Easy BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

These easy BBQ pulled pork sliders come out meltingly tender thanks to a slow cooker and a punchy homemade spice blend. Juicy pork shoulder bathes all day in barbecue sauce with aromatics and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Finished with crisp coleslaw and pillowed in a toasted bun, these sliders are perfect for game day parties, weeknight treats, or feeding a hungry crowd after a long day.

I made these sliders for a backyard birthday and watched them disappear faster than any dish on the table. The mix of saucy pork and crunchy slaw always gets rave reviews.

Ingredients

• Pork shoulder roast: choose a piece about three to four pounds with good marbling for extra juiciness
• Sweet Preacher Pork Rub: this makes the pork deeply flavorful choose your favorite store rub or blend as needed
• Avocado oil: helps the rub stick and assists with browning
• BBQ sauce: pick your favorite brand for that signature smoky taste experiment with smoky or spicy options that you like
• Apple cider vinegar: cuts through the richness and makes the pork ultra tender always use good quality vinegar
• Chicken broth: adds moisture and depth look for low sodium to control the saltiness
• Brown sugar: balances acidity and enhances the caramel notes in the sauce choose fresh soft brown sugar for best flavor
• Worcestershire sauce: brings umami and bold savoriness essential for BBQ flavor
• Onion and red bell pepper: both add sweetness and subtle complexity use fresh firm veggies
• Garlic: essential for aromatic depth fresh minced cloves give the brightest flavor
• Hamburger buns: soft and sturdy enough to hold the juicy filling toast lightly for the best texture
• Coleslaw for topping: delivers essential crunch and a refreshing contrast to the warm pork use fresh slaw mix or make your own

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Pork:

Coat the pork shoulder on all sides with the Sweet Preacher spice or substitute blend pressing gently so the rub adheres well. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes so the flavors develop and the meat relaxes for even cooking.

Make the Sauce:

In a large mixing bowl whisk together BBQ sauce apple cider vinegar chicken broth extra Sweet Preacher spice if desired brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce until everything is fully combined and no lumps remain. This creates the bold barbecue base that flavors the entire dish.

Slow Cook:

Transfer the seasoned pork shoulder into your slow cooker. Scatter the diced onion red bell pepper and minced garlic all around the pork for even flavor distribution. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the pork and vegetables making sure the pork is nestled into the liquid. Cover and cook on LOW for 10 to 12 hours or HIGH for 5 to 6 hours. The pork is ready when it shreds easily with a fork and is butter-soft.

Shred and Mix:

Carefully transfer the cooked pork to a cutting board. Use two forks to pull the meat into thick shreds discarding any large pieces of fat. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker mixing thoroughly with the cooking juices to coat every strand in the flavorful sauce. Taste and add salt as needed.

Assemble the Sliders:

Lightly toast your hamburger buns for a little crunch. Pile generous scoops of pulled pork high onto each bun and top with a mound of fresh coleslaw. Serve immediately while still hot for the best texture and flavor.

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I adore the tangy brightness the apple cider vinegar brings the flavor wakes up the whole dish. My family loves building their own sliders at the table which always sparks laughter and messy hands.

Storage Tips

Let your pulled pork cool then pack in airtight containers with a little of the cooking liquid to keep it moist. Refrigerate for up to four days or freeze for up to two months. Warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to revive the juiciness. Store coleslaw separately to preserve the crunch.

Ingredient Substitutions

No Sweet Preacher spice on hand Mix cinnamon brown sugar paprika fennel seed garlic powder and black pepper for a close match. Pork shoulder works best but pork butt is also perfect. Use any BBQ sauce you love and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth if needed.

Serving Suggestions

These sliders shine at parties as a main dish for eight or stretch to feed more as appetizers. They are delicious with pickles and extra BBQ sauce on the side. Pair with potato salad corn on the cob or simply a tray of crisp fresh veggies.

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Cultural and Historical Context

Pulled pork is a Southern classic with roots in old American barbecue traditions. Slow cooking turns tough cuts like shoulder into flavorful tender marvels. Modern sliders give you the spirit of a Texas BBQ in a hand-held bite great for gatherings and everyday meals.

Commonly Asked Questions

→ What cut of pork works best for these sliders?

Pork shoulder is ideal for tender, flavorful pulled meat; choose a cut with good marbling for juicy results.

→ How long should the pork cook in the slow cooker?

Cook on LOW for 10–12 hours or HIGH for 5–6 hours, until the pork easily falls apart when shredded with a fork.

→ Can I make a substitute for the Sweet Preacher spice blend?

Yes, blend cinnamon, brown sugar, paprika, fennel, garlic powder, and black pepper as noted in the instructions.

→ How do I prevent the sliders from getting soggy?

Toast the buns before assembling and add coleslaw right before serving for extra crunch and texture.

→ Is it possible to prepare the pork ahead of time?

Absolutely! Shred and store the pork in its juices in the fridge, then reheat gently before assembling sandwiches.

→ What toppings go well with pulled pork sliders?

Classic coleslaw adds crunch, but pickles, sliced onions, or spicy peppers also pair well with the rich pork.