These BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders on Hawaiian rolls are a delightful treat! The sweet rolls perfectly complement the tender, juicy pulled pork, making each bite a burst of flavor.
Honestly, these sliders are like little hugs for your taste buds! I love serving them at parties because they’re so easy to eat, and who doesn’t enjoy BBQ goodness on a sweet roll?
Making them is a breeze; just slow-cook the pork, mix in your favorite BBQ sauce, and pile it on those fluffy rolls. Perfect for game day—or any day, really!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is great for pulling because it’s tender and flavorful. If it’s unavailable, try using pork loin, but keep in mind it’s leaner and may need careful cooking to prevent drying out.
Barbecue Sauce: You can use store-bought sauce for convenience, but making your own gives a personal touch! If you’re looking for healthier options, try no-sugar-added sauces or even a homemade vinegar-based sauce.
Cayenne Pepper: This is optional but adds a lovely kick. If you prefer milder flavors, you can skip it or use smoked paprika instead for some aroma without the heat.
Hawaiian Rolls: These sweet rolls are perfect for this recipe. If you want a less sweet option, regular dinner rolls or slider buns work well too. Gluten-free rolls are available if needed.
How Do You Shred Pork for Sliders?
Shredding the pork properly ensures it’s light and fluffy for the sliders. Here’s a quick guide:
- After slow cooking, let the pork rest for 10 minutes. This makes it easier to handle.
- Use two forks or your hands (with gloves) to pull apart the meat. Start from the grain for easier shredding.
- Discard any large fatty pieces, but feel free to keep some fat for flavor.
For added tenderness, mix the shredded pork back into the cooking juices before assembling your sliders. This keeps everything juicy and flavorful!
BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders On Hawaiian Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pulled Pork:
- 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (also known as pork butt), trimmed
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 cup chicken broth or water (for slow cooking)
For the Sliders:
- 24 Hawaiian rolls (dinner size)
- 1 cup coleslaw (optional, for topping)
- Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes for prep and around 8 to 10 hours for cooking in the slow cooker. Once the pork is cooked and shredded, assembly is quick and easy! So set aside a day to enjoy delicious sliders—perfect for gatherings or a casual family meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Shoulder:
Start by patting the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. In a small mixing bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Rub this mixture evenly all over the pork for a flavorful kick!
2. Slow Cook the Pork:
Place the seasoned pork shoulder into your slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth (or water) around the pork to keep it nice and moist during the cooking process. Cover and set your slow cooker to cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for about 5 hours until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
3. Shred the Pork:
Once the pork is cooked, carefully take it out of the slow cooker and place it on a large plate or cutting board. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces and discard any large bits of fat. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the remaining juices. Add the barbecue sauce and stir well to coat the meat completely. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes on low.
4. Assemble the Sliders:
While the pulled pork is soaking up that BBQ goodness, slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally but keep the bottom and top halves together as a single piece for each slider. Remove the top halves and pile generous portions of the BBQ pulled pork onto the bottom halves. Feel free to add a bit more BBQ sauce over the meat if you like it saucy!
5. Add Coleslaw and Serve:
If desired, add a spoonful of coleslaw on top of the pulled pork for that extra crunch and flavor. Top it off with the roll’s top half to complete your sliders. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro if you’d like to make it look extra pretty.
6. Enjoy!
Arrange the sliders on a serving platter and enjoy them warm! These BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are fantastic paired with fries, pickles, or a side salad for a delicious meal that’ll leave everyone coming back for seconds!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder is ideal for shredding, you can also use pork loin or even chicken. Just keep in mind that pork loin is leaner and may dry out if overcooked, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To keep the rolls fresh, store them separately from the pork. Reheat the pork on the stove or in the microwave, and assemble your sliders just before serving.
Can I Make the Pulled Pork in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pulled pork a day or two in advance! After cooking and shredding the pork, pour it into a container with some juices and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply reheat it on low heat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit more BBQ sauce if desired.
What Can I Serve with the Sliders?
These sliders pair wonderfully with a variety of sides! Consider serving them with fries, potato salad, coleslaw, or pickles. A simple green salad or baked beans would also complement the flavors perfectly.
