Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/5 checked
8
servings
5 lb

bone-in pork butt

trimmed

0.25 cup

bbq dry rub seasonings

homemade or store-bought

4 handful

hickory chips

soaked

4 handful

apple chips

soaked

0.5 cup

apple juice

for spraying

Step 1
~74 min

Soak charcoal, hickory, and apple wood chips in water for 30 minutes.

Step 2
~74 min

Trim the fat cap of the pork butt to 1/4-inch thickness.

Step 3
~74 min

Generously season the pork butt with dry rub.

Key Technique: Dry Rub
Step 4
~74 min

Place the seasoned pork butt in a plastic bag and refrigerate overnight (12 hours).

Step 5
~74 min

Remove pork butt from the refrigerator 2 hours prior to cooking to bring it to room temperature.

Step 6
~74 min

Prepare smoker to a temperature of 210 to 220 degrees F.

Step 7
~74 min

Place 1 handful of hickory chips and 1 handful of apple chips on the hot coals.

Step 8
~74 min

Place the pork butt in the smoker.

Step 9
~74 min

Smoke for 14 to 16 hours, adding 1 handful of hickory and 1 handful of apple chips every 4 hours.

Step 10
~74 min

After 5 hours in the smoker, begin spraying generously with apple juice every 2 hours.

Step 11
~74 min

Check the internal temperature of the pork, it will be done when it reaches 185 to 190 degrees F.

Step 12
~74 min

Pull or chop the meat as desired.

Step 13
~74 min

Top with your favorite BBQ sauce.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Maintain a consistent smoker temperature for best results.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked to the proper internal temperature.

Experiment with different wood chips to find your favorite flavor combination.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

30 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Can be made ahead of time and reheated.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Strong
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Coleslaw

Baked Beans

Cornbread

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Mac and Cheese
Potato Salad

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Southern United States

Cultural Significance

A staple of Southern BBQ cuisine.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Summer barbecues
Tailgating events
Family gatherings

Occasion Tags

Barbecue
Party
Summer
Tailgate

Popularity Score

75/100

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