Print

Best Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders: Easy Tailgate Recipe

best smoky BBQ pulled pork sliders - featured image
Print Recipe

These smoky BBQ pulled pork sliders are the ultimate tailgate recipe, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. The slow cooker does all the work, delivering tender, shreddable pork with a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
  • 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (plus more for serving)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 12 to 16 slider buns (soft potato rolls or brioche)
  • 1 cup coleslaw mix (optional)
  • Pickle slices (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Make the Dry Rub: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne (if using), and dry mustard powder. Mix well.
  2. Prep the Pork: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub olive oil all over the pork, then generously coat with the dry rub on all sides. Let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  3. Set Up the Slow Cooker: Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top, fat side up. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 5 to 6 hours, until fork-tender.
  4. Shred the Pork: Transfer cooked pork to a cutting board. Let rest for 10 minutes. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Discard large pieces of fat.
  5. Add the Sauce: Skim excess fat from the cooking liquid. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker. Add BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar. Stir well. Cook on low, uncovered, for 20 to 30 minutes to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Toast the Buns (Optional): Split slider buns and toast lightly under the broiler or on a griddle until golden.
  7. Assemble the Sliders: Pile pulled pork onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with coleslaw mix and pickle slices if using. Add top bun. Serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce.

Notes

Don’t skip the resting step after cooking; it lets the juices redistribute. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free buns and check BBQ sauce label. For lower sugar, swap brown sugar for a sugar-free alternative and use no-sugar-added BBQ sauce. The pork is at its peak about an hour after cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork sliders, BBQ pulled pork, tailgate recipe, slow cooker pulled pork, smoky pulled pork, easy pulled pork

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/best-smoky-bbq-pulled-pork-sliders-easy-tailgate-recipe/