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Savory BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe with Easy Crunchy Coleslaw Topping

BBQ pulled pork sliders - featured image

Tender, smoky pulled pork slow-cooked to perfection and served on soft slider buns with a refreshing, crunchy coleslaw topping. This easy recipe is perfect for casual gatherings and lazy weekends.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 lbs pork shoulder (pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (smoky brand like Stubb’s or Sweet Baby Ray’s recommended)
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup finely sliced red onion
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (light or full-fat)
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 slider buns (soft potato or brioche buns)
  • Pickles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder but leave some for moisture. Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub this seasoning all over the pork evenly. (About 10 minutes)
  2. Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Pour in the apple cider vinegar and brown sugar around the pork, then spoon the BBQ sauce over the top but don’t stir. (5 minutes)
  3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is tender enough to shred easily with forks.
  4. While the pork cooks, shred cabbage and carrots, and thinly slice the red onion. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Toss the veggies with the dressing until well coated. Chill until ready to serve. (15 minutes prep, chill at least 30 minutes)
  5. When the pork is done, remove it from the slow cooker and place on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any large pieces of fat. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to coat evenly with the juices and BBQ sauce. (10 minutes)
  6. Toast slider buns lightly to prevent sogginess. Pile each bun with a generous scoop of pulled pork, then top with a spoonful of crunchy coleslaw. Add pickles if desired. Serve warm. (10 minutes)

Notes

Keep the slow cooker on warm if not serving immediately to keep pork juicy. If sauce is too thin after shredding, simmer on stove to thicken. Toast slider buns lightly to prevent sogginess. Toss coleslaw just before serving to maintain crunch. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns and BBQ sauce. For dairy-free coleslaw, substitute mayonnaise with avocado or dairy-free alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ pulled pork, sliders, coleslaw, slow cooker, easy dinner, party food, backyard cookout, comfort food