These Pulled Pork Sliders are a party favorite! Tender, juicy pulled pork piled high on soft buns makes for a tasty treat that everyone will love.
Honestly, who can say no to a mini sandwich filled with lots of flavor? I often make extra for leftovers—because they’re even better the next day! 🥪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is perfect for pulled pork because it’s rich in fat, which keeps it tender during cooking. If you can’t find pork shoulder, you can use pork loin, but be careful—it’s leaner and may dry out.
Spices: The spice mix includes smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder for flavor. If you want a different vibe, try adding cumin or replacing smoked paprika with regular paprika for less smokiness.
Barbecue Sauce: I love using a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, but you can go for a spicy or mustard-based sauce if that’s your style. For a healthier version, try a homemade sauce with less sugar.
Slider Buns: While I prefer soft dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls for their sweetness, any small bun will do. If you’re looking for gluten-free, use gluten-free slider rolls.
How Do I Make Sure My Pulled Pork is Tender and Juicy?
The cooking method is key to getting tender pulled pork. Low and slow is the way to go, whether you use a slow cooker or the oven. This allows the collagen in the pork to break down and keeps it moist.
- If using a slow cooker, set it to low for 8–10 hours for the best results.
- For the oven, ensure the pork is covered tightly with foil to lock in moisture.
- Do not rush the process! The longer you cook it, the better it will taste.
Shred the pork right after cooking while it’s still warm for easier handling. Enjoy these sliders at your next gathering—they’re a crowd-pleaser!
How to Make Pulled Pork Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork:
- 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
For the Sliders:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls work well)
- Coleslaw (about 2 cups, prepared, either homemade or store-bought)
- Optional: fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare the pork seasoning and around 4 to 10 hours to cook, depending on your method. After cooking, you’ll spend another 10 minutes assembling the sliders. The total time is quite flexible since you can set it to cook while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork:
In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you like some heat). Rub this flavorful spice mix all over the pork shoulder, ensuring it’s well-coated. This will add delicious flavor to the meat as it cooks.
2. Cook the Pork:
Choose your cooking method:
- Slow Cooker Method: Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8–10 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the pork is super tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Put the pork shoulder in a roasting pan, cover it tightly with foil, and roast for 4–5 hours until it’s tender and ready to be shredded.
3. Shred the Pork:
Once the pork is cooked, carefully transfer it to a large dish. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Feel free to remove any excess fat to ensure a leaner, but still flavorful mix!
4. Mix with Barbecue Sauce:
Add the barbecue sauce to the shredded pork and stir well until the meat is thoroughly coated. You can adjust the amount of sauce to suit your taste—more sauce for extra flavor or less if you prefer it drier!
5. Prepare the Sliders:
Slice your slider buns in half. On the bottom half of each bun, place a good scoop of coleslaw—this adds a nice crunch! Then, pile on the pulled pork mixture, and if you like, drizzle a bit more barbecue sauce on top. Finally, add the top half of the bun to complete your slider.
6. Serve:
Arrange your sliders on a platter and serve them warm. They are perfect for parties, as appetizers, or a main dish! You can also pair them nicely with pickles or some extra coleslaw on the side for a refreshing crunch.
Enjoy these flavorful Pulled Pork Sliders that are sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat Instead of Pork Shoulder?
Yes! Although pork shoulder is ideal for pulled pork due to its fat content, you can use pork loin or chicken if you prefer. Just keep in mind that pork loin is leaner and may dry out, so monitor the cooking time closely.
What Should I Do If I Have Leftover Pulled Pork?
Leftover pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of barbecue sauce to keep it moist.
Can I Freeze Pulled Pork Sliders?
Absolutely! You can freeze the pulled pork by itself, either in portioned amounts or all at once. Just make sure it’s cooled and in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat!
How Can I Make These Sliders Spicier?
If you want a spicier kick, consider adding more cayenne pepper to the spice mix or try using a spicier barbecue sauce. You can also top the sliders with sliced jalapeños for an extra heat boost!
