BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
There's something special about a perfectly cooked BBQ pulled pork slider. The tender, juicy pork, the sweetness of the barbecue sauce, and the crunch of the coleslaw all come together to create a flavor experience that's hard to beat. As a home cook, I've spent years perfecting my recipe for BBQ pulled pork sliders, and I'm excited to share it with you.
My love affair with BBQ pulled pork began on a family vacation to the Carolinas, where I was introduced to the rich, tangy flavors of traditional Southern barbecue. From that day on, I was hooked. I spent years experimenting with different recipes and techniques, trying to recreate the magic of those Carolina barbecue joints in my own backyard.
After countless hours of trial and error, I finally landed on a recipe that I'm proud to call my own. It's a recipe that's equal parts traditional and innovative, with a focus on using high-quality ingredients and time-honored techniques to create a truly unforgettable dish. Whether you're a seasoned BBQ enthusiast or just looking for a delicious and easy meal to feed your family, I'm confident that you'll love this recipe for BBQ pulled pork sliders.
So what makes this recipe so special? For starters, it's all about the pork. I use a boneless pork shoulder, which is slow-cooked to perfection in a mixture of barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and spices. The result is a tender, juicy pork that's infused with a deep, rich flavor that's just perfect for shredding and piling onto a bun.
But the pork is just the beginning. I also top my sliders with a tangy coleslaw made with shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, and a hint of vinegar, as well as a few slices of crispy bacon for added crunch and flavor. And let's not forget the buns - I use soft, fluffy buns that are lightly toasted to perfection, providing the perfect base for my flavorful sliders.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is perfect for comfort food lovers and backyard gatherings
- The slow-cooked pork is tender and juicy, with a deep, rich flavor
- The tangy coleslaw and crispy bacon add texture and contrast to the dish
- The recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal preparation time
- The sliders are perfect for a quick and easy meal or snack
- The recipe can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use
Why This Recipe Works
The key to this recipe is the low and slow cooking method, which allows the pork to become tender and juicy. By cooking the pork at a low temperature for a long period of time, we're able to break down the connective tissues and infuse the meat with a deep, rich flavor.
Another important factor is the use of a mixture of barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and spices to add flavor to the pork. This mixture helps to balance out the flavors and adds a depth and complexity to the dish that's hard to achieve with just a single ingredient.
Finally, the use of a tangy coleslaw and crispy bacon helps to add texture and contrast to the dish, making it more interesting and engaging to eat. By combining these different elements, we're able to create a dish that's greater than the sum of its parts, with a rich and satisfying flavor that's sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this recipe, you'll need a few key ingredients, including a boneless pork shoulder, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and spices. You'll also need some coleslaw and bacon to add texture and flavor to the dish.
When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality options that will add depth and richness to the dish. Look for a pork shoulder that's well-marbled with fat, as this will help to keep the meat tender and juicy during cooking. You'll also want to choose a good-quality barbecue sauce that's low in sugar and has a rich, tangy flavor.
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless pork shoulderLook for a pork shoulder that's well-marbled with fat, as this will help to keep the meat tender and juicy during cooking
- 1/4 cup (60g) barbecue sauceChoose a good-quality barbecue sauce that's low in sugar and has a rich, tangy flavor
- 2 tbsp (30g) brown sugarBrown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to the dish and helps to balance out the acidity of the barbecue sauce
- 1 tsp (5g) smoked paprikaSmoked paprika adds a deep, smoky flavor to the dish and helps to enhance the flavor of the pork
- 1 tsp (5g) garlic powderGarlic powder adds a savory, slightly sweet flavor to the dish and helps to enhance the flavor of the pork
- 1 tsp (5g) saltSalt helps to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients and adds depth and complexity to the dish
- 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepperBlack pepper adds a sharp, peppery flavor to the dish and helps to enhance the flavor of the pork
- 4 cups (280g) shredded cabbageShredded cabbage is used to make the coleslaw, which adds a tangy, creamy element to the dish
- 1 cup (240g) mayonnaiseMayonnaise is used to make the coleslaw, which adds a creamy, rich element to the dish
- 2 tbsp (30g) apple cider vinegarApple cider vinegar adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to the coleslaw and helps to balance out the richness of the mayonnaise
- 6 slices of baconBacon is used to add a crispy, smoky element to the dish and helps to enhance the flavor of the pork
Equipment You’ll Need
How to Make BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
- 1Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) or set up your slow cooker according to the manufacturer's instructions
- 2In a small bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper
- 3Place the pork shoulder in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot with a lid, and brush the barbecue sauce mixture evenly over the surface of the meat
- 4Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven or slow cooker
- 5Cook the pork for 6-8 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C)
- 6While the pork is cooking, prepare the coleslaw by combining the shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar in a bowl and stirring until the cabbage is evenly coated
- 7After the pork has finished cooking, remove it from the pot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding it with two forks
- 8Strain the cooking liquid from the pot and discard any excess fat
- 9Add the shredded pork back to the pot and stir to coat it evenly with the cooking liquid
- 10Cook the bacon slices in a skillet over medium-high heat until crispy, then chop them into small pieces and set aside
