Savory Sweet and Tangy BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
These sliders combine smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors with tender pulled pork on soft buns, making a perfect easy party snack that is both satisfying and crowd-pleasing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 to 8 hours (slow cooker low) or 4 to 5 hours (slow cooker high)
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes (slow cooker low) or 4 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes (slow cooker high)
- Yield: 12 sliders (about 6 servings, 2 sliders per serving) 1x
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (Boston Butt), trimmed of excess fat
- 1 cup ketchup (preferably thick brand like Heinz)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 12 small slider buns (soft and slightly sweet, King’s Hawaiian style preferred)
- Coleslaw (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for toasting buns)
Instructions
- Prepare the BBQ Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and hot sauce if using. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
- Season the Pork: Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and pat dry. Lightly season all over with salt and pepper (about 1/2 teaspoon each).
- Slow Cook the Pork: Place pork in slow cooker and pour half of the BBQ sauce over it, coating the meat. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until fork-tender.
- Shred the Pork: Remove pork from slow cooker and shred with two forks or meat claws, discarding large fat chunks. Return shredded pork to slow cooker and mix in remaining BBQ sauce. Stir well.
- Toast the Buns: Preheat skillet over medium heat. Brush inside of each slider bun with melted butter and toast for 1-2 minutes until golden and slightly crisp.
- Assemble the Sliders: Spoon pulled pork onto toasted bun bottoms, top with coleslaw if desired, then cover with bun tops. Serve warm.
Notes
If pork seems dry after shredding, stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar or reserved cooking juices to keep moist. Toasting buns with butter prevents sogginess and adds texture. For gluten-free, use gluten-free rolls or lettuce wraps. Sauce can be made ahead and stored in fridge up to a week. Slow cooking low and slow is key for tender pork. Instant Pot can be used to reduce cooking time to about 1 hour under pressure with natural release.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sliders
- Calories: 350400
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 25
Keywords: BBQ pulled pork, sliders, party snack, slow cooker, sweet and tangy BBQ, easy recipe, pulled pork sliders