Description
These Smoked BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer made with Hawaiian sweet rolls, smoky pulled pork, and a caramelized butter-brown sugar glaze. Ready in under 15 minutes, they are perfect for Labor Day parties, potlucks, or last-minute gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package (12 oz) Hawaiian sweet rolls (18–20 rolls)
- 3–4 cups shredded smoked pulled pork (680-900g)
- 1/2 cup thick BBQ sauce (e.g., Sweet Baby Ray’s)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: Shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
- Optional: Dill pickle slices
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to Broil (High) and position the rack 6 inches from the top element.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded pork and BBQ sauce. Mix thoroughly to coat every shred. Stir in the Dijon mustard.
- Place the entire slab of Hawaiian rolls into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Slice the slab horizontally through the middle to create a bottom and top half.
- Place the bottom half of the rolls in the dish. Spread the sauced pork mixture evenly over the bottom half. If using cheese, sprinkle it on top now.
- Place the top half of the rolls back onto the meat and gently press down to compress everything.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter with the brown sugar and garlic powder. Whisk until smooth and bubbly.
- Using a basting brush, generously coat the top of the roll slab with the butter mixture, getting into the crevices.
- Broil for 3-5 minutes, watching closely, until the tops are golden brown and caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes to allow the cheese and meat to set.
- Use a serrated knife to slice between the individual rolls. Serve warm.
Notes
Do not over-sauce the bottom bun to prevent sogginess. Broiling is preferred over baking for a crispy top. If hosting a party, cover loosely with foil after broiling to keep warm for up to 30 minutes. Do not freeze assembled sliders as the buns will become mushy; freeze the pork separately instead.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 18
Keywords: pulled pork sliders, BBQ sliders, Hawaiian rolls, Labor Day appetizer, easy party food, smoked pork, broiled sliders, crowd pleaser