Description

These grilled BBQ pulled pork sliders are the perfect stress-free party appetizer. Made with slow-cooked pork shoulder, a homemade tangy-sweet BBQ sauce, and toasted Hawaiian rolls, they feed a crowd easily and stay warm for hours.

Ingredients

Scale

6–7 pounds pork shoulder (butt)
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1–2 teaspoons hot sauce
20–24 Hawaiian rolls
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup water or apple cider vinegar (for slow cooker)

Instructions

Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, massaging it into the meat.
Place the pork in a slow cooker with 1/2 cup water or apple cider vinegar. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until fork-tender. (Alternatively, cook in an Instant Pot on HIGH pressure for 60 minutes with natural release for 15 minutes).
Transfer pork to a large bowl. Discard large fat chunks. Shred the meat using two forks.
Mix half of the BBQ sauce into the shredded pork to keep it moist.
In a saucepan, combine ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and hot sauce. Heat over medium heat until warm and combined. Set aside.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Slice the block of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally.
Place the bottom half of the buns on a baking sheet. Spread shredded pork evenly over the buns and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
Grill the open-faced sliders for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted and buns are lightly toasted.
Brush the top half of the buns with melted butter and place on top of the sliders.
Slice into individual sliders and serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce and pickles on the side.

Notes

Do not rush the cooking process; the pork needs to reach an internal temperature of 195-205°F to shred easily. Save the juices from the slow cooker and mix them into the BBQ sauce for extra flavor. The cheese creates a barrier that prevents the buns from getting soggy. You can cook and shred the pork up to 3 days in advance. Keep finished sliders warm in a slow cooker on low.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours
Category: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slider
Calories: 220
Sugar: 8
Sodium: 350
Fat: 8
Saturated Fat: 3
Carbohydrates: 22
Fiber: 1
Protein: 12

Keywords: pulled pork sliders, BBQ sliders, Labor Day recipes, party appetizers, grilled pork, slow cooker pork, Hawaiian roll sliders, crowd-pleasing recipes