Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe Perfect for Parties
Tender, juicy pulled pork slow-cooked to perfection and served on soft slider buns with tangy barbecue sauce, perfect for casual gatherings and parties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes (low) or 4 hours 20 minutes (high)
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 lbs pork shoulder (also called pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
- 1 medium onion, sliced thinly
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (smoky, tangy style preferred)
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cumin (optional)
- 1/2 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
- Slider buns (about 12 count)
- Pickles (dill or bread & butter, optional)
- Coleslaw (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Mix smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, cumin, and brown sugar in a small bowl. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork, massaging gently into the meat.
- Place sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour in water or chicken broth to create a moist base.
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic. Pour apple cider vinegar over the pork, then cover with half of the barbecue sauce. Do not stir.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until pork easily shreds with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 195°F (90°C).
- Remove pork from slow cooker and shred using two forks, discarding large pieces of fat. Return shredded pork to slow cooker juices and stir in remaining barbecue sauce. Let soak for 10-15 minutes.
- Toast slider buns if desired. Pile pulled pork on buns and top with pickles and coleslaw before serving.
Notes
If barbecue sauce is too thick, thin with a splash of water or broth before mixing with shredded pork. Let pork rest in juices after shredding for juiciness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 195°F for perfect shredding. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or cornbread muffins. Reheat gently with extra sauce or broth to keep moist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 300350
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 20
Keywords: slow cooker, pulled pork, BBQ, sliders, party food, easy recipe, comfort food, barbecue, pork shoulder