BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are the ultimate handheld comfort food, perfect for game day, parties, or casual family dinners. Tender, slow-cooked pulled pork is smothered in rich, smoky barbecue sauce and piled high on soft, buttery slider buns, creating a combination of flavors that’s both hearty and irresistible.

The ease of preparation—especially using a slow cooker or Instant Pot—means you can have mouthwatering, fall-apart pork ready with minimal effort. Topped with tangy coleslaw or pickles, these sliders are juicy, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, making them a must-have for any gathering.

Why I Love This Recipe

We love BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders because they combine tender, flavorful pulled pork with the sweet, smoky richness of barbecue sauce, all nestled in soft, buttery slider buns. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors: the juicy, slow-cooked pork melts in your mouth, the sauce adds depth and tang, and optional toppings like coleslaw or pickles provide a refreshing crunch that complements the richness.

These sliders are incredibly versatile, perfect for parties, game days, or family dinners, and the ease of preparation—especially using a slow cooker or Instant Pot—makes them accessible to cooks of all levels.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are a must-try because they deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, making them the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish. The pork is slow-cooked until fall-apart tender, then coated in smoky, tangy barbecue sauce that soaks perfectly into soft slider buns.

Each bite is juicy, savory, and satisfying, with optional toppings like creamy coleslaw or crisp pickles adding a fresh, crunchy contrast. Their handheld size makes them fun and versatile—perfect for game day, parties, or casual family meals.

Recipe Details:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6–8 hours (slow cooker) or 3–4 hours (oven)
• Total Time: 6.5–8.5 hours
• Servings: 12 sliders
• Calories per serving (approx): 320–350 kcal

Ingredients

For the Pulled Pork:

• 3–4 lbs pork shoulder (pork butt)
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• 1 cup chicken broth (or beef broth)
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For Serving:

• 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
• Extra BBQ sauce
• Coleslaw (homemade or store-bought)
• Pickles (optional)
• Cheese slices (optional)

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

1. Pat pork shoulder dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, mix paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and brown sugar.
3. Rub spice mix all over the pork.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Pork

Option 1: Slow Cooker

1. Place sliced onion and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Place pork on top.
3. Pour in chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and half the BBQ sauce.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until pork is tender and easily shredded.

Option 2: Oven Method

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Place onions, garlic, and pork in a Dutch oven. Add broth, vinegar, and half BBQ sauce.
3. Cover tightly and cook for 3–4 hours, until pork is fork-tender.

Step 3: Shred the Pork

1. Remove pork and place on a cutting board.
2. Use two forks to shred meat into bite-sized pieces.
3. Return shredded pork to the cooking liquid, add remaining BBQ sauce, and mix well.

Step 4: Assemble the Sliders

1. Slice slider buns in half.
2. Pile BBQ pulled pork onto the bottom half.
3. Add toppings: coleslaw, pickles, or cheese.
4. Cover with the top half of the bun.

How to Serve

• Serve warm as sliders with a side of fries, chips, or salad.
• Perfect for potlucks, game nights, BBQ parties, or even weeknight family dinners.
• Pair with iced tea, lemonade, or a cold beer for a complete meal.

Additional Tips & Variations:

• Make It Spicy: Add cayenne pepper, jalapeños, or a spicy BBQ sauce.
• Sweet Twist: Add pineapple chunks or mango salsa for a tropical kick.
• Cheesy Sliders: Layer cheese over the pulled pork, then bake sliders until melty.
• Low-Carb Option: Use lettuce wraps instead of buns.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make the pork ahead and assemble sliders right before serving.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Store pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze shredded pork (without buns) in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm on the stove with a splash of broth or BBQ sauce to keep it moist.

Special Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker or Dutch oven (for cooking pork)
• Cutting board & sharp knife
• Two forks (for shredding)
• Mixing bowl (for coleslaw if making fresh)

FAQ:

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The pork can be cooked and shredded 1–2 days in advance. Just reheat with BBQ sauce before assembling sliders.

Q2: Can I use pork tenderloin instead of pork shoulder?
You can, but pork shoulder (pork butt) is fattier and much more tender when slow-cooked.

Q3: What’s the best bun to use?
Soft slider buns or Hawaiian rolls work best because they soak up the sauce without falling apart.

Q4: Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Cook on HIGH PRESSURE for 60 minutes, then natural release for 15 minutes.

Q5: Can I make this dish healthier?
Yes! Use whole-wheat buns, a lighter BBQ sauce, and add extra veggies like slaw or pickled onions.

Conclusion

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are the definition of comfort food—sweet, smoky, tender, and loaded with flavor. They’re easy to prepare, perfect for a crowd, and endlessly customizable with toppings. Whether you serve them at a party, a picnic, or just for a family dinner, they’ll disappear fast. Once you try this recipe, it’s guaranteed to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.