Craving a meal that packs a punch of flavor, feeds a crowd, and disappears in seconds? These Easy Pulled Pork Sliders are the answer! Sweet, tangy, and ever-so-satisfying, this is one of my favorite recipes to whip up for game day, backyard BBQs, or whenever you need weeknight comfort food with minimal fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Easy: There’s no need to spend hours in the kitchen—you’ll have a whole tray of Easy Pulled Pork Sliders out of the oven in under 30 minutes!
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of juicy pulled pork, buttery buns, and crisp coleslaw hits every single note: smoky, creamy, crunchy, and a touch sweet.
- Super Customizable: Prefer more BBQ sauce, want it spicy, need it dairy-free? No problem, these sliders are all about making them your own.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep them ahead for stress-free parties, picnics, or weeknight dinners!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Easy Pulled Pork Sliders is how each simple ingredient brings something special. From that creamy, zippy slaw to the glossy butter-brushed buns, every component builds up the “wow” factor in taste and texture.
- Mayonnaise: The luscious base of the slaw, it creates a creamy, balanced crunch.
- Dijon Mustard: Brings a subtle tang and a touch of heat to the coleslaw dressing.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds brightness, making the slaw refreshing!
- Onion Powder & Sea Salt: These seasonings tie everything together with savory depth.
- Slaw Mix (cabbage/carrot blend): Use pre-shredded for ultimate ease; it offers that essential crispy bite.
- Slider Buns: Soft, slightly sweet rolls are perfect for holding all the saucy goodness.
- Pulled Pork: Store-bought or homemade—both are fantastic. The star protein brings smoky comfort to every bite.
- BBQ Sauce (optional): Slather on for extra smoky-sweet, saucy flavor, or let guests customize.
- Butter: Melted with herbs and seeds, it transforms the buns into something decadent!
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a savory punch to the buttery topping.
- Onion Salt or Garlic Salt: A little extra flavor elevates the meltiness on top of the rolls.
- Poppy Seeds: That classic slider finish—they add visual appeal and subtle crunch.
Variations
What I love about Easy Pulled Pork Sliders is how adaptable they are. You can play with flavors, swap ingredients to suit dietary needs, or simply use what you have in the pantry—these sliders are built for creativity!
- Spicy Kick: Add a layer of sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ pork before baking for an extra hit of heat.
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan mayo in the slaw and dairy-free butter on the buns for an allergy-friendly version.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle sharp cheddar or pepper jack over the pork before baking for melty, gooey sliders.
- Pickle Lovers: Tuck thinly sliced dill pickles inside the sliders right before serving for crunch and zing.
How to Make Easy Pulled Pork Sliders
Step 1: Make the Coleslaw
In a large bowl, whisk together mayo, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, and sea salt to make your coleslaw dressing. Add the shredded cabbage and carrot mix, and toss until everything is coated and glistening. For the deepest, most flavorful slaw, let it chill in the fridge for a couple of hours before you assemble your sliders. The wait is worth it!
Step 2: Layer the Sliders
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Slice your slider buns in half horizontally, setting the tops aside. Place the bottom halves snugly in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Next, generously layer the pulled pork over the buns, drizzling BBQ sauce on top if you want saucy sliders. Pop the bun tops back on—they’re ready for their buttery spa treatment!
Step 3: Make the Buttery Topping
In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, Worcestershire sauce, onion salt (or garlic salt), and poppy seeds. Microwave just until the butter melts. Spoon or pour this fragrant mixture evenly over the tops of your slider buns, making sure those poppy seeds glisten on every roll.
Step 4: Bake to Gooey Perfection
Cover your dish with foil and bake for 10 minutes to get everything piping hot and melt the flavors together. Remove the foil and bake another 5 minutes, keeping an eye out for beautifully golden tops. The buns should look slightly crisp, glossy, and perfectly inviting!
Step 5: Add the Slaw and Serve
Let the sliders cool just a couple of minutes before carefully lifting the tops off. Pile in a generous spoonful of your homemade slaw, pop the tops back on, and get ready for happy faces all around. Serve immediately while warm for the ultimate Easy Pulled Pork Sliders experience!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Pulled Pork Sliders
- Best Texture Pulled Pork: For extra juicy sliders, choose pork with a little marbling, or toss store-bought pork with a bit of reserved cooking juices.
