Frighteningly Good Pumpkin Pulled Pork for Your Halloween BBQ Bash

 

As the spooky season creeps in, it’s the perfect time to mix fall flavors with a touch of BBQ magic! This Pumpkin Pulled Pork recipe combines the savory, smoky goodness of slow-cooked pork with a hint of pumpkin sweetness, making it a hauntingly delicious addition to your Halloween feast. Whether you're throwing a ghoulish fright fest or a cozy dinner party, this dish is sure to put a spell on everyone who tastes it.

A special shoutout to @stevens_smokehouse for conjuring up this frightfully delicious recipe. Ready to brew up some BBQ magic? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

For the Pork:

• 1 pork shoulder (or pork butt)

• Pumpkin butter

• Coffee rub

• Pumpkin pie spice

• 1 small pumpkin (for stuffing)

For the Pumpkin Spice BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup ketchup

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 2 tbsp molasses

• 2 tsp salt

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

 

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Instructions:

1. Prep the Pork:
   Rub the pork shoulder generously with pumpkin butter, coffee rub, and pumpkin pie spice. This combination will infuse the pork with layers of fall-inspired flavor. Make sure to cover every inch of the pork with the rub to get the most out of the spices.

2. Start Smoking:
   Smoke the pork at a temperature of 225°F to 250°F (107°C to 121°C) until it reaches an internal temperature of 180°F (82°C). For an added fall twist, add pumpkin-flavored beer or cider to the smoker’s drip pan to enhance the autumnal notes in the pork.

3. Prepare the Pumpkin:
   Hollow out the small pumpkin (save the seeds for roasting!) and fill it with a mixture of brown sugar, a cinnamon stick, pumpkin pie spice, and a drizzle of honey. This sweet and aromatic filling will create a perfect balance to the savory pork, complementing the flavors beautifully.

4. Stuff the Pumpkin:
   Once the pork reaches 180°F (82°C), shred the smoked pulled pork and place it inside the hollowed-out pumpkin for an extra flavor boost. Not only does this add to the festive presentation, but the pork will also absorb some of the sweet pumpkin essence. It’s the perfect spooky centerpiece for your dinner party or fright fest!

5. Smoke Again:
   Continue smoking the stuffed pumpkin until the pork reaches a mouth-watering internal temperature of 205°F (96°C). Be sure to use The MeatStick to monitor the temperature, ensuring your pork is cooked to perfection without constantly opening the smoker.

6. Shred the Pork:
   Remove the pork from the pumpkin and shred it into tender, juicy pieces. The flavors will have melded beautifully with the pumpkin, resulting in a sweet and savory masterpiece.

7. Make the Sauce:
   While the pork is finishing, combine all the BBQ sauce ingredients in a bowl and mix well. This sweet-and-smoky pumpkin spice BBQ sauce will be the final touch that takes your pulled pork to the next level.

8. Serve:
   Pile the pulled pork on the buns for mouthwatering pulled pork sandwiches, drizzle with the pumpkin spice BBQ sauce, and get ready to serve up a frightfully good feast. For a fun Halloween presentation, consider serving the pulled pork in small hollowed-out pumpkins or offering it as one of your party treats for your guests to enjoy alongside other menu items.

 

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Cooking Tips & Tricks:

• Smoking Tip: Keep the smoker between 225°F and 250°F (107°C to 121°C) for best results, allowing the pork to cook low and slow. This method ensures tender, juicy meat that’s packed with flavor.

• Extra Flavor Boost: Add pumpkin-flavored beer or cider to the smoker’s drip pan. The liquid helps keep the pork moist while infusing it with additional fall-inspired flavor.

Customizing the Recipe for Different Tastes:

• For Sweet Tooths: Increase the amount of brown sugar or add extra honey to the pumpkin filling for a sweeter, more caramelized flavor.

• Spice it Up: For those who like a bit of heat, add cayenne pepper to the coffee rub or toss some red pepper flakes into the BBQ sauce to balance the sweetness with a spicy kick.

• Vegan Option: If you have vegan guests, swap out the pulled pork with jackfruit, which has a similar texture to pulled meat. Use the same spice rub and BBQ sauce to ensure that rich, fall-inspired flavor.

