Assemble the Stacks
Place a square of cornbread on a plate.
Pile it high with pulled pork, then drizzle with extra BBQ sauce.
Top with a generous spoonful of coleslaw—and enjoy every layer!
What to Serve It With
Pickled red onions or jalapeños for a zesty contrast
Grilled corn or baked beans for a BBQ sidekick
Sweet tea, lemonade, or cold beer
A green salad to lighten things up
Extra cornbread on the side—because why not?
Variations / Substitutions
Use rotisserie chicken – For a quick shortcut.
Make it spicier – Add hot sauce or use spicy BBQ sauce.
No beer? – Sub with broth, apple juice, or cola.
Try chipotle mayo – As a smoky twist for the slaw.
Use mini cornbread muffins – For party-friendly sliders.
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge – Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Reheat – Warm the pork gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water.
Freezer – Pulled pork freezes well; portion and freeze for up to 3 months.
Make-ahead tip – Slaw and pork taste even better the next day.
Cornbread – Wrap tightly and store at room temp for 2 days, or refrigerate.
FAQs
Can I cook the pork in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes! Use a Dutch oven at 300°F for 3–4 hours until the pork is fork-tender.
What’s the best BBQ sauce for this recipe?
A thick, sweet, and tangy sauce like Sweet Baby Ray’s works beautifully, but feel free to use your favorite.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely—cook the pork and mix the slaw a day in advance.
Assemble when ready to serve.
Is there a substitute for the beer?
Yes, you can use chicken broth, apple juice, or even cola for a similar tenderizing effect.
Do I need to sear the pork first?
It’s optional, but adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the finished dish.
How spicy is the slaw?
It’s mildly spicy with one jalapeño, but you can use more or less depending on your heat preference.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes—use a gluten-free cornbread mix and ensure your BBQ sauce and beer are GF-friendly.
Final Thoughts
This Pulled Pork Cornbread Stack is the kind of meal that makes people go back for seconds.
It’s sweet, smoky, tangy, and just messy enough to be fun.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a weekend dinner feel special, it’s a no-fail favorite that brings all the BBQ comfort—without needing to fire up the grill.
