Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders 🥪✨ Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate party food or a crowd-pleasing weeknight meal, look no further than these Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders 🥪✨. Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork that’s been seasoned to perfection, infused with savory and smoky flavors, and slow-cooked until it effortlessly falls apart. Pile all that deliciousness high on soft slider buns, top with crunchy, creamy coleslaw, and you’ve got a bite-sized delight that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a family gathering, or just want a fun spin on dinner, these sliders are ready to shine!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders 🥪✨ comes from just a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one has a starring role in making these sliders so tasty—whether it brings the flavor, adds moisture, or gives the dish its perfect color and texture.

• 3 lbs pork shoulder (pork butt): The star of the show, this cut becomes incredibly tender after hours in the slow cooker.
• 1 large onion, sliced: Adds sweetness and depth, infusing the pork with savory goodness as it cooks.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a punch of aromatic flavor in every bite.
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for serving): Infuses the pork with a sweet-smoky tang and helps bind everything together.
• 1 cup chicken broth: Keeps the pork juicy while enhancing its savory richness.
• 2 tbsp brown sugar: Adds a touch of caramelized sweetness to balance out the spices and tang.
• 2 tsp smoked paprika: Brings a gentle smoky note that’s key to that classic pulled pork taste.
• 1 tsp chili powder: Delivers a subtle heat and earthiness without overpowering the dish.
• 1 tsp ground cumin: Adds warmth and depth, making the seasoning blend pop.
• 1 tsp salt: Enhances every flavor in the mix, ensuring perfectly seasoned pork.
• ½ tsp black pepper: Offers a gentle bite that rounds out the spice mix.
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Lifts everything with a bright, tangy kick to cut through the richness.
• 12 slider buns (soft Hawaiian rolls work great): The perfect pillowy vehicle for your pulled pork masterpiece.
• 2 cups coleslaw (store-bought or homemade): The cool, creamy crunch that takes these sliders over the top.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders 🥪✨

Step 1: Season the Pork

Start by making a simple, flavor-packed spice rub. Combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Massage this mixture all over the trimmed pork shoulder, getting into every nook for maximum flavor. The blend of sweet, smoky, and savory in this step sets the tone for irresistible Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders 🥪✨.

Step 2: Layer in Slow Cooker

Scatter the sliced onions and minced garlic evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker. Lay the seasoned pork right on top, then pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar around the meat (not directly on top, to keep those seasonings in place). This layering lets the pork soak up tons of flavor as it gently cooks.

Step 3: Cook Low & Slow

Pop the lid on and let your slow cooker do the work! Cook on Low for about 8 hours or on High for 4-5 hours. The pork is ready when it’s so tender it falls apart with a gentle pull from a fork. Trust me, your kitchen will smell incredible, and anticipation will build!

Step 4: Shred & Sauce

Use tongs to carefully transfer the cooked pork to a cutting board or large bowl. Shred it with two forks until it’s in bite-sized pieces. Discard any large pieces of fat, then stir in the BBQ sauce until everything is coated in sweet-tangy goodness. You can add some of the cooking juices back in if you want it extra saucy—no judgment here!

Step 5: Assemble Sliders

Split your slider buns and toast them lightly if you love a little crunch. Pile on a generous helping of pulled pork, drizzle with more BBQ sauce if you’re feeling saucy, and crown the whole thing with a scoop of cool, creamy coleslaw. Serve warm while everything is juicy and the flavors pop—now you’ve got Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders 🥪✨ everyone will rave about.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders 🥪✨

Garnishes

Add a flourish! A sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, or even some quick-pickled red onions can elevate the flavor and brighten up your sliders’ presentation. A little extra BBQ sauce on the side never hurts, either.

Side Dishes

Pair these Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders 🥪✨ with classic sides like potato salad, chips, or baked beans for an all-American spread. For a lighter touch, a crisp garden salad or some grilled veggies balance out the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with your sliders! Serve them “build-your-own” style at parties with assorted toppings and sides, or arrange them on a big platter for easy sharing. You can even skewer each one with a toothpick for easy grabbing—great for buffets or game days.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store the buns and coleslaw separately so you can assemble fresh sliders when you’re ready to eat. Leftover pork makes fantastic next-day lunches!

Freezing

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders 🥪✨ are totally freezer-friendly. Portion the shredded pork (with sauce) into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. It’ll keep for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To warm up your pulled pork, add a splash of chicken broth or extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist. Reheat gently on the stovetop, in the microwave, or with a quick turn in a low oven. Assembled sliders are best enjoyed fresh, but you can always re-toast the buns if needed.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of meat for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders 🥪✨?

Absolutely! Pork shoulder or pork butt is best for classic pull-apart texture, but you can also use pork loin for a leaner option. Just note that lean cuts might not be as juicy, so consider adding extra sauce.

How spicy are these sliders?

They’re not spicy, just flavorful! The chili powder provides warm depth without much heat. If you want more kick, sprinkle in cayenne pepper or serve with spicy BBQ sauce.

Can I make the pulled pork ahead of time?

Yes—pulled pork actually gets even tastier after sitting in the fridge overnight as the flavors develop. Perfect for prepping before your party or busy weeknight.

What’s the best way to serve these at a party?

Keep things simple by letting guests build their own Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders 🥪✨ buffet-style. Provide buns, pork, coleslaw, extra sauce, and any toppings—they’ll love making their own creations!

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

You sure can! Just be sure your slow cooker is large enough to fit the extra pork. The cooking time may be slightly longer; check for fork-tender pork before shredding.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to earn rave reviews and treat yourself to an unforgettable comfort-food experience, you have to try these Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders 🥪✨. Each bite is bursting with flavor and fun, and they’re sure to be a hit at any table. Don’t wait—give this recipe a whirl and make your next gathering extra delicious!

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