- 11Split the hamburger buns in half and toast them lightly in the oven or in a toaster
- 12Assemble the sliders by spooning the shredded pork onto the toasted buns, followed by a spoonful of coleslaw and a few pieces of crispy bacon
Expert Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the pork reaches a safe internal temperature
- Let the pork rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding it to allow the juices to redistribute
- Use a high-quality barbecue sauce that's low in sugar and has a rich, tangy flavor
- Don't overcook the pork, as this can make it dry and tough
- Use a slow cooker to cook the pork if you prefer a hands-off approach
- Add some diced onions or bell peppers to the pot with the pork for added flavor
- Use a variety of toppings, such as diced tomatoes or pickles, to add texture and flavor to the sliders
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pork, which can make it dry and tough
- Not letting the pork rest before shredding it, which can cause the juices to run out
- Using a low-quality barbecue sauce that's high in sugar and lacks flavor
- Not cooking the bacon until it's crispy, which can make it chewy and unpleasant
- Assembling the sliders too soon after cooking the pork, which can cause the buns to become soggy
Variations and Substitutions
- Using a different type of meat, such as beef or chicken, in place of the pork
- Adding some diced vegetables, such as onions or bell peppers, to the pot with the pork
- Using a variety of toppings, such as diced tomatoes or pickles, to add texture and flavor to the sliders
- Serving the sliders on a different type of bun, such as a pretzel bun or a brioche bun
- Using a spicy barbecue sauce to add some heat to the dish
- Adding some crispy fried onions or shallots to the top of the sliders for added crunch
What to Serve With BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
These BBQ pulled pork sliders are perfect for serving at a backyard barbecue or picnic, and they're also a great option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. You can serve them on their own or with a variety of sides, such as coleslaw, baked beans, or grilled vegetables.
Some other ideas for serving the sliders include topping them with diced tomatoes or pickles, or serving them with a side of crispy fries or onion rings. You could also try using a variety of different toppings, such as diced onions or bell peppers, to add some extra flavor and texture to the dish.
Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating
If you want to make the sliders ahead of time, you can cook the pork and prepare the coleslaw up to a day in advance. Simply store the cooked pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven or microwave when you're ready to assemble the sliders.
You can also freeze the cooked pork for up to 3 months, which makes it a great option for meal prep or planning ahead for a big gathering. Simply thaw the pork overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven or microwave when you're ready to assemble the sliders.
To reheat the sliders, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the pork is hot and the buns are toasted. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until the pork is hot and the buns are warm.
It's also a good idea to store the cooked bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, which makes it easy to add a crispy, smoky element to the sliders whenever you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of pork is best for this recipe?
A boneless pork shoulder is the best type of pork to use for this recipe, as it's well-marbled with fat and will stay tender and juicy during cooking
Can I use a different type of barbecue sauce?
Yes, you can use a different type of barbecue sauce if you prefer, but keep in mind that it may affect the flavor of the dish
How do I know when the pork is cooked?
The pork is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C), which should take about 6-8 hours in a slow cooker or 2-3 hours in the oven
Can I make the coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the coleslaw ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day
How do I assemble the sliders?
To assemble the sliders, simply spoon the shredded pork onto the toasted buns, followed by a spoonful of coleslaw and a few pieces of crispy bacon
Can I freeze the cooked pork?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked pork for up to 3 months, which makes it a great option for meal prep or planning ahead for a big gathering
How do I reheat the sliders?
To reheat the sliders, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the pork is hot and the buns are toasted
Can I use a slow cooker to cook the pork?
Yes, you can use a slow cooker to cook the pork, which is a great option if you prefer a hands-off approach

Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless pork shoulder
- 1/4 cup (60g) barbecue sauce
- 2 tbsp (30g) brown sugar
- 1 tsp (5g) smoked paprika
- 1 tsp (5g) garlic powder
- 1 tsp (5g) salt
- 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper
- 4 cups (280g) shredded cabbage
- 1 cup (240g) mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp (30g) apple cider vinegar
- 6 slices of bacon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) or set up your slow cooker according to the manufacturer's instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper
- Place the pork shoulder in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot with a lid, and brush the barbecue sauce mixture evenly over the surface of the meat
- Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven or slow cooker
- Cook the pork for 6-8 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C)
- While the pork is cooking, prepare the coleslaw by combining the shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar in a bowl and stirring until the cabbage is evenly coated
- After the pork has finished cooking, remove it from the pot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding it with two forks
- Strain the cooking liquid from the pot and discard any excess fat
- Add the shredded pork back to the pot and stir to coat it evenly with the cooking liquid
- Cook the bacon slices in a skillet over medium-high heat until crispy, then chop them into small pieces and set aside
- Split the hamburger buns in half and toast them lightly in the oven or in a toaster
- Assemble the sliders by spooning the shredded pork onto the toasted buns, followed by a spoonful of coleslaw and a few pieces of crispy bacon