Pulled pork sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish, offering tender, flavorful pork in a convenient, bite-sized form. Perfect for casual gatherings, parties, or game days, these sliders are a savory treat that never fails to impress. Slow-cooked until the meat is melt-in-your-mouth tender, pulled pork is seasoned with a blend of spices that infuse every bite with rich, smoky flavor. When piled high on soft, pillowy buns and topped with tangy coleslaw, these sliders become a complete, satisfying meal in just a few bites.
The key to great pulled pork is in the cooking process. Pork shoulder or pork butt is the cut of choice, as it’s marbled with fat that helps keep the meat juicy and tender during the long cooking process. Whether cooked in a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or smoker, the meat is cooked low and slow until it’s easily shredded with a fork. A simple dry rub of paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper creates a flavorful crust that adds depth to the pork, while apple cider vinegar, BBQ sauce, or a splash of beer helps to keep it moist and adds extra flavor.
Once the pork is shredded, it’s piled high on small, soft slider buns, which provide the perfect vessel for the rich, juicy meat. The toppings are where you can really get creative. A tangy, crunchy slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and a light vinaigrette or creamy mayo dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the smoky pork. Pickles or jalapeños can add a zesty kick, while a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce brings all the flavors together.
Pulled pork sliders are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or a fun party food. They are easy to customize based on personal preferences and dietary restrictions. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, a game day party, or just craving something comforting, pulled pork sliders offer a delicious, satisfying bite every time.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder boneless
- 2 cups barbecue sauce your favorite brand
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 12 slider buns
- 1 cup coleslaw optional
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
- Place the pork in a slow cooker and pour 1 cup of barbecue sauce over it.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the pork is tender and can be easily shredded.
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir in the remaining barbecue sauce.
- Serve the pulled pork on slider buns and top with barbecue sauce if desired.
Nutrition
These sliders are amazing! My whole family loved them.
WOW! 🔥 This is the best pulled pork i’ve ever had! I’m making this for my BBQ party next week!
Sliders are life! 🤤
I followed the recipe exactly but it came out kinda dry… Not sure if I did something wrong. Any tips?
I don’t get all the hype around pulled pork. It was okay, but I expected more flavor.
I totally get you! I thought it would blow my mind, but it was just… okay. Maybe I used the wrong sauce? 🤷♂️
I messed up and put too much garlic. Still great, but watch out, lol.
This is the best slider recipe I’ve ever tried. So simple and sooo tasty!
I totally agree! These sliders are a game changer for a party. Can’t believe how easy they are!
I dunno, pulled pork can be a bit greasy for me. Is there a way to make it less oily?
This sounds too complicated for me. Can’t I just buy the ready-made ones? Lol.
I don’t know, it was a bit too spicy for my kids. Might cut back on the paprika next time.
This recipe was amazing! My family loved it, especially with the coleslaw. Definitely a keeper!
Pulled pork is a classic! Tried it with a sweet BBQ sauce and it was yum!
Pulled pork? More like pulled bland if you ask me. BBQ sauce can’t save everything!
Sounds delicious! I love sweet BBQ sauce too. How much sauce did you use?
Um, isn’t pork shoulder fatty? I’m not sure this is healthy.
Yeah, pork shoulder is fatty, but that’s what makes it so tender and juicy! Just enjoy in moderation!
But isn’t all fat bad for you? I thought healthy cooking was no fat at all. This sounds kinda contradictory.
Can u use chicken instead of pork? I don’t eat pork, just wondering.
Sure, chicken would work fine! Just adjust the cooking time. Happy cooking!
Uhhh, what’s the difference between pork shoulder and pork belly? Asking for a friend.
Sliders? More like big mess! Lol, I guess that’s how BBQ is.
I found the recipe a bit confusing. Do I really need that much sauce?
Sliders are amazing! I added extra coleslaw and it was the bomb! 🍔
I can’t believe people put coleslaw on their sliders. Kinda weird if you ask me. Last time I did that, I was stuck with a soggy mess.
This recipe was fantastic! The pulled pork was so tender and full of flavor. My family devoured it.
So easy to make! I just threw everything in my slow cooker and voila! Super delicious.
I dunno, I feel like cooking in a slow cooker takes away the real flavor. Can’t you just do it on the grill?
I love how simple this recipe is! I’m definitely going to try it this weekend. Thanks for sharing!
Too much BBQ sauce for my taste, but the spices were nice. Might try using less sauce next time.
I made this with my kids, and it was a hit. Perfect for a weekend dinner! Thanks for sharing!
Pork is bad for health, stop eating people. Use tofu instead! 😤
Pretty good, but I think pulled pork is overrated. Not bad tho.
Nice recipe, but I did it on the grill instead. Still turned out good, but not sliders! More like pulled pork nachos, haha!
So easy to make and delish! Just throw it in the cooker and let it do its thing.
Sliders was not enough for me, I ate like 6 😋. Will try again soon.
Absolutely delicious! Made this for a party and everyone loved it!
I’m glad everyone enjoyed it! Pulled pork is always a hit at parties! 😊
My husband said he could eat this every day! It’s so good!