BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Coleslaw

Introduction

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Coleslaw are a delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish that combines tender, slow-cooked pulled pork with tangy, crunchy coleslaw, all served on soft slider buns. The smoky, savory pork pairs perfectly with the creamy, crisp coleslaw, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite.

These sliders are ideal for game day, parties, or casual family dinners. They’re easy to serve, fun to eat, and offer a restaurant-quality taste that’s achievable at home. With the combination of tender pulled pork, smoky BBQ sauce, and refreshing coleslaw, this dish is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s utterly satisfying and versatile. The pulled pork is juicy, flavorful, and melts in your mouth, while the coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the meat. It’s one of those recipes that’s fun to make, easy to assemble, and always a crowd-pleaser.

It’s also perfect for entertaining—guests can serve themselves, and the sliders are portable, making them ideal for parties or potlucks. The combination of smoky, tangy, and creamy flavors keeps everyone coming back for more, and the recipe can easily be scaled up for larger gatherings.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Juicy, flavorful pulled pork with perfectly balanced BBQ sauce.
• Refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and creaminess.
• Easy to assemble for quick entertaining or weeknight meals.
• Perfect for parties, game day, or casual family dinners.
• Versatile—can serve as sliders, sandwiches, or even over rice for a main course.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating, if applicable)
• Cook Time: 6–8 hours (slow cooker) or 2–3 hours (oven)
• Total Time: 6–8 hours (slow cooker)
• Servings: 8–10 sliders
• Calories: ~420 calories per slider

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: American / BBQ
• Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Ingredients

For the Pulled Pork:

• 2–3 lb (900–1,400 g) pork shoulder or pork butt
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Coleslaw:

• 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or a mix of green and purple)
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Serving:

• 8–10 slider buns
• Extra BBQ sauce for drizzling
• Pickles (optional)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Season and slow-cook the pork until tender, then shred.
2. Mix shredded pork with BBQ sauce.
3. Prepare coleslaw by combining cabbage, carrots, and dressing.
4. Assemble sliders with pulled pork, coleslaw, and slider buns.
5. Serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce if desired.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Pulled Pork

1. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
3. Place pork in a slow cooker. Add apple cider vinegar and chicken broth.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4 hours, until pork is tender and easily shredded.

Step 2: Shred the Pork

1. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
2. Mix shredded pork with 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Keep warm.

Step 3: Prepare Coleslaw

1. In a bowl, combine shredded cabbage and carrots.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over cabbage mixture and toss until evenly coated. Chill until ready to serve.

Step 4: Assemble Sliders

1. Slice slider buns in half.
2. Layer each bun with a generous portion of pulled pork and top with coleslaw.
3. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce and add pickles if desired.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve immediately while warm.
2. Offer extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

How to Serve

• As appetizers at parties or game days.
• As a main dish with sides like baked beans, corn on the cob, or potato salad.
• Serve with chips or fries for a casual meal.
• Perfect for buffets—guests can assemble sliders themselves.

Additional Recipe Tips

• For extra flavor, marinate the pork with spices overnight.
• Use soft, slightly sweet slider buns for the perfect bite.
• Adjust coleslaw creaminess by adding more or less mayonnaise.
• Pulled pork can also be heated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes if needed.

Variations

• Spicy Pulled Pork: Add hot sauce or chipotle peppers to the BBQ sauce.
• Vinegar Slaw: Use a vinegar-based coleslaw for a tangier bite.
• Buns Alternatives: Serve on brioche buns or cornbread muffins.
• Slow Cooker-Free Version: Roast pork shoulder in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 2.5–3 hours until tender.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store pulled pork in an airtight container for up to 4 days; coleslaw separately for 2 days.
• Freezing: Pulled pork freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheating: Warm shredded pork on the stovetop or microwave; add a splash of BBQ sauce to retain moisture.

Special Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker or oven-proof roasting pan
• Forks for shredding pork
• Mixing bowls for coleslaw
• Knife and cutting board

Conclusion

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Coleslaw are flavor-packed, tender, and irresistible. The combination of smoky pulled pork, tangy coleslaw, and soft slider buns makes them a perfect crowd-pleaser for parties, game days, or casual dinners. Easy to make, fun to serve, and satisfying in every bite, this recipe is a must-try for BBQ lovers and comfort food enthusiasts.