 

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Side Dish Suggestions:

Pair your pumpkin pulled pork with these festive sides to create the ultimate Halloween BBQ spread:

• Pumpkin Cornbread: Add a fall twist to this BBQ classic by mixing pumpkin puree into your cornbread batter for a slightly sweet, seasonal flavor.

• Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy and delicious, these fries are the perfect side to complement the rich flavors of the pulled pork.

• Apple Slaw: Add some freshness to your meal with a crunchy apple and cabbage slaw. The crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor pair perfectly with the smoky pork.

• Finger Foods: Add some Halloween-themed finger foods like mini mummy hot dogs or deviled eggs shaped like eyeballs for a spooky and fun spread that complements your main dish.

 

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Storage and Leftover Ideas:

Got leftovers? Don’t let them go to waste! Here are a few ways to repurpose your extra pulled pork:

• Pulled Pork Tacos: Add the pork to soft tortillas, top with slaw, a squeeze of lime, and avocado for a flavorful taco night.

• Pulled Pork Pizza: Spread BBQ sauce over pizza dough, layer with pulled pork, mozzarella cheese, and caramelized onions for a mouthwatering pizza option.

• Pulled Pork over Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Serve the leftover pulled pork over a bed of mashed sweet potatoes for a cozy, hearty meal the next day.

 

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Make-Ahead Option:

If you’re short on time the day of your Halloween party, you can prepare parts of the recipe in advance:

• BBQ Sauce: Make the sauce a day before and store it in the fridge. The flavors will develop even more overnight.

• Pumpkin Prep: Hollow out the pumpkin and mix the filling the night before. On the day of the party, you can focus on smoking the pork and assembling the final dish.

 

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Presentation Tips:

For an extra spooky touch, serve your pulled pork in mini hollowed-out pumpkins! Add Halloween-themed decorations to your serving table, like faux cobwebs, spooky props, and glowing jack-o'-lanterns. Not only will this delight your guests, but it will also add to the festive vibe of your Halloween BBQ.

Consider offering caramel apples or apple pie as part of the party treats, adding even more seasonal flavors to your Halloween menu items.

 

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Adjusting the Recipe for Different Cooking Methods:

No smoker? No problem! You can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker or oven. Here’s how:

• Slow Cooker Method: After rubbing the pork with pumpkin butter, coffee rub, and pumpkin pie spice, place it in a slow cooker. Add a splash of pumpkin-flavored beer or cider for moisture. Cook on low for 8-10 hours until tender.

• Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the rubbed pork in a roasting pan, cover with foil, and cook for 4-5 hours, or until the pork reaches the desired internal temperature. Hollow out the pumpkin and proceed with stuffing it as instructed above.

 

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Extra Pro Tips for Smoking Perfect Pulled Pork:

• Keep it Moist: Using a water pan in the smoker will help retain moisture and keep the pork juicy. You can also spritz the pork with apple cider vinegar every hour for extra moisture and flavor.

• Let it Rest: Always let the pork rest for about 15-20 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute and makes the meat easier to shred.

 

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The MeatStick: Ensuring Perfect Results Every Time

Cooking meat to the perfect temperature can be tricky, especially for large cuts like pork shoulder. That’s why having a reliable thermometer, like The MeatStick, is a game-changer. It allows you to monitor the internal temperature of the meat remotely, so you can mingle with guests without worrying about overcooking.

• Set Alerts: You can program The MeatStick to alert you when the pork reaches 180°F for shredding and again at 205°F for serving.

• Real-Time Monitoring: Keep track of your meat’s progress in real-time without opening the smoker and losing precious heat.

• Multiple Probes: Cooking more than one piece of meat? The MeatStick allows you to monitor multiple cuts at once, making it easier to juggle a full BBQ spread.

 

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This Pumpkin Pulled Pork recipe is sure to add a festive and flavorful twist to your Halloween BBQ bash. From the smoky, savory pork to the sweet pumpkin spice BBQ sauce, every bite will bring the warmth and fun of fall straight to your table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making a cozy family dinner, this dish is a guaranteed hit.

And to make sure your pulled pork turns out perfectly every time, a reliable meat thermometer can be your best friend. With a tool like The MeatStick, you can keep an eye on the internal temperature of the pork without needing to constantly check the smoker. The ease of tracking your cook remotely lets you enjoy the party while still serving up a delicious, tender meal.

Happy Halloween and happy cooking! 🎃🍂