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Easy Make-Ahead Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders Perfect for Tailgate Parties

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This easy make-ahead slow cooker pulled pork sliders recipe delivers tender, flavorful pork with a sweet-smoky-tangy sauce, perfect for tailgate parties and feeding a crowd with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless, preferably with some fat)
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 12–16 slider buns (soft, slightly sweet, Hawaiian rolls preferred)
  • Coleslaw (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Trim any excess silver skin from the pork shoulder and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Rub the pork all over with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread sliced onions and minced garlic evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker.
  4. Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onion bed, fat side up if applicable.
  5. In a bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar until smooth.
  6. Pour about half of the sauce mixture over the pork, reserving the rest for later.
  7. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 4 to 6 hours, until pork easily pulls apart with forks.
  8. Remove pork from slow cooker onto a large platter or bowl and shred using forks or meat claws, discarding large pieces of fat.
  9. Pour reserved sauce into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
  10. Add shredded pork back into the saucepan and stir well to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  11. Spoon pulled pork onto slider buns, add coleslaw if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

For gluten-free, swap slider buns with gluten-free rolls or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free, avoid creamy slaws or use dairy-free mayo. Simmer reserved sauce to thicken and avoid watery sliders. Toast buns lightly to prevent sogginess. Shred pork while warm for easier shredding and better sauce absorption. Store leftovers in airtight containers in fridge up to 3-4 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork, slow cooker, sliders, tailgate, make-ahead, barbecue, easy recipe, crowd-pleaser

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/easy-make-ahead-slow-cooker-pulled-pork-sliders-perfect-for-tailgate-parties/