BEST Traeger Pulled Pork Recipe (Fall-Apart Tender + Foolproof!)

What’s better than this easy and delicious Traeger pulled pork recipe? Not much! The smoky flavor you get from slow cooking a pork roast is the best way to cook tender pulled pork for pork sandwiches and more! This easy Traeger pulled pork recipe delivers tender, smoky fall-apart pulled pork shoulder for sandwiches, meal-prep, and weekend cookouts

Why this easy and delicoius Traeger pull pork recipe works

I’ve cooked pork butt many times in my crock pot/slow cooker, instant pot and oven, and after many recipe tests, this way to cook pulled pork is my absolute favorite!

By cooking the pork shoulder low and slow on the Traeger at 250 degrees F, the collagen breaks down, and you get that signature pull-apart texture. The smoky pellets infuse robust flavor, while a simple dry rub sears in the bark without needing extra steps.

Traeger grills give any home chef an advantage because they make meat so tender, and it doesn’t dry it out.

Plus, it’s ready in about 4 hours! The longer cook time (but not all day!) allows the roast to cook to perfection and fall off the bone (or apart if you’re using a boneless pork roast).

Why you’ll love this smoked pork butt recipe

Easy to make – Once you heat your Traeger, season the pork, and get it cooking, the steps are super simple to follow. If you’ve intimidated by longer cook times on the Traeger, rest assured there is a whole how-to video you’ll find below.

Impress your friends and family – The flavor, texture and end result is a meal that is a huge hit! This is one of my kid’s favorite meats I cook, and it’s a great one to serve to friends or bring to a cookout!

Inexpensive – Pork roasts, especially bone in roasts, are inexpensive cuts of meat. You’ll often find them going on sale, which will save you more money too. They serve a crowd too!

If you love that smoky, wood-fired flavor from your Traeger, make sure to try my Traeger hamburgers next! It’s everything you want in a classic grilled burger — juicy, perfectly seasoned, and made right on your pellet grill.

What you need for the best pulled pork

Scroll down to view the recipe card below for the full ingredients list, nutrition facts, and step-by-step instructions.

• Pork shoulder roast (bone-in or boneless) – The star of the show! Pork shoulder (also called pork butt or Boston butt) has the perfect balance of fat and connective tissue for tender, juicy, fall-apart pulled pork.
• Traeger Pork and Poultry Dry Rub – Adds smoky, savory depth and helps create that flavorful bark on the outside. You can swap in your favorite dry BBQ spice rub if preferred.
• Your favorite bbq sauce  – Choose a sauce that complements your flavor profile—sweet, smoky, tangy, or spicy. You’ll mix it in after shredding for added moisture and flavor.
• Apple cider vinegar – Keeps the pork moist as it cooks low and slow and adds subtle tanginess to balance the richness.

How to make Traeger pork

Step 1: When you’re ready to cook your pulled pork turn the Traeger on to smoke and leave the lid open for 5 minutes to start the smoke. After 5 minutes (and when you see smoke), close the lid and set the temperature to 250 degrees F. It will take about 10 minutes to get up to the temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the pork roast by dabbing any excess liquid off with paper towels.  Remove any connective tissues or excess fat that you see.  Next, sprinkle the dry rub all over the roast.

Step 3: Place the seasoned roast directly on the grill grate. Close the lid, and cook for 2 hours, turning over halfway through.

Step 4: After 2 hours, place the roast in a shallow aluminum foil baking dish.The internal temperature will be around 140-145 degrees F, depending on the size of the roast. Pour the apple cider vinegar over the roast, and cover the dish tightly with 1-2 pieces of foil.

Step 5: Cook for 2-3 more hours, until the pork reaches 205 degrees F.

Step 6: Keep the pork wrapped in foil while it rest for 30-60 minutes.

Step 7: Remove the roast from the pan and shred with forks (it should be super tender and falls apart!).

Step 8: After shredding the pulled pork, add your go-to barbecue sauce, and enjoy! Serve between buns with lemon tahini slaw.

Note – If you don’t have a Traeger yet, check out our easy slow cooker pulled carnitas recipe, which delivers a similar texture.

Watch me make smoked pulled pork

The full how to video can be watched below, or on my YouTube channel!

Tips & tricks

• Use a meat thermometer to pull the pork at ~ 195-205 degrees F internal for ideal texture.
• Let the pork rest for at least 30 minutes after removing from the grill — this helps juices redistribute and makes shredding easier.
• If you want strong bark/crispy outside, resist wrapping too early or opening the lid often.
• Trim excess fat but leave a ¼-inch layer to keep the meat moist during the long cook.

What to serve with Traeger smoked pulled pork

Serve this pulled pork on brioche buns with coleslaw, load it into tacos, or use it as the protein in meal-prepped bowls.

Here are favorite sides that go well with this Traeger pulled pork recipe:

• Cast iron skillet cornbread
• Traeger asparagus
• Kale pomegranate salad
• Roasted broccoli and carrots
• Lemon tahini slaw recipe

How to store for best results

Cooked pulled pork stores really well. Once cooled to room temperature, add to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

​You can also freeze pulled pork! Add to a freezer bag once cooled, label and date it and keep it frozen for up to 6 months.

To reheat leftover pulled pork, add to a pan or skillet and warm over medium-low heat until warmed through. Add extra bbq sauce if you’d like when reheating.

How to make pulled pork in the slow cooker

If you don’t have a Traeger around, no worries! You can still make delicious, flavorful pulled pork at home.

To your crock pot, add the seasoned pork shoulder. Pour the apple cider vinegar over the pork, and cook on low for 8-10 hours, until it is tender.

Remove the pork from the slow cooker and add it until a bowl to shred. Add bbq sauce and serve!

Substitutions

Below you’ll find a list of substitutions that will work well in this best smoked pulled pork recipe. 

If you try something different out, please leave a comment below letting us all know how it turned out!

Pork roast – For this recipe you’ll want to use a fattier pork cut, like a pork shoulder roast, boston butt roast, pork butt roast, picnic roast These will be the best cut of meat to get that fall apart tender result. Leaner pork cuts like pork loin or pork tenderloin won’t work as well for this recipe. If you have a pork loin to use, try this Traeger Pork Loin Roast Recipe!

More Traeger recipes you’ll love

• BEST Traeger Burgers
• Traeger Pork Loin Roast Recipe
• Traeger Grilled Salmon
• Traeger Tri Tip

If you try this pork butt recipe, I’d love it if you left a star rating and comment below letting me know how it turned out!

XO

Heather

Originally published October 2023. Updated October 2025.