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Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders for Game Day

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This easy slow cooker pulled pork sliders recipe is the one you’ll come back to every game day. It’s simple enough for a beginner cook, forgiving enough for a busy host, and delicious enough to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds boneless pork shoulder (pork butt)
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
  • 12–15 slider buns (brioche recommended)
  • Coleslaw (optional, for serving)
  • Pickle slices (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
  2. Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 4-6 hours.
  3. About 30 minutes before the pork is done, whisk together barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke (if using) in a medium bowl. Set aside.
  4. Once the pork is fork-tender, transfer it to a cutting board or large bowl. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any large pieces of fat.
  5. Preheat the broiler to high. Toss the shredded pork with about 3/4 cup of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker, then with the prepared sauce. Spread the sauced pork in an even layer on a rimmed sheet pan. Broil for 3-5 minutes, until edges caramelize.
  6. While the pork is broiling, split the slider buns and place them cut-side up on a separate baking sheet. Toast under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, until lightly golden.
  7. Assemble the sliders: Pile the broiled pork onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Top with coleslaw (if using) and pickle slices. Place the top buns on and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip the broiling step—it adds texture and caramelization. Let the pork rest in the cooking liquid for 15-20 minutes before shredding to keep it moist. Toast buns right before serving to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker pulled pork, pulled pork sliders, game day appetizer, easy pulled pork, barbecue pulled pork

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