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Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe Easy Crowd-Pleasing Slider Ideas with Creamy Coleslaw

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Juicy, smoky pulled pork sliders paired with a perfectly tangy, creamy coleslaw nestled in soft buns. An easy slow cooker recipe that’s perfect for gatherings and guaranteed to please a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (choose a brand you love or make a homemade version)
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: a pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 3 cups finely shredded green cabbage (can mix in some purple cabbage)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 12 slider buns or small Hawaiian rolls
  • Optional: pickle slices or extra barbecue sauce for serving

Instructions

  1. Trim any large pieces of fat off the pork shoulder, leaving some fat for flavor and moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Rub evenly all over the pork shoulder.
  3. Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the slow cooker. Pour in apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and barbecue sauce, spreading around the pork but not rinsing off the rub. Cover with lid.
  4. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until pork easily shreds and reaches 190°F (88°C) internal temperature.
  5. While pork cooks, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Toss to coat evenly and chill until serving.
  6. Once cooked, transfer pork to a bowl or cutting board. Shred with two forks or meat claws, discarding large fat chunks.
  7. Pour cooking juices and barbecue sauce from slow cooker over shredded pork and toss gently to coat.
  8. Slice slider buns in half horizontally. Pile pulled pork on bottom bun, add a scoop of creamy coleslaw, and top with the bun. Add pickle slices or extra sauce if desired.

Notes

Do not remove all fat from pork shoulder to keep meat moist. Avoid lifting slow cooker lid frequently to prevent longer cooking time. Let pork rest 10 minutes before shredding. Prepare coleslaw ahead to meld flavors. Use meat claws for easier shredding. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork sliders, creamy coleslaw, slow cooker pulled pork, barbecue sliders, crowd-pleaser, easy sliders, party food