7 Smoked Pork Butt Recipes That Are Full Of Smoky Flavor

a sandwich made with Maple-Brined and Apple-Smoked Pork Butt, slaw, and a pickle on a long white rectangle plate
Photo: Soup Loving Nicole

Pork butt (which actually comes from the pig's shoulder, not its behind!) is the perfect candidate for smoking. Why? This hearty cut of meat stands up well to high heat and long cook times. It also has a lot of connective tissue and fat, which gives a powerfully meaty flavor that pairs perfectly with barbecue sauce. Whether you're looking for unique pulled pork ideas for sandwiches or a basic Boston butt recipe, you'll find something you absolutely love in this collection of our favorite smoked pork butt recipes.

01 of 08

Smoked Pork Butt

smoked pork butt
abapplez

You need just three ingredients and a smoker to make this fall-off-the-bone recipe: a fresh pork butt roast, ground New Mexico chile powder, and brown sugar.

02 of 08

North Carolina-Style Pulled Pork

North Carolina Pulled Pork
Linda T

"A spicy rub and a zesty vinegar sauce turn pork into a North Carolina favorite," says recipe creator Doug, who recommends smoking with hickory chips on a charcoal grill.

03 of 08

Simple Smoked Pork Butt

Simple Smoked Pork Butt
Allrecipes Magazine

This incredibly simple method will give you "tender, juicy, fall-apart meat," according to recipe creator and Allrecipes Allstar France C.

04 of 08

Smoked Apple Pork Butt

Smoked Apple Pork Butt
Soup Loving Nicole

A sweet-savory marinade (made with apple cider, apple juice concentrate, and Worcestershire sauce) keeps this smoked pork butt flavorful and moist.

05 of 08

Maple-Brined and Apple-Smoked Pork Butt

a sandwich made with Maple-Brined and Apple-Smoked Pork Butt, slaw, and a pickle on a long white rectangle plate
Soup Loving Nicole

Maple-brined pork is smoked over apple wood chips, then sprayed with a sweet and savory, 2-ingredient mixture of apple cider vinegar and maple syrup.

06 of 08

Bob's Pulled Pork on a Smoker

overhead view of smoked pork shoulder on a grill
JIMBY19

This top-rated pulled pork takes about 20 hours to prepare, but the finished product is well worth the wait. "Smoke is the key to breaking down the fat which adds flavor and moisture to the shoulder," according to recipe creator bobthecook1.

07 of 08

Alabama Pulled Pig

Alabama Pulled Pig
Ben Whipple

Two tablespoons of cayenne pepper in a brown sugar-apple cider vinegar sauce brings the heat. "The sauce skimmed off the top is very, very hot and can also be used to make terribly hot chicken wings," says recipe creator Robert McWilliams.

08 of 08

More Inspiration

a square white plate holding a burrito topped with red sauce and chopped cilantro
My Hot Southern Mess

Try one of our Most Amazing Pulled Pork Recipes That Aren't Sandwiches. Plus, explore our entire collection of Pulled Pork Recipes.

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