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Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders for Game Day

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These easy slow cooker pulled pork sliders are perfect for game day, requiring just 10 minutes of active prep. The pork comes out incredibly tender and flavorful, making you look like a kitchen hero without spending all day cooking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 to 5 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 to 15 slider buns (brioche recommended)
  • Coleslaw (optional)
  • Pickles (dill pickles)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Trim off large pieces of excess fat, leaving some for flavor and moisture. Let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Mix well.
  3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, pressing it into the meat to coat completely.
  4. Optional but recommended: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Sear the pork shoulder for 2 to 3 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms.
  5. Pour chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce into the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Stir briefly. Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the slow cooker, fat side up.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds. (Alternatively, cook on high for 5 to 6 hours.)
  7. About 30 minutes before the pork is done, combine all sauce ingredients (ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper) in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and glossy.
  8. Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and place on a cutting board or large bowl. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any large pieces of fat.
  9. Pour about half the BBQ sauce over the shredded pork and toss to coat evenly. Add more sauce as desired. Reserve remaining sauce for serving.
  10. Split slider buns and toast lightly if desired. Pile pulled pork onto bottom halves, add coleslaw if using, and top with pickles. Place top buns on and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, sear the pork before slow cooking. Let the pork rest for 10 to 15 minutes before shredding to retain juices. Toast the buns to prevent sogginess. Leftover pulled pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker pulled pork, pulled pork sliders, game day recipe, easy pulled pork, BBQ pulled pork, slow cooker recipe, party food

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