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Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders with Tailgate BBQ Sauce

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These easy slow cooker pulled pork sliders are perfect for game day or any gathering. The homemade tailgate BBQ sauce is tangy, smoky, and a little sweet, coating tender, fall-apart pork that’s set-and-forget simple.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–5 pound pork shoulder (pork butt)
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional but recommended)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 12–15 slider buns (brioche or Hawaiian rolls)
  • Coleslaw (optional)
  • Pickles (dill pickle slices)
  • Extra BBQ sauce for serving

Instructions

  1. Prep the Pork Shoulder: Remove pork from fridge 20 minutes before cooking. Pat dry, trim excess fat (leave a thin layer). Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne (if using) in a small bowl. Rub mixture all over pork.
  2. Make the Tailgate BBQ Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, liquid smoke (if using), garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside ½ cup for serving.
  3. Slow Cook the Pork: Place seasoned pork in slow cooker (6-quart or larger), fat side up. Pour remaining BBQ sauce over top. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours.
  4. Shred the Pork: Transfer cooked pork to a cutting board or baking sheet. Let rest 5 minutes. Shred with two forks or meat claws, removing large fat chunks. Skim fat from cooking liquid if desired. Return shredded pork to slow cooker, toss with sauce, and let sit on warm for 15-20 minutes.
  5. Assemble the Sliders: Toast slider buns under broiler for about 1 minute (cut side up). Using a slotted spoon, pile about ⅓ cup pulled pork onto each bottom bun. Top with coleslaw (if using), pickle slices, and a drizzle of reserved BBQ sauce. Place top bun on and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, cook on LOW for 8 hours. Let pork rest before shredding. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. The pulled pork tastes even better the next day. Freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker pulled pork, pulled pork sliders, tailgate BBQ sauce, game day recipe, easy pulled pork, slow cooker recipe, BBQ sliders

Find it online: https://cookdella.com/easy-slow-cooker-pulled-pork-sliders-with-tailgate-bbq-sauce/