Description
These BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are the ultimate tailgating food—tender, smoky, and tangy with a touch of sweetness. Made in a slow cooker with simple ingredients, they’re a crowd-pleaser that disappears fast.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ cups ketchup
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp liquid smoke
- 12–15 slider buns (brioche or Hawaiian rolls)
- Coleslaw (optional, for serving)
- Pickles (for serving)
Instructions
- Prep the Pork (10 minutes): Take pork shoulder out of fridge and let sit for 20 minutes. Trim excess fat, leaving a thin layer. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Make the Dry Rub (2 minutes): Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub all over the pork.
- Sear the Pork (5 minutes): Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat with 1 tbsp oil. Sear pork on all sides until deeply browned.
- Mix the Sauce (5 minutes): Whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, and liquid smoke in a medium bowl.
- Slow Cook (8 hours on LOW or 4 hours on HIGH): Place seared pork in slow cooker. Pour sauce over top. Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours until fork-tender.
- Shred the Pork (10 minutes): Transfer cooked pork to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred into bite-sized pieces. Discard large fat pieces or bone.
- Combine and Simmer (15 minutes): Skim excess fat from cooking liquid. Return shredded pork to slow cooker, stir into sauce, and simmer on LOW for 15-20 minutes.
- Toast the Buns (5 minutes): Split slider buns and toast lightly in a toaster, under broiler, or on a hot griddle.
- Assemble the Sliders (5 minutes): Place a generous scoop of pulled pork on bottom half of each bun. Top with coleslaw (if using) and pickles. Add top bun and serve immediately.
Notes
Searing the pork is crucial for flavor. Toast the buns to prevent sogginess. Let the pork rest in the sauce for at least 15 minutes before serving. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (LOW) or 4 hours (HIGH)
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider (with bun a
- Calories: 350400
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25
Keywords: BBQ pulled pork sliders, tailgating recipe, slow cooker pulled pork, easy pulled pork, game day food