- Don’t Skip the Chill: Letting your slaw sit for at least 30 minutes before serving infuses every bite with flavor and makes for a crunchier topping.
- Sauce on the Side: Serving extra BBQ sauce alongside lets everyone adjust to their own sauciness preferences—especially if you have spice lovers and “plain food” fans at the table.
- Keep Sliders from Sogging: Only add slaw right before serving! If you’re prepping for a crowd, set up a “build-your-own” slider bar for the crispiest results.
How to Serve Easy Pulled Pork Sliders
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra poppy seeds, some fresh chopped parsley, or thinly sliced green onions on top of your Easy Pulled Pork Sliders adds color and a burst of freshness. You can even drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce or a spicy aioli for that chef’s kiss finish.
Side Dishes
Pair these sliders with classic sides like potato salad, sweet corn, baked beans, or crispy potato chips. For a lighter twist, toss together a simple mixed greens salad or serve alongside tangy pickles and veggie platters to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Build a slider bar with bowls of extra toppings (like pickles, jalapeños, and different slaws) and let everyone craft their own perfect Easy Pulled Pork Sliders. For parties, arrange them on a rustic cutting board or serve them on cocktail skewers for easy grabbing—party food made fabulous!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any sliders left (which is rare!), store them covered in the refrigerator. Keep the slaw separate for the crispiest results. They’ll stay tasty for up to 3 days—perfect for tomorrow’s lunch!
Freezing
Sliders freeze best before adding the slaw. Wrap cooled, baked sliders individually in foil and transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to two months—simply thaw and reheat for an instant taste of BBQ comfort.
Reheating
Reheat sliders wrapped in foil in a 300°F oven until warmed through (about 10-12 minutes). Refresh with a spoonful of fresh slaw or a drizzle of BBQ sauce right before serving for that “just baked” magic.
FAQs
-
Can I make Easy Pulled Pork Sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders (without the slaw) up to 4 hours ahead of time and store them covered in the fridge. Bake just before serving, then finish with the slaw for maximum crunch.
-
What’s the best way to make pulled pork if I don’t have time to cook it from scratch?
Store-bought pulled pork is a lifesaver—look for it in the refrigerated meat section. You can also use rotisserie chicken as a substitute for a quick protein swap and still enjoy delicious Easy Pulled Pork Sliders.
-
Can I make these sliders gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the slider buns for your favorite gluten-free rolls, and make sure your BBQ sauce and Worcestershire are certified gluten-free.
-
How can I keep the sliders warm for a party?
Keep them covered with foil in a warm (170°F) oven until ready to serve, or wrap them individually in foil and place in a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting. That way, everyone gets piping hot Easy Pulled Pork Sliders any time!
Final Thoughts
These Easy Pulled Pork Sliders have a knack for bringing people together and making any occasion feel like a celebration. If you haven’t tried this crowd-pleasing recipe yet, give it a spot on your next menu—I can’t wait for you to taste these saucy, savory little bites of joy!
PrintEasy Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Easy Pulled Pork Sliders are a perfect choice for a delicious and satisfying meal. Tender pulled pork, tangy coleslaw, and savory BBQ sauce come together in a mouthwatering slider that is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
Coleslaw Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 (9 oz.) package slaw (cabbage/carrot mix)
Slider Ingredients:
- 12 pack slider buns
- 3 cups pulled pork
- coleslaw (recipe above)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon onion salt or garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds
Instructions
- For coleslaw: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayo, mustard, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, and sea salt. Add the coleslaw mix and stir until well coated. Refrigerate for a couple of hours.
- For sliders: Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice buns, place the bottom halves in a dish, add pulled pork, BBQ sauce, and top buns. Melt butter, Worcestershire sauce, onion salt, and poppy seeds. Pour over buns, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Add slaw if desired before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to use a store-bought coleslaw mix.
- This recipe makes 12 sandwiches, with an average serving of 2 sliders per person.
- Sliders can be assembled up to 4 hours in advance and kept in the fridge.
- For serving at a party, keep sliders warm in a low oven or a slow cooker on the warm setting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg