Pulled Pork Sliders with Homemade BBQ Sauce

Introduction

Bring a taste of the ranch to your table with these tender pulled pork sliders, smothered in a tangy homemade BBQ sauce. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or game day snacks, these sliders are as flavorful as they are easy to prepare. Make them ahead of time for stress-free entertaining!

Ingredients

For the Pulled Pork:

• 2 lbs. pastured pork shoulder

• 1 cup chicken broth or water

• 1 tbsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp cumin

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup ketchup

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

For the BBQ Sauce (continued):

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sliders:

• 12 slider buns

• 1/4 cup butter, melted

• Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, sliced onions

Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker or Dutch oven

• Small saucepan (for BBQ sauce)

• Forks (for shredding pork)

• Baking sheet (for toasting buns)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pulled Pork:

1. Season the Pork:

• Rub the pork shoulder with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

2. Cook the Pork:

• Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker or Dutch oven. Add the chicken broth or water.

• For a slow cooker: Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.

• For a Dutch oven: Cover and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 4-5 hours, checking periodically to ensure it stays moist.

3. Shred the Pork:

• Once the pork is tender and falls apart easily, remove it from the cooker. Shred the meat using two forks and set aside.

Make the BBQ Sauce:

1. Combine Ingredients:

• In a small saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Simmer the Sauce:

• Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly (about 10 minutes). Adjust seasoning to taste.

3. Mix with Pork:

• Pour half of the BBQ sauce over the shredded pork and mix until well-coated. Reserve the rest for serving.

Assemble the Sliders:

1. Toast the Buns:

• Brush the slider buns with melted butter and toast in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until golden.

2. Build the Sliders:

• Add a generous scoop of pulled pork onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with coleslaw, pickles, or onions if desired.

• Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce and place the top bun on each slider.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crispy potato chips, fries, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

• Pair with lemonade or iced tea for a classic backyard barbecue vibe.

• Make it a party platter by offering variations like spicy BBQ sauce or Hawaiian buns.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per slider)

• Calories: 320

• Protein: 18g

• Carbohydrates: 22g

• Fat: 18g

Conclusion

Pulled pork sliders with homemade BBQ sauce are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining smoky, tangy, and savory flavors into every bite. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or planning a casual dinner, these sliders are sure to impress. Make them ahead of time and enjoy stress-free entertaining with a dish that everyone will love.