Print

Ultimate Juicy BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

bbq pulled pork sliders - featured image

These juicy, tender BBQ pulled pork sliders are perfect for game day, featuring a smoky dry rub, slow-cooked pork, tangy BBQ sauce, and toasted slider buns for a delicious crowd-pleasing snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 45 lbs pork shoulder (Boston butt), well-marbled
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder (optional: increase for more kick)
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground preferred
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (60 ml)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (120 ml)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (about 240 ml), e.g., Stubbs
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 12 mini slider buns, brioche style recommended
  • Coleslaw (optional)
  • Sliced pickles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dry rub: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well. (5 minutes)
  2. Trim and season the pork: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub the dry seasoning mix all over the pork, pressing gently so it sticks. (10 minutes)
  3. Set up the slow cooker: Pour chicken broth and apple cider vinegar into the slow cooker. Place the pork shoulder fat side up inside. (2 minutes)
  4. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until pork is fork-tender and easily pulls apart. (Hands-off cooking time)
  5. Shred the pork: Remove pork from slow cooker and place in a large bowl. Use two forks or meat claws to shred the meat, discarding any large chunks of fat. (10 minutes)
  6. Mix in BBQ sauce: Add BBQ sauce, honey, and Worcestershire sauce to the shredded pork. Stir to coat evenly. Taste and adjust sauce as needed. (5 minutes)
  7. Toast the buns: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slider buns on a baking sheet, cut side up, and toast for 5-7 minutes until lightly golden and crisp. (7 minutes)
  8. Assemble sliders: Pile pulled pork generously onto each bun bottom, add coleslaw and pickles if using, then cap with the top bun. Serve immediately. (5 minutes)

Notes

Save the cooking juices from the slow cooker to moisten the pork if it seems dry by stirring a few tablespoons in before adding BBQ sauce. Toasting the buns adds a slight crunch and prevents sogginess. Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid frequently to maintain cooking temperature. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Leftovers keep well refrigerated up to 4 days; reheat gently with added moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ pulled pork, sliders, game day snack, slow cooker pulled pork, easy BBQ recipe, pulled pork sliders, party food