The Ultimate American Party Favorite!
Pulled pork sliders are a staple of Southern-style American BBQ — and when made right, they’re juicy, smoky, and irresistibly tender. These bite-sized sandwiches are packed with flavor and make the perfect choice for game day, backyard cookouts, or any occasion that needs a mouthwatering crowd-pleaser.
In this recipe, we slow-cook a seasoned pork shoulder until it falls apart, then toss it in rich BBQ sauce and load it onto soft slider buns with a creamy homemade coleslaw.
⭐ Why You’ll Love These Sliders
- Incredibly tender pork that melts in your mouth
- Packed with smoky BBQ flavor
- Perfect balance of savory, tangy, and sweet
- Easy to make in a slow cooker or oven
- Party-ready and totally addictive
🧂 Ingredients
For the Pulled Pork:
- 3–4 lbs pork shoulder (boneless or bone-in)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
For the Slaw:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 carrot, grated
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt & pepper to taste
To Serve:
- 12 slider buns
- Extra BBQ sauce (optional)
- Pickles (optional)
🍳 Instructions
1.
Season the Pork
Rub the pork shoulder with smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Massage it in well on all sides.
2.
Cook Low and Slow
Place the pork in a slow cooker. Pour in apple cider vinegar and chicken broth. Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 5–6 hours, until fork-tender.
No slow cooker? Use a Dutch oven at 300°F (150°C) for 4–5 hours.
3.
Shred and Sauce
Remove the pork and shred it with two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat. Return the meat to the slow cooker, mix with BBQ sauce, and let it warm for another 20 minutes.
Want it saucier? Add extra BBQ sauce to your liking.
4.
Make the Slaw
In a bowl, mix mayo, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Add shredded cabbage and carrot. Toss until evenly coated and chill in the fridge until serving.
5.
Assemble the Sliders
Toast your slider buns if desired. Layer each with pulled pork, a spoonful of slaw, and a few pickle slices if you like that tangy crunch!
❤️ Tips for Perfection
- Make it ahead: The pork is even better the next day.
- Add cheese: A slice of cheddar or pepper jack takes it to another level.
- Control the heat: Skip the cayenne if you prefer a milder version.
📌 Final Thoughts
These smoked pulled pork sliders are bold, delicious, and undeniably American. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a party, they never disappoint. Pair them with coleslaw, potato salad, or baked beans for a complete Southern feast.
Keywords:
Primary: pulled pork sliders, BBQ pulled pork
Long-tail: slow cooker pulled pork recipe, Southern-style pork sliders, American BBQ party food