Pulled Pork Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleasing sandwich. Tender, slow-cooked pork coated in rich barbecue sauce is piled high on soft slider buns and topped with crisp coleslaw for the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, summer cookout, family gathering, or looking for an easy dinner idea, these mini sandwiches are guaranteed to disappear fast.
Pulled Pork Sliders
Ingredients
Method
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels.
- Rub the pork with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the pork into a slow cooker and pour in the chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours or HIGH for 5 to 6 hours until the pork is fork-tender.
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Discard excess fat and return the shredded pork to the slow cooker.
- Mix in the barbecue sauce and stir until evenly coated.
- In a medium bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until well combined and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Slice the slider buns in half and lightly brush the tops with melted butter.
- Toast the buns lightly if desired.
- Pile the pulled pork onto the bottom halves of the buns.
- Top with coleslaw and place the bun tops over the filling.
- Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Pork shoulder is the best cut because it becomes incredibly tender during slow cooking.
- Allow the pork to cook until it easily shreds with a fork.
- Mixing the pork with sauce while still warm helps it absorb more flavor.
- Toasted buns help prevent the sliders from becoming soggy.
Variations
- Use spicy barbecue sauce for extra heat.
- Add sliced pickles for a tangy crunch.
- Top with crispy fried onions.
- Use Hawaiian rolls for a sweeter flavor.
- Add pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.
- Substitute chicken for pulled chicken sliders.
- Drizzle with hot honey for sweet heat.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with potato salad.
- Pair with baked beans.
- Add corn on the cob for a barbecue-style meal.
- Serve alongside macaroni salad.
- Pair with crispy fries or sweet potato fries.
- Offer extra barbecue sauce on the side.
Tips
- Make the pork a day ahead for even better flavor.
- Keep the pork warm in the slow cooker for parties.
- Use freshly made coleslaw for the best texture.
- Shred the pork while it’s still hot for easier handling.
- Double the recipe for larger gatherings.
- Leftover pulled pork freezes beautifully.
Prep Time / Cook Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings
Serves: 12 sliders
Nutritional Info (Approx.)
Calories: 390 per slider
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fat: 21g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 8g
FAQs
Can I make Pulled Pork Sliders ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, pulled pork often tastes even better the next day because the flavors have more time to develop. Store the shredded pork separately from the buns and coleslaw, then assemble the sliders just before serving to keep everything fresh and prevent sogginess.
Can I use store-bought barbecue sauce?
Absolutely. Your favorite bottled barbecue sauce works perfectly for this recipe and saves time. You can also customize the flavor by mixing in a little honey, hot sauce, brown sugar, or apple cider vinegar depending on your taste preferences.
What is the best cut of pork for pulled pork sliders?
Pork shoulder, often called pork butt or Boston butt, is the ideal choice because it contains enough fat and connective tissue to become tender and juicy during slow cooking. Leaner cuts tend to dry out and won’t shred as easily.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, in the microwave, or in a slow cooker. Keep buns and coleslaw separate until serving for the best texture.
Can I freeze pulled pork?
Yes. Pulled pork freezes very well. Allow it to cool completely, then place it in freezer-safe containers or bags with some extra barbecue sauce to keep it moist. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I make these sliders in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes. Place the seasoned pork in a covered Dutch oven with the broth and cook at 300°F for about 4 to 5 hours, or until the meat becomes tender enough to shred easily. The result will be just as flavorful and juicy.
Conclusion
Pulled Pork Sliders are everything you want in a party sandwich—tender, juicy, smoky, and packed with flavor. The combination of slow-cooked barbecue pork, creamy coleslaw, and soft buns makes these sliders impossible to resist. They’re easy to prepare, great for feeding a crowd, and perfect for game days, cookouts, family dinners, and special occasions.
