Oh, sliders! There’s just something so darn fun about them, isn’t there? Especially when they’re piled high with smoky, tender BBQ pulled pork and topped with a cool, crunchy slaw. Trust me, these BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Slaw are a game-changer. They’re ridiculously easy to whip up, bursting with flavor, and honestly, they’re perfect for absolutely any gathering. I remember making these for the first time for a casual backyard get-together, and they disappeared in minutes! Everyone was asking for the recipe, and I just smiled because the secret is just good pork and a little bit of love.
Why You'll Love These BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Slaw
You’re going to adore these little sliders for so many reasons! First off, they’re ridiculously easy to make. The pork does most of the work for you in the oven, and the slaw is a breeze. Plus, the flavor combination is just dynamite – that tender, smoky pork with the tangy BBQ and that cool, crunchy slaw is unbeatable. They’re also incredibly versatile, perfect for game days, backyard BBQs, or just a super satisfying weeknight meal. And trust me, they are always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Gather Your Ingredients for BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Slaw
Alright, let’s get everything ready to make these amazing sliders! You don’t need anything too fancy, just good ol’ reliable ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to grab:
For the Pulled Pork:
- About 2 pounds of pork shoulder. Honestly, this cut is your best bet for super tender, juicy pulled pork.
- 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. I love a good Carolina-style sauce, but use whatever makes your taste buds happy! (Want to make your own? Check out this recipe!)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar – this helps tenderize the pork beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, for a touch of sweetness to balance that tang.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – for that gorgeous smoky flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – just adds a little depth.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
For the Slaw:
- 2 cups of shredded cabbage. You can buy it pre-shredded to save time, or shred it yourself!
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise – think of this as the creamy base.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, for that essential tang.
- 1 tablespoon sugar – balances the vinegar perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed – don’t skip this! It adds a lovely, subtle flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
And for Assembly:
- 1 bag of slider buns – the mini ones are perfect for little handheld bites.
Mastering the Art of BBQ Pulled Pork
Okay, so the heart of these amazing sliders is, of course, the pulled pork! And let me tell you, the best way to get that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness is with a slow and steady cook. It’s not complicated at all, just requires a little patience. You’ll end up with pork so juicy and flavorful, it’s almost unreal. Think of it as the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it kind of cooking. For more slow cooker adventures, you can check out this slow cooker pulled pork recipe too! And if you’re a big BBQ fan, my baby back ribs are out of this world!
Seasoning the Pork for Ultimate Flavor
Don’t skimp on this step! Giving the pork shoulder a good rub-down with spices is key. We’re talking paprika for that smoky kick, garlic and onion powder for depth, and of course, salt and pepper. Really get in there and coat the whole piece. I like to do this about 15-20 minutes before it goes into the pot, just to let those flavors start to meld. It makes all the difference!
Achieving Tender Pulled Pork: The Slow Cook Method
This is where the magic truly happens. We’re going to pop that seasoned pork shoulder into a Dutch oven or a heavy pot. Then, we’ll add our flavorful BBQ sauce mixture – that tangy vinegar, sweet brown sugar, and more spices. Cover it up tight and let it cook in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when you can easily shred it with a fork. Seriously, it should practically fall apart. This low-and-slow method breaks down all those tough connective tissues, making the pork incredibly tender and juicy.
Shredding and Saucing Your BBQ Pulled Pork
Once your pork is fork-tender, carefully take it out of the pot and place it on a cutting board or in a clean bowl. Grab two forks and get ready to shred! It’s super satisfying to pull it all apart. After you’ve got it all shredded, put it back into that pot with all those delicious pan juices and that glorious BBQ sauce. Give it a good stir to make sure every piece is coated. Mmm, just smelling that already makes me hungry!
Crafting the Perfect Tangy Slaw
Now, what’s a BBQ pulled pork slider without a fantastic slaw? You need that cool, creamy, tangy crunch to cut through all that rich pork! Making this slaw is super simple, and honestly, it’s the perfect counterpoint to the smoky BBQ. Just toss everything together and let it chill – it really brings all those flavors together. It’s good enough to eat with a spoon, but we’re saving it for the sliders! If you love slaws, you might also enjoy this cauliflower salad recipe too.
Slaw Dressing Fundamentals
The dressing is really where it’s at for this slaw. We’re using creamy mayonnaise as our base, then adding that zip from apple cider vinegar and a little pinch of sugar to get that perfect sweet-and-tangy balance – you know, the good kind! Then, the secret weapon: celery seed. It adds this subtle, fresh flavor that just makes everything pop. Mix it all up, give it a taste, and add a little more salt, pepper, sugar, or vinegar if you like it extra zippy. You want it to taste bright and delicious!
Preparing the Cabbage
For the best texture in your slaw, you really want the cabbage to be finely shredded. If you’re feeling ambitious, grab a box grater or a knife and do it yourself! But hey, if you’re in a pinch – and who isn’t sometimes? – a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix works like a charm. Just make sure it’s nice and fine so it soaks up all that yummy dressing without being too chunky.
