Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

Introduction

Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are the ultimate comfort food — juicy, smoky, slow-cooked pulled pork smothered in rich barbecue sauce, piled high on soft slider buns, and often topped with creamy coleslaw.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and depth of flavor. With just a few pantry ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal that’s perfect for family dinners, game days, or parties.

As the pork slow-cooks, it becomes unbelievably tender and soaks up all the smoky, tangy barbecue goodness. Once shredded, every bite is melt-in-your-mouth perfection.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s effortless yet incredibly flavorful. The crockpot does all the work — you simply add the ingredients, set it, and forget it.

The result is pulled pork that’s tender, juicy, and deeply infused with BBQ flavor. Plus, it’s so versatile — you can use it for sliders, tacos, nachos, or even salads.

Another reason I adore it? The smell that fills your kitchen while it cooks! It’s pure comfort food magic.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors
• Incredibly tender, juicy pork
• Minimal prep — the slow cooker does everything
• Ideal for parties, potlucks, or casual dinners
• Family- and crowd-approved

Once you try these sliders, they’ll become your go-to slow cooker recipe for any occasion.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 8 hours (slow cooker)
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 10–12 sliders (serves 4–6 people)
• Calories: ~360 kcal per slider (including bun and sauce)

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American / Southern BBQ
• Course: Main Course / Dinner / Party Appetizer

Ingredients

For the Pulled Pork:

• 3–4 lbs (1.5–1.8 kg) pork shoulder or pork butt, trimmed of excess fat
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• ½ cup chicken broth or water
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Sliders:

• 10–12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
• 1 cup extra BBQ sauce, for serving
• 2 cups coleslaw (optional, for topping)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Rub pork with seasonings and place it in the crockpot with onions and sauce.
2. Slow cook until tender.
3. Shred the pork and mix with BBQ sauce.
4. Assemble sliders with buns, pulled pork, and coleslaw.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

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

Step 2: Load the Crockpot

1. Drizzle olive oil in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add sliced onions and minced garlic.
3. Place the seasoned pork on top.
4. Pour in BBQ sauce, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar.

Step 3: Slow Cook

1. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until pork is fork-tender.
2. The meat should easily shred when pressed with a fork.

Step 4: Shred the Pork

1. Remove the pork and shred it using two forks.
2. Discard large pieces of fat.
3. Return the shredded pork to the crockpot.
4. Stir to coat with the cooking juices.
5. Add more BBQ sauce if desired and mix well.

Step 5: Assemble the Sliders

1. Lightly toast the slider buns or rolls.
2. Pile a generous portion of pulled pork onto the bottom half.
3. Top with a spoonful of coleslaw (optional).
4. Drizzle extra BBQ sauce on top.
5. Place the bun top and serve warm.

How to Serve

• Serve these sliders fresh and warm, ideally with a side of coleslaw, pickles, or potato wedges.
• They’re great for game day spreads, family gatherings, or casual dinners.
• For parties, keep the shredded pork warm in the crockpot on the “Keep Warm” setting for easy self-serving.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use pork shoulder or pork butt — they have the right amount of fat for tender, juicy meat.
• Don’t skip the vinegar — it balances the sweetness of BBQ sauce perfectly.
• For extra smokiness, add a few drops of liquid smoke.
• Toasting the buns prevents them from getting soggy.
• Add a touch of hot sauce or cayenne for a spicy kick.

Variations

1. Spicy BBQ Sliders – Add jalapeños or a spicy BBQ sauce.
2. Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders – Use Hawaiian rolls and top with pineapple slices.
3. Cheesy BBQ Sliders – Sprinkle shredded cheddar or pepper jack before serving.
4. Tex-Mex Style – Add avocado slices, pickled onions, and chipotle mayo.
5. Low-Carb Option – Serve the pulled pork in lettuce wraps instead of buns.

Freezing and Storage

To Store:

• Store leftover pulled pork (without buns) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Keep buns and coleslaw separate.

To Freeze:

• Cool the pulled pork completely.
• Store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To Reheat:

• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.
• Add a splash of BBQ sauce or broth to keep it moist.

Special Equipment Needed

• Crockpot / Slow Cooker (6-quart recommended)
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs or forks for shredding
• Knife and cutting board

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, pork shoulder or pork butt works best, but you can use pork loin if you prefer leaner meat (it may be less juicy).

Q2. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely. Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes, then natural release for 10 minutes.

Q3. What kind of BBQ sauce is best?
Use your favorite — smoky, sweet, spicy, or even honey BBQ all work wonderfully.

Q4. Can I use beef or chicken instead of pork?
Yes! Substitute with chuck roast for beef or boneless chicken thighs for a lighter version.

Q5. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the pulled pork a day in advance — just reheat gently before serving.

Conclusion

Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are the perfect blend of effortless cooking and irresistible flavor. Slow-cooked to perfection, the pork turns out unbelievably tender, juicy, and loaded with smoky-sweet BBQ goodness.

They’re ideal for parties, family dinners, or meal prep — easy to make, even easier to love. Each bite delivers a taste of Southern comfort that’s guaranteed to please any crowd.