A flavorful pulled pork recipe filling tossed in a rich and creamy cheese sauce with bacon and ranch. An easy method for cooking boneless pork roast in the pressure cooker in a fraction of the time.

This post has been sponsored by Wisconsin Pork Producers Association. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Juicy Instant Pot Crack Pork with tender pulled pork smothered in a rich bacon ranch three-cheese sauce. Easy to make in the Instant Pot pressure cooker in just 1½ hours. A flavorful method to prepare a pork roast in a fraction of the time it takes to roast it with other traditional methods. Serve as a sandwich filling or as a saucy pulled pork dish with roasted vegetables or a salad. 

HOW TO MAKE INSTANT POT CRACK PORK

1. Trim large fat cap off pork and cut remaining meat into 4 pieces.
2. Brown meat in the pressure cooker with oil then season the meat.
3. Add water to the pot.
4. Pressure cook on high for 1 hour.
5. Shred pork.
6. Whisk in grated cheeses, cream cheese, cooked bacon, and herbs to pot juices until smooth.
7. Stir in pulled pork. Serve on a sandwich bun or lettuce wrap style.

IP Cooking Alternatives: Other Traditional Methods

While a pressure cooker is a quick and convenient way to prepare a pork roast, other classic cooking methods will yield the same results.

OVEN-ROASTED DIRECTIONS: Heat oven to 425 degrees F. Trim excess fat. Sear meat on the stovetop with oil. Set meat on roasting pan and roast for 20 minutes. Reduce the heat to 325 degrees F and sprinkle ranch powder over the top of the meat. Cook for 3 hours (about 1 hour per pound) and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the shoulder reads 145 degrees F and meat is fork-tender. Rest pork for 15 minutes then shred with a fork. Make the sauce with 3/4 cup water and remaining ingredients on the stovetop until the mixture is heated through and smooth then stir in shredded pork.

SLOW COOKER DIRECTIONS: Trim excess fat. Sear meat on the stovetop with oil. Place in crockpot and cover with a lid. Slow cook on low for about 8 hours or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 145 degrees F. With 30 minutes remaining, add cream cheese cubes to the pot. Remove meat and shred with a fork. Next, pour 3/4 cup water and all remaining ingredients into the slow cooker. Whisk the sauce until smooth then stir in shredded pork.

FLAVORFUL CRACK PORK INGREDIENTS

• PORK: Boneless shoulder roast or Boston butt. Both of the pork cuts result in the same tender pulled pork when using a pressure cooker.
• RANCH: Ranch dry powder mix is the main seasoning in the sauce. It’s made of ingredients that feature dill, parsley, garlic, onion, pepper, chives, and salt and is delicious as an all-around classic seasoning for pork.
• ITALIAN SEASONING: Dried herb blend with additional flavor that tastes great with pork.
• HOT SAUCE: Adds just the right amount of spice with additional flavors.
• BACON: Thick sliced bacon adds incredible flavor and a crunchy texture to the sandwich filling.

RICH BACON RANCH CHEESE SAUCE

• CREAM CHEESE: One of three different kinds of cheese in the sauce. Cream cheese transforms the pork water base into a rich creamy base by thickening the sauce.
• CHEDDAR CHEESE: Buy a block of sharp cheddar cheese and grate it for the best results. Prepackaged shredded cheese contains starch that makes it more difficult to incorporate into a smooth sauce.
• PARMESAN CHEESE: Add this cheese to deepen the flavor of the sauce.
• GREEN ONIONS: An easy way to add mild onion flavor with a crunch.

HEALTHY NUTRITION

Pork can make an excellent part of a healthy balanced diet. As a great source of lean protein, it’s packed with important vitamins and minerals. A 3-ounce serving of pork is an excellent source of vitamin B6, thiamin, protein, niacin, selenium, and phosphorus while providing a good source of zinc, potassium, and riboflavin. Naturally low in sodium and a good source of potassium, these two key nutrients can help regulate blood pressure.

Today’s safe, high-quality pork products make it easy to incorporate into our family meals. Over the past 50 years, farmers have evolved in their practice and have made advancements in farming methods, technology, and economics resulting in a remarkably transformed farming industry.

Today’s pork is 16% leaner and 27% lower in saturated fat compared to two decades ago. Farmers focus their efforts on providing better nutrition for the animals which results in healthy pigs. Producers not only care about the quality of products they provide consumers but they also care a great deal about the health and well-being of the animal. A humane environment that promotes the well-being of its animals is of the most importance.

EASY WEEKDAY PORK RECIPES TO TRY NEXT

Leftovers. How else can I use this recipe? Use the leftovers in a sandwich like these Crock Pot Pulled Pork Cranberry Slaw Slider. Simply top it with cranberry sauce and dressed coleslaw for a new twist. Make a cheesy pulled pork vegetable casserole using the leftover filling as the base to a casserole with vegetables. Bake in a 350 degrees F oven until heated through and top with more cheese. Make zucchini boats. Cut zucchini in half and roast it in the oven then fill the scooped out centers with this crack pork filling!

Easily ranking in my top 5 favorite dinner meals E V E R is this Instant Pot North Caroline Pulled Pork Slider recipe. It features pulled pork paired with classic North Carolina vinegar sauce and fresh slaw topping served on a slider.

Want to try other cuts of pork this week? Make these Sticky Asian Ribs for a tasty weeknight dinner recipe idea or use pork tenderloin in this Brown Sugar Pork Medallion grilled recipe. For an easy and flavorful slow cooker recipe, try this Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Glazed Pineapple Ham recipe or this Oven-Roasted Classic Honey Baked Ham.

SIDES TO PAIR WITH PORK

This saucy bacon cheddar ranch pulled pork can be served with a variety of sides. Try a roasted vegetable like this Crack Broccoli, or these quick and easy Crack Brussels Sprouts. Another favorite is my creamy Broccoli Salad recipe. Sometimes, I like to add a scoop on the slider with the pork filling. It makes are a very tasty sandwich. Other classic sides include BLT Pasta Salad and Loaded Baked Potato Salad.

INSTANT POT CRACK PORK TIPS & QUESTIONS

What cut of pork should I buy? Use pork shoulder roast or Boston butt. Both come from the shoulder of a pig and benefit from long cooking times. However, pressuring cooking can speed up the process and result in the same fork-tender texture of traditional methods.

How should I prepare a pork roast in the Instant Pot? Trim the fat cap off the bottom to ensure the seasoning penetrates the meat. Next, cut the meat into quarters and sear it in hot oil until golden brown. Stir in liquid and seasoning. Pressure cook it on high for 60 minutes. TIP: A sudden loss of steam shortly after cooking will forcefully draw juices out of the meat. To keep the pork juicy give it 15 minutes to rest without opening the top.

What’s the best way to store and reheat it? Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container. To reheat, place the servings in small saucepan and heat over the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I freeze the leftovers? Allow it to cool then place the filling in a freezer bag. For best flavor and freshness, use within three months. To defrost, place it in the refrigerator until no longer frozen then reheat it.

I’d like to make this with vegetables. What do you suggest I use and how to prepare it? Vegetables like peas, shredded carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, onions, celery, asparagus, and zucchini will make great additions. Avoid mushy vegetables by cooking them separately then add it to the sauce after it’s done. TIP: Top with dressed coleslaw for a quick and tasty sandwich.

What is your favorite cut of pork to prepare for a family meal?