Family gatherings are special, and for me, nothing brings us together like homemade pulled pork sliders. Recently, I had a cozy get-together. The main attraction was a platter of warm, tender sliders.
A group of friends gathered, laughing as they built their own sliders. They used fluffy buns, tangy barbecue sauce, and fresh coleslaw. Watching them enjoy each bite reminded me why these sliders are perfect for any time.
They’re quick to make and super tasty. They’re great for weeknight dinners or big celebrations. Plus, everyone can make their own special version. In this article, I’ll share how to make the best homemade pulled pork sliders. They’ll make your taste buds happy and bring everyone closer.
What are Pulled Pork Sliders?
Pulled Pork Sliders are a tasty twist on regular sandwiches. They have tender, shredded pork that’s slow-cooked for flavor. These sliders are on soft buns, making them easy to eat.
The pork is rich in barbecue sauce, giving it a savory taste. Many people find this taste irresistible.
To make these sliders even better, I add toppings like coleslaw. It adds crunch and sweetness. The mix of soft bun, juicy pork, and crisp toppings is perfect comfort food.
These sliders are great for parties. They’re not just tasty but also easy to change up to fit what you like.
Why I Love Making Homemade Pulled Pork Sliders
Making homemade pulled pork sliders is very satisfying. I love how you can change the flavors to suit your taste. It’s easy to make and always impresses my loved ones.
These sliders are great for parties because you can make a lot at once. I can relax while my guests enjoy the sliders. Seeing their happy faces makes all the work worth it.
Every part of the slider, like the tender pork and creamy coleslaw, works well together. I like to let everyone add their favorite toppings. It’s a fun way to share a meal and make memories.
Ingredients for the Best Pulled Pork Sliders
To make the best mini pulled pork sliders, you need special ingredients. These ingredients make each bite full of flavor. Let’s look at what you need for these tasty sliders.
Coleslaw Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 (9 oz.) package slaw mix (often a cabbage/carrot blend)
Slider Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pork shoulder roast | 3-5 lbs |
| Seasoning salt | 2 tsp |
| Black pepper | 2 tsp |
| Onion powder | 1.5 tsp |
| Garlic powder | 1.5 tsp |
| Ground mustard | 1 tsp |
| Beer | 12 oz |
| Barbecue sauce ingredients | 1 tbsp neutral oil ½ medium minced onion 1 tbsp molasses 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar ½ cup ketchup 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp garlic powder ½ tsp liquid smoke 5-10 drops Tabasco sauce (to taste) 2 tbsp light brown sugar ½ tsp kosher salt ½ tsp black pepper |
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions for Pulled Pork Sliders
Making the best pulled pork sliders is easy. I’ll show you how to make the coleslaw and put the sliders together. You’ll have a tasty dish ready for any event.
Preparing the Coleslaw
To start, you’ll need these ingredients:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ⅛ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional: shredded carrots or green onions for added texture
Mix everything in a big bowl until it’s smooth. Let it chill in the fridge for a few hours. This makes the coleslaw taste even better with the pulled pork.
Preparing the Sliders
For the sliders, I use 12 King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls. Here’s how to put them together:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- When the pulled pork is ready and shredded, cut the sweet rolls in half.
- Spread 4 tablespoons of butter on the inside halves of the rolls.
- Put the shredded pulled pork on the bottom halves of the rolls.
- Add some coleslaw on top of the pork for crunch.
- Cover with the top halves of the rolls.
Bake the sliders in the oven for 10-12 minutes. They should be warm and a bit crispy. Serve them right away for the best taste. You can make up to 24 sliders, great for any event.
Tips for Making Juicy Pulled Pork Sliders
Making juicy pulled pork sliders needs careful planning and detail. Here are my best tips to make sure your sliders are perfect every time.
- Choose the Right Cut: I always choose pork shoulder or butt. These cuts have just the right fat. It makes the meat taste better and stay tender.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Cook the pork slowly at low heat. Aim for 8 to 12 hours in a smoker. This way, the meat gets rich flavors and a great texture.
- Don’t Skip the Sauce: To keep the pork moist, I use my favorite BBQ sauce. It adds a tasty tang and keeps it juicy.
- Butter the Buns: Brushing the buns with butter and seasonings adds flavor. It also stops them from getting soggy.
Delicious Variations of Pulled Pork Sliders
Trying new pulled pork sliders can make your meals better. You can make spicy or Hawaiian pulled pork sliders. Each one is special and suits different tastes.
Spicy Pulled Pork Sliders
Spicy pulled pork sliders are great for those who like a little heat. Adding jalapeños to your sliders gives them a kick. It also makes the BBQ sauce taste even better.
To make these, just add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to your pulled pork. Then, top them with creamy slaw. This mix of spice and flavor is amazing.
Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders
Hawaiian pulled pork sliders are sweet and refreshing. I use mini Hawaiian sweet rolls for these. They add a nice sweetness to the sliders.
The pork is mixed with a BBQ sauce that has pineapple juice and brown sugar. Adding sharp cheddar cheese and crispy fried onions makes them even better. These sliders are like a trip to a sunny place.
Serving Suggestions for Pulled Pork Sliders
When serving pulled pork sliders, how you present them matters a lot. Pairing them with sides like sweet potato fries, coleslaw, and mixed greens makes a great meal. It satisfies different tastes.
Adding a touch of color makes serving pulled pork sliders special. Use fresh herbs or pickle slices on a platter. This not only looks good but also makes guests excited to try.
Offering extra BBQ sauce, hot sauce, or ranch dressing on the side is a great idea. It lets everyone add their favorite flavors to their sliders.
Planning gatherings or events? Pulled pork is very flexible. You can put it in tacos, sandwiches, or salads. It’s perfect for any occasion. The secret to serving pulled pork sliders is in the pairings and how you present them.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftover Sliders
Keeping your leftover pulled pork sliders fresh and tasty is key. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay good for up to three days. If you want to save them longer, freeze the pulled pork. It can last up to three months in a freezer-safe container.
To reheat, use the oven at 350°F. Cover the sliders with foil to keep them moist. Warm them for 10 to 15 minutes. The microwave is quick too. Just heat in short bursts of 30 to 45 seconds to keep them juicy.
| Storage Method | Time |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator (airtight container) | Up to 3 days |
| Freezer (airtight container) | Up to 3 months |
These tips help keep your sliders tasty, whether you eat them now or later. Enjoy every bite as much as the first.
Why Pulled Pork Sliders are Perfect for Any Occasion
Pulled pork sliders are great for any event. They’re small and easy to eat at parties, tailgating, and potlucks. This makes them a hit, as they’re tasty and simple to enjoy.
These sliders are also perfect for family dinners. They’re quick to make and taste like a special treat. Whether I use a slow cooker or pressure cooker, they’re ready in no time.
What’s even better is you can make them your own. Add your favorite toppings and sauces. This makes them great for any gathering, as everyone can find something they like.
