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Savory BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe with Easy Creamy Coleslaw

BBQ pulled pork sliders - featured image

These savory BBQ pulled pork sliders are tender, flavorful, and paired perfectly with a creamy coleslaw that adds crunch and tang. Slow-cooked pork shoulder combined with a smoky BBQ sauce makes for a crowd-pleasing finger food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (e.g., Sweet Baby Ray’s Original)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (for pork)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
  • 4 cups finely shredded green cabbage (packed)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for coleslaw)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery seed (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 mini slider buns (preferably soft brioche)
  • Butter for toasting buns (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub the spice blend all over the pork and let sit for 10 minutes.
  2. Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Pour in chicken broth or water around the pork. Cover with lid.
  3. Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or until pork is fork-tender and shreds easily. Alternatively, cook on high for 4 hours.
  4. Remove pork from slow cooker and shred using two forks or meat claws. Discard large chunks of fat. Return shredded pork to slow cooker, stir in BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar, and warm through on low for 10 minutes.
  5. Prepare coleslaw by combining shredded cabbage and carrots in a medium bowl. Whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, celery seed, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pour dressing over cabbage mixture and toss well. Chill until serving.
  6. Optional: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Butter slider buns and toast cut-side down until golden and slightly crispy.
  7. Assemble sliders by placing a generous scoop of pulled pork on the bottom bun, topping with creamy coleslaw, and placing the top bun on. Serve immediately.

Notes

Leave some fat on the pork shoulder for juiciness. Shred pork while warm for easier shredding. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Adjust BBQ sauce sweetness with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Prepare coleslaw close to serving time for best crunch. Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter coleslaw. Gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps can be used for gluten-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ pulled pork, sliders, creamy coleslaw, slow cooker, easy recipe, party food, finger food