How to Make Pulled Pork Sliders: A Comprehensive Guide

Pulled pork sliders are a delectable culinary delight that combines the tangy flavors of barbecue sauce with the tender texture of pulled pork, all nestled within soft and fluffy slider buns. These bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive parties. This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and variations to create mouthwatering pulled pork sliders that will tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients

For the Pulled Pork:

• 4-5 pounds pork butt or shoulder
• 1/2 tablespoon salt
• 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 12 ounces pineapple juice

For the Butter Sauce:

• 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger

For the Sliders:

• 3 cups pulled pork
• 2/3 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup pineapple tidbits, drained
• 12 Hawaiian dinner rolls
• 4 slices pepper jack cheese

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
• French fried onions or red onion

Instructions

Preparing the Pulled Pork:

1. Place the pork butt or shoulder in a slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and pineapple juice. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the pork.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
4. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.

Assembling the Sliders:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sesame seeds, minced garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, and ginger to create the butter sauce.
4. Slice the Hawaiian dinner rolls in half, separating the tops from the bottoms.
5. Place the bottom halves of the rolls on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Brush a few tablespoons of the butter sauce onto the bottom halves of the rolls.
7. Layer the pulled pork evenly over the rolls.
8. Sprinkle the drained pineapple tidbits over the pulled pork.
9. Top with slices of pepper jack cheese.
10. Place the tops of the rolls onto the sandwiches.
11. Brush the remaining butter sauce over the tops of the rolls.
12. Cover the rolls loosely with foil.
13. Bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the rolls are lightly browned and the cheese is melted.
14. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing into individual sliders.

Tips

• For a sweeter flavor, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar to the butter sauce.
• If you don’t have Hawaiian dinner rolls, you can use regular slider buns or even small dinner rolls.
• To keep the sliders warm for a party, cover them with foil and place them in a warm oven (170°F) until serving.
• You can also make the sliders ahead of time and reheat them in the oven before serving.
• For a healthier option, use whole-wheat slider buns and lean ground pork.

Variations

• Spicy Sliders: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pulled pork mixture for a spicy kick.
• Coleslaw Sliders: Top the sliders with a creamy coleslaw for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
• Bacon Sliders: Add crumbled bacon to the pulled pork mixture for a smoky and savory flavor.
• Hawaiian Sliders: Use pineapple slices instead of tidbits and add a slice of Swiss cheese for a tropical twist.
• BBQ Sliders: Brush the tops of the rolls with barbecue sauce before baking for an extra burst of flavor.

Pulled pork sliders are a versatile and delicious dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer classic or spicy, sweet or savory, there’s a variation of this recipe that will satisfy your cravings. Follow these steps, experiment with different toppings and variations, and you’ll be able to create mouthwatering pulled pork sliders that will be the star of any gathering.