BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 8 hours
🍽 Serves: 12
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If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and a total crowd-pleaser, these BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are your answer. Perfect for game day, a casual family dinner, or a weekend barbecue, these sliders bring a smoky, tangy flavor that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients for BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

Pork shoulder is ideal for slow cooking because of its rich marbling. It becomes incredibly tender and flavorful. The BBQ sauce adds tanginess and sweetness, balancing the spices perfectly. Brown sugar contributes a hint of sweetness and helps create a caramelized crust. Smoked paprika offers a smoky depth, while garlic powder and onion powder provide a savory backbone. Salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors. For the coleslaw, mayonnaise creates a creamy base, apple cider vinegar adds sharpness, and sugar balances it all.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you’re short on time, you can cook the pork on high for 4–5 hours instead.
  • For extra flavor, sear the pork shoulder in a hot pan before putting it in the slow cooker.
  • Leftover pulled pork can be frozen for up to three months, making it perfect for meal prep.
  • To keep the buns from getting soggy, serve the coleslaw on the side and let guests add it themselves.

Serving Suggestions

These sliders pair wonderfully with sweet potato fries or a fresh corn salad. For a more substantial meal, consider serving them alongside baked beans or a grilled vegetable platter. A cold, crisp cider or a light beer complements the flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, pork butt is a great alternative if pork shoulder is unavailable.
What if I don't have a slow cooker?
You can use a Dutch oven and cook the pork in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 3–4 hours.
How do I make the sliders spicier?
Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the spice rub for a spicy kick.

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe Walkthrough

First, grab a small bowl and mix together your spice rub: brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This aromatic blend is going to work magic on the pork. Rub the mixture generously all over the pork shoulder, ensuring it’s evenly coated.

Next, place the seasoned pork shoulder into your slow cooker. Pour one cup of BBQ sauce over the top. This will slowly seep into the meat as it cooks. Cover it up and set the slow cooker to low. Let it cook for 8–10 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the pork is fork-tender and shreds easily.

Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. This process should be easy if the meat is cooked properly. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir in the remaining BBQ sauce. This step ensures every piece is coated in that delicious sauce.

For the coleslaw, combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar in a medium bowl. Stir until smooth, then mix in the coleslaw until it’s well coated with the dressing. This slaw will add a fresh crunch to your sliders.

To assemble, take your slider buns and place a generous scoop of pulled pork on the bottom half. Top with a spoonful of coleslaw and crown it with the other bun half. And there you have it—a platter full of irresistible sliders ready to enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Slow-cooked tenderness: The pork shoulder becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
  • Flavor-packed: A spice rub and BBQ sauce create layers of deliciousness.
  • Easy to prepare: Minimal hands-on time, with the magic happening in the slow cooker.
  • Perfect for gatherings: These sliders are easy to serve and share.

Ingredients

3 lbs pork shoulder
2 cups BBQ sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp smoked paprika
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
12 slider buns
2 cups coleslaw
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp sugar

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Rub the spice mix all over the pork shoulder.
3. Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker and pour 1 cup of BBQ sauce over the top.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
5. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred using two forks.
6. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir in the remaining BBQ sauce.
7. In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar to make the coleslaw dressing.
8. Mix the dressing with the coleslaw until well combined.
9. To assemble the sliders, place a generous amount of pulled pork on the bottom half of each slider bun.
10. Top with a scoop of coleslaw and place the other half of the bun on top.

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