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Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders: 5 Easy Steps

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These Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders offer a concentrated dose of backyard nostalgia in bite-sized pieces. Made with a slow-cooked pork shoulder, a sweet and tangy rub, and finished with buttery toasted buns, they are perfect for parties or weeknight comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 to 3-pound boneless pork shoulder (Boston Butt)
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (divided)
  • 12–18 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls or brioche)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Pepper Jack cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, ensuring it gets into all the nooks and crannies.
  3. Place the seasoned pork into a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Pour in the apple cider vinegar and half of the BBQ sauce around the meat.
  4. If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. If using an Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 60 minutes, then allow a natural release for 15 minutes. The meat is done when fork-tender.
  5. Remove the pork from the pot and discard large pieces of fat. Use two forks to shred the meat. Mix in the remaining BBQ sauce if desired.
  6. Slice slider buns in half horizontally. Place bottom halves on a large baking sheet and pile shredded pork generously onto each bun.
  7. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the pork if using.
  8. Melt butter and brush it over the top halves of the buns. Place tops on the sliders.
  9. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, until cheese is melted and buns are golden brown.
  10. Serve warm with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Notes

For the best texture, ensure the pork is cooked until it reaches 195°F-205°F for easy shredding. Reserve the cooking juices to mix back into the meat for extra moisture. If the BBQ sauce is too sweet, add a splash of vinegar to balance the flavor. You can substitute chicken thighs for a lighter option or jackfruit for a vegetarian version.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork sliders, BBQ pork, slow cooker recipes, Instant Pot pork, party food, comfort food, smoky pork, slider buns

Find it online: https://mandydishes.com/smoky-bbq-pulled-pork-sliders-5-easy-steps/