Homemade Pulled Pork Sliders are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family gatherings, parties, or even a cozy night in. With tender, juicy pork shoulder slow-cooked to perfection, layered with creamy coleslaw and served on fluffy sweet rolls, these sliders are a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together for a delicious meal. Ready to impress your friends and family? Let’s dive into the details!
Budget Information
The total cost for making these delightful Pulled Pork Sliders comes to approximately $24.00, which breaks down to about $2.00 per serving (assuming this recipe makes 12 sliders). A wonderful dish that’s both budget-friendly and satisfying!
Why This Recipe Works
Making homemade Pulled Pork Sliders is truly a delightful experience. The combination of slow-cooked pork shoulder, enriched with spices and barbecue sauce, yields a melt-in-your-mouth texture that your friends and family will rave about. Plus, whipping up some simple coleslaw elevates these sliders to a whole new level of deliciousness. The beauty of this dish is that it’s as versatile as it is easy; you can customize the flavors to suit your palate and rally the whole gang around the dinner table. Who wouldn’t want to sink their teeth into these tasty sliders?
Ingredients + Optional Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to create your own Pulled Pork Sliders:
- Pork shoulder roast (3-5 lbs) – $15.00
- Seasoning salt (2 tsp) – $0.10
- Black pepper (2 tsp) – $0.05
- Onion powder (1.5 tsp) – $0.05
- Garlic powder (1.5 tsp) – $0.05
- Ground mustard (1 tsp) – $0.15
- Beer (12 oz) – $1.50
- Butter (for the rolls, approx. 4 tbsp) – $0.25
- King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (12-pack) – $3.50
- BBQ Sauce ingredients:
- 1 tbsp neutral oil – $0.05
- 1/2 medium minced onion – $0.10
- 1 tbsp molasses – $0.05
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar – $0.20
- 1/2 cup ketchup – $0.40
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard – $0.10
- 1 tsp garlic powder – $0.05
- 1/2 tsp liquid smoke – $0.20
- 5-10 drops Tabasco sauce (to taste) – $0.05
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar – $0.05
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt – $0.05
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – $0.05
Feel free to substitute the pork shoulder with a pork butt or even chicken if you prefer something lighter. You can also switch out the bread rolls for slider buns of your choice!
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Let’s get that marvelous pulled pork going! Start by rinsing your pork shoulder and patting it dry with paper towels. You want to ensure it’s not too wet so the seasoning sticks well. After that, generously rub the seasoning salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and ground mustard all over the roast. This step is where the magic begins—the spices will penetrate deep into the meat as it cooks. Once seasoned, let it rest while you preheat your oven to 300°F (or alternatively, you could use a slow cooker for this step!)
Step 2: Now, it’s time to seal in those flavors. If you’re using an oven, place the seasoned pork in a roasting pan or Dutch oven. Pour the beer over the roast, cover it with aluminum foil, and pop it in the oven. You’re looking to cook it low and slow, so allow it to bake for about 4-6 hours until it’s tender enough to shred with two forks. If you’re going with a slow cooker, set it on low for a good 8-10 hours.
Step 3: While the pork is cooking, let’s whip up that tangy coleslaw that will bring all the elements of this slider together! In a large mixing bowl, combine your mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, sea salt, and the slaw mix. Mix it until everything is well coated. Cover and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least an hour. This step is essential as the cooling allows the flavors to meld together and become even tastier.
Step 4: Once your pork is fork-tender, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes. This pause is crucial—it helps the juices redistribute, making your pork even juicier! When you’re ready, shred that beautiful pork with two forks and mix it with your favorite BBQ sauce. I usually go for about a cup or so, depending on how saucy you like it. You want each bite to be delightful and bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Now, let’s assemble those sliders! Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Cut the sweet rolls in half without separating them, like a beautiful little slider loaf. Brush the inside of the rolls with melted butter, a step that raises the flavor bar even more! Spoon generous portions of the pulled pork mixture on the bottom halves, top it off with a scoop of coleslaw for that crunchy texture, then cover with the top halves of the sliders.
Step 6: Place the assembled sliders in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake them for about 10-12 minutes until everything is warmed through, and the buns are toasty. Serve immediately, and watch your friends and family devour them!
Nutritional Facts
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per slider:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Total Fats: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
Storage and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? No worries! Store your pulled pork sliders in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the pulled pork separately; it’ll last up to three months in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until warm, covered with foil to maintain moisture. Alternatively, you can use a microwave in short 30-second bursts until heated through. Doesn’t that sound easy?
Serving Suggestions
These Pulled Pork Sliders shine on their own, but let’s make them even more special! Serve them alongside some sweet potato fries or crispy coleslaw for a delightful combo. You can add some pickles or jalapeños on the side to kick up the flavors as well. And here’s a thought—why not offer a variety of BBQ sauces on the table? This way, everyone gets to customize their sliders just the way they like. It’s all about creating that perfect bite!
Reader Tips or Helpful Notes
Don’t hesitate to experiment! Want extra spice? Try adding some chili powder or cayenne to your pulled pork seasoning. Have a preference for a certain BBQ sauce? Go ahead and make it yours. Also, if you want to cut down on prep time, feel free to use pre-cooked pulled pork from the grocery store. Just be sure to warm it up and mix in some BBQ sauce for an authentic taste. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and making flavors that you love!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different meat for these sliders? Absolutely! Chicken or even jackfruit for a vegetarian option works great! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How do I make these sliders spicy? Add diced jalapeños to the pulled pork mixture or use a spicy BBQ sauce to give it that kick!
Can I prepare the pulled pork in advance? Yes! You can definitely make the pulled pork a day or two ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
Are Pulled Pork Sliders family-friendly? For sure! Kids love them, especially with the sweet rolls and the fun of assembling their own sandwiches!
Can I grill these sliders? Absolutely! Once assembled, you can grill the sliders to add that smokey flavor. Just wrap them in aluminum foil to keep them from falling apart on the grill.
