How to Make the Perfect Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders
American BBQ · Easy · 495 min · 16 servings
Tender pulled pork slow cooked in a smoky barbecue sauce makes the ultimate potluck main dish. It is served on soft slider buns and topped with creamy coleslaw for the perfect bite.
Why this recipe works
This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 495 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 410 calories with 28g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 lb pork shoulder bone-in
- 1.5 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 16 whole slider buns
- 2 cup prepared coleslaw
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Season the Pork
Rub the pork shoulder all over with smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every surface is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
Step 2: Slow Cook
Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the slow cooker and pour half the barbecue sauce over the top. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 5 hours until the meat is fall-apart tender.
Step 3: Shred the Pork
Remove the pork from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any large pieces of fat or bone. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix with the remaining barbecue sauce and cooking juices.
Step 4: Assemble Sliders
Pile generous portions of the pulled pork onto slider buns and top each one with a spoonful of prepared coleslaw. Serve warm directly from the slow cooker to keep everything hot throughout the party.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- pork shoulder → boneless chicken thighs for pulled chicken sliders
- slider buns → regular hamburger buns cut in half
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Cooking on high heat the entire time which makes the pork tough and dry
- Not adding enough liquid which causes the bottom of the pork to burn
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 410 calories, 28g protein, 32g carbs, 18g fat, 1g fiber.
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