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Easy Crockpot Pulled Pork Sliders For Game Day

Easy Crockpot Pulled Pork Sliders For Game Day - featured image

These Easy Crockpot Pulled Pork Sliders are perfect for game day—set it and forget it with minimal prep, then enjoy tender, saucy pork on soft buns. A crowd-pleasing recipe that tastes like you spent hours, but really just uses a slow cooker.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (for sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for sauce)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for sauce)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (for sauce)
  • 1216 slider buns (brioche recommended)
  • Coleslaw (optional, for serving)
  • Pickles (dill or bread-and-butter, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Remove pork shoulder from fridge 20 minutes before starting. Pat dry with paper towels. Trim thick fat caps, leaving a thin layer (about 1/4 inch).
  2. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
  3. Sprinkle dry rub all over pork shoulder and massage into every surface.
  4. Place seasoned pork in crockpot, fat side up. Pour chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke around the pork (not over the top).
  5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Do not lift lid for first 4 hours.
  6. Test doneness: pork should shred easily with a fork. If tough, cook 30-60 minutes more.
  7. While pork cooks, make BBQ sauce: In a small saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low and cook 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
  8. Using tongs, transfer cooked pork to a cutting board. Let rest 5 minutes. Shred with two forks (or meat claws), discarding large fat pieces or bone.
  9. Return shredded pork to crockpot. Pour about half the BBQ sauce over meat and toss to coat. Add more sauce as desired. Reserve remaining sauce for serving.
  10. Slice slider buns in half. Place cut-side up on a sheet pan and broil 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Watch carefully.
  11. Assemble sliders: spoon pulled pork onto bottom buns, add coleslaw if using, top with other bun half. Secure with toothpick if desired.

Notes

For best results, cook on low. Don’t lift the lid during the first 4 hours. Shred pork while warm. Leftovers keep 4 days in fridge or 3 months in freezer. For a smokier flavor, add extra liquid smoke or sear pork before slow cooking.

Nutrition

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