Tender Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
A simple and delicious slow cooker pulled pork slider recipe perfect for parties and casual gatherings. Juicy, tender pork with a balanced tangy-sweet BBQ sauce served on soft slider buns.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 to 10 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes to 10 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt), bone-in or boneless
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought like Sweet Baby Ray’s or Stubb’s or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- About 12 slider buns
- Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, sliced jalapeños, extra BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder, leaving some for flavor and moisture. Pat dry and season generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder.
- Place thinly sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic. Pour apple cider vinegar over the pork.
- In a bowl, combine BBQ sauce with brown sugar and stir well. Pour evenly over the pork, coating it thoroughly.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours without opening the lid frequently.
- Once cooked, shred the pork directly in the slow cooker using tongs or forks, mixing it with the onions and sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Toast slider buns lightly if desired. Pile pulled pork on each bun and add optional toppings like coleslaw, pickles, or jalapeños.
Notes
Do not rush cooking time; slow and low is key for tender pork. Toast buns lightly to prevent sogginess. If sauce is too thin after shredding, remove pork and simmer sauce on stove to thicken. For dietary swaps, use almond flour or gluten-free buns and skip creamy toppings for dairy-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 300350
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 20
Keywords: pulled pork, BBQ sliders, slow cooker, party food, easy recipe, pork shoulder, BBQ pulled pork, sliders, comfort food