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Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders Perfect for Tailgating

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This easy slow cooker pulled pork sliders recipe is perfect for tailgating. With minimal prep, the slow cooker does all the work, delivering tender, smoky, sweet, and tangy pulled pork that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup your favorite barbecue sauce (plus more for serving)
  • 12–15 slider buns (e.g., King’s Hawaiian rolls)
  • Coleslaw mix (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Make the dry rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
  2. Prep the pork shoulder: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork, pressing into every crevice.
  3. Place in the slow cooker: Put the seasoned pork shoulder into the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar around the pork, being careful not to wash off the rub. Drizzle the Worcestershire sauce over the top.
  4. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 5-6 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
  5. Shred the pork: Carefully transfer the cooked pork to a large cutting board or rimmed baking sheet. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Discard any large pieces of fat.
  6. Add the barbecue sauce: Pour off most of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker, leaving about 1/4 cup. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and pour the barbecue sauce over the top. Stir to coat evenly. Cook on LOW for another 15-20 minutes.
  7. Toast the buns (optional): While the pork finishes, split the slider buns in half. Toast the cut sides on a grill or in a skillet for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
  8. Assemble the sliders: Pile a generous amount of pulled pork onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with coleslaw if desired. Place the top half of the bun on and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not skip patting the pork dry; it helps the rub stick. Resist the urge to open the slow cooker lid during cooking. For a gluten-free version, ensure Worcestershire sauce and barbecue sauce are certified gluten-free. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker pulled pork, pulled pork sliders, tailgating recipes, game day food, easy pulled pork, barbecue sliders

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/easy-slow-cooker-pulled-pork-sliders-perfect-for-tailgating/