BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders – A Slow-Cooked Favorite for Any Occasion

There’s something undeniably comforting about a tray of BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders. From backyard barbecues to football Sundays and family dinners, these juicy, tender sandwiches are always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe uses a slow cooker to transform a pork shoulder into rich, flavorful pulled pork that’s paired with crunchy coleslaw and served on soft hamburger buns. It’s everything you love about barbecue, made easy.

We love serving these sliders at casual gatherings or prepping a batch ahead of a busy week. The pork practically falls apart after hours in the slow cooker, and when paired with your favorite barbecue sauce and a heap of coleslaw, the result is an irresistibly saucy, savory bite in every slider.

Whether you’re new to cooking pork or a seasoned pro, this recipe is simple, adaptable, and perfect for feeding a hungry group.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s equal parts easy, hearty, and delicious, these BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders check every box:

• Set-it-and-forget-it simplicity – Just season the pork, let the slow cooker work its magic, then shred and serve.  Easy peasy!

• Big flavor with minimal effort – Smoky spices, tangy vinegar, and your favorite BBQ sauce come together for bold, rich taste.

• Great for gatherings – Makes a dozen sliders, ideal for parties, potlucks, or meal prep.

• Customizable toppings – Add pickles, jalapeños, or extra slaw to make each slider your own.

Ingredient Highlights

Every ingredient in this recipe serves a purpose – and when slow-cooked together, they create something truly satisfying.

• Pork Shoulder (Pork Butt): A well-marbled cut that becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender when cooked low and slow.

• Spice Rub: Smoked paprika, garlic and onion powder, and a touch of brown sugar give the pork a classic BBQ profile.

• Apple Cider Vinegar & Water: Helps tenderize the meat while adding subtle acidity that balances the richness.

• BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade variety. It ties everything together with tangy, smoky flavor.

• Coleslaw: Adds crunch and contrast to the soft, saucy meat – use creamy or vinegar-based slaw depending on your preference.

• Hamburger Buns: Soft slider buns are the perfect vehicle for this flavorful combo.

Cooking Tips for Tender Pulled Pork

This is a foolproof slow-cooked recipe, but a few tricks will help ensure the best possible result:

• Trim Excess Fat: Removing large fat pieces before cooking makes shredding easier later and improves texture.  We love this knife and this cutting board.

• Don’t Skip the Rub: The dry rub adds depth. Make sure it’s evenly distributed on all sides of the pork.

• Let It Rest: After shredding and mixing with BBQ sauce, let the pork sit on WARM for at least 15 minutes to soak up flavor.  Using tongs to shred the meat makes this step quick.

• Avoid Dryness: Keep the shredded pork in some of its juices to stay moist.

What to Serve With BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

These sliders can stand alone, but they really shine when paired with a few simple sides. Try serving with:

• Corn on the cob – Sweet, buttery corn perfectly complements the smokiness of the pork.

• Potato salad or pasta salad – Creamy or tangy, either one is a classic BBQ pairing.

• Baked beans – A hearty, flavorful side that matches the savory vibe.

• Pickle spears – Bright acidity to cut through the richness of the pork.

• Sweet potato fries – A little crispy and sweet to balance the bold BBQ flavors.

Other Recipes to Try

Looking for more delicious meal ideas? These recipes from Sisters Know Best make great additions to your menu:

• BBQ Turkey Sliders: A lighter spin on the classic, made with lean ground turkey and the same smoky-sweet goodness.

• Lasagna Soup Recipe: Hearty and comforting, this soup has all the flavors of classic lasagna in a cozy bowl.

• Vegetarian Orzo and Spinach Soup: A lighter side option that’s still satisfying, with tender orzo and a flavorful broth.

• Keto Lasagna with Chicken: A great low-carb main dish that pairs well if you’re offering variety to guests.

Leftovers & Storage

Have extra pulled pork? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and use it:

• Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze – Freeze in portioned containers or bags for up to 2 months.

• Reheat – Gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or BBQ sauce to prevent drying out.

Use leftovers in tacos, grain bowls, nachos, or even breakfast scrambles!

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are the kind of meal that delivers big results with little fuss. Perfect for feeding a crowd, celebrating the weekend, or simply enjoying a comfort-food classic, these sliders combine tender pork, tangy coleslaw, and saucy BBQ flavor into one satisfying bite. Once you make them, they’re sure to earn a permanent place in your dinner rotation!

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

Juicy, tender pulled pork slow-cooked to perfection and topped with tangy coleslaw—all sandwiched between soft hamburger buns. These sliders are perfect for backyard barbecues, game days, or casual weeknight dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Resting Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 8 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 12 Sliders

Equipment

• Slow Cooker For cooking the pork low and slow until it’s fall-apart tender
• Cutting board For prepping and shredding the pork
• Knife To trim and cut the pork
• Mixing bowl For tossing the coleslaw
• Tongs To transfer the pork and assemble sliders

Ingredients

  

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For the Pork:

• 4 pounds pork shoulder also called pork butt, trimmed of excess fat
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup water
• 1½ cups BBQ sauce plus more for serving

For the Sliders:

• 12 small hamburger buns
• 1½ cups prepared coleslaw homemade or store-bought

Instructions

 

Cook the Pork:

• Rub the pork shoulder with olive oil, then coat evenly with smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Place the pork in a slow cooker and pour in apple cider vinegar and water around it. Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and easily shredded.
• Remove the pork and shred it using two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir in BBQ sauce. Let it sit on WARM for at least 15 minutes to absorb flavor.

Assemble the Sliders:

• To assemble the sliders, layer pulled pork on the bottom half of each bun, spoon additional BBQ sauce if desired, and top with a generous spoonful of coleslaw. Add the top bun and serve warm.

Notes

• Make-Ahead Tip: The pork can be cooked and shredded up to 2 days in advance. Reheat with a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce.
• Serving Size: This recipe makes approximately 12 sliders.
• Optional Toppings: Pickles, jalapeños, or extra slaw can add more crunch and flavor.
• Storage: Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Keyword bbq, pork

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