Assembling Your BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Slaw
Alright, we’ve got our tender, saucy pulled pork and our crisp, tangy slaw – now comes the fun part: putting it all together! It’s super simple, really. Just grab your little slider buns, pile them high with that incredible pork, and top it off with a generous spoonful of that fresh slaw. Trust me, this combination is pure magic. For more ideas on slider assembly try this BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders recipe. You want enough pork so each bite is hearty, but not so much that it all falls out when you try to eat it! And that slaw adds the perfect cool crunch.
Toasting the Slider Buns
Okay, this is a small step that makes a BIG difference. Toasting your slider buns adds a little texture and keeps them from getting soggy from the pork. Just pop them under the broiler for a minute or two, or give them a quick toast in a dry pan until they’re lightly golden. It’s worth the extra minute, I promise!
Tips for Success with Your BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
You know, the beauty of these BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Slaw is how forgiving they are! My absolute favorite tip? Make the pork ahead of time. Seriously, pulled pork is even better the next day after those flavors have really melded together. Just shred it, mix it with the sauce, and pop it in the fridge. Then, all you have to do is reheat it gently on the stove or in the oven before serving. Easy peasy! If you want to switch things up, you could totally try a different kind of BBQ sauce, or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the slaw if you like a little heat. Just little tweaks can make them totally your own! And if you ever need to whip up some quick cream for topping, remember that you can make heavy cream at home in a pinch!
Serving Suggestions for BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
These BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Slaw are fantastic on their own, but oh boy, do they shine with some classic BBQ sides! A big scoop of creamy potato salad is always a winner, or maybe some of those sweet and savory Tennessee onions? And don’t forget some cold drinks to wash it all down – maybe a crisp lager or a refreshing iced tea. It’s the perfect spread for any get-together!
Storage and Reheating
Got leftovers? Lucky you! The best way to store any extra pulled pork is to keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The assembled sliders? They can get a bit soggy, so I usually store any leftover pork and slaw separately. To reheat that amazing pork, just give it a gentle warm-up on the stovetop over low heat, or pop it in the oven. Add a splash more BBQ sauce if it looks a little dry. Reheat assembled sliders with caution, as the buns can get mushy!
Frequently Asked Questions about BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
Can I make the pulled pork ahead of time for these sliders?
Absolutely! Pulled pork is one of those magical dishes that actually tastes even better the next day. So go ahead and make the pork a day or two in advance. Just shred it, mix it with the sauce, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the oven right before assembling your sliders. It makes party prep so much easier!
What’s the best cut of pork to use for this recipe?
For the most tender and flavorful pulled pork, you really want to use pork shoulder, also known as pork butt or Boston butt. It has a good amount of fat and connective tissue that breaks down during slow cooking, giving you that amazing melt-in-your-mouth texture. Don’t be afraid of the fat – it’s what makes the pork so moist and delicious!
Can I make the slaw spicier?
Oh, definitely! If you like a little kick, you can totally spice up your slaw. A pinch of cayenne pepper mixed into the dressing adds a nice warmth. For more heat, you could add a finely diced jalapeño or even a tiny bit of hot sauce to the dressing. Just start small and taste as you go, so you don’t overpower the other flavors!
How long does the pulled pork last in the fridge?
Properly stored pulled pork will last in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure it’s in an airtight container to keep it fresh. And remember, once it’s assembled on the slider buns, it’s best to eat them fresh, as the buns can get a little soggy over time.
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just so you know, these numbers are an estimate, because how much you eat and exactly what ingredients you use can change things up a bit! But generally speaking, each of these amazing BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Slaw comes in around 350 calories. You’re looking at about 18g of fat (around 6g saturated), 22g of protein, and 25g of carbohydrates with about 20g of that being sugar and 2g of fiber. Pretty balanced for such a tasty treat!
Print
BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Slaw
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 min
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Diet: Unspecified
Description
Tender pulled pork piled high on slider buns with a crisp, tangy coleslaw.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork shoulder
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bag slider buns
- For the Slaw:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Season the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Place the pork in a Dutch oven or oven-safe pot.
- In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Pour over the pork.
- Cover the pot and cook for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is tender and shreds easily.
- Remove the pork from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded pork to the pot and stir to coat with the sauce.
- While the pork is cooking, prepare the slaw. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and celery seed. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Toast the slider buns lightly.
- Assemble the sliders by piling the pulled pork onto the bottom halves of the buns and topping with the prepared slaw. Place the top halves of the buns on top.
Notes
- You can make the pulled pork ahead of time and reheat it before serving.
- Adjust the BBQ sauce and vinegar ratio to your preference.
- For a spicier slaw, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: BBQ pulled pork, sliders, pulled pork sliders, coleslaw, BBQ sliders, pork sandwiches