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Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders (Best 30-Minute Recipe)

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Tender, sweet, and smoky pulled pork made in a slow cooker with a secret ingredient—root beer. Perfect for game days, potlucks, or a lazy weeknight dinner, these sliders are incredibly easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 lbs pork shoulder (pork butt)
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup root beer (not diet)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 12 slider buns (brioche or potato rolls)
  • 1 cup coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (e.g., Sweet Baby Ray’s)
  • Pickles (dill, optional)

Instructions

  1. Trim the pork shoulder: Place the pork on a cutting board and trim off large pieces of excess fat, leaving a thin layer (about 1/4 inch).
  2. Mix the spice rub: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir until evenly mixed.
  3. Season the pork: Pat the pork dry with paper towels. Generously coat all sides with the spice mixture, pressing it in. Let sit for 10 minutes (or refrigerate for up to overnight for deeper flavor).
  4. Prepare the slow cooker: Place the seasoned pork in the slow cooker. Add root beer, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaves. The liquid should come about halfway up the pork; add a splash more root beer or water if needed.
  5. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 5-6 hours, until the meat is fork-tender.
  6. Check for doneness: Insert a fork into the pork; it should twist easily and the meat should start falling apart. If not, cook for another hour on low.
  7. Remove and shred: Using tongs, transfer the pork to a cutting board or baking sheet. Let rest for 5-10 minutes. Discard bay leaves. Shred the meat with two forks.
  8. Skim and season the liquid: Pour the cooking liquid into a fat separator or bowl. Skim off the fat. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the defatted liquid and pour it over the shredded pork. Toss to coat.
  9. Add barbecue sauce (optional): Stir in 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, or serve on the side.
  10. Assemble the sliders: Split the buns. Optionally toast them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Pile about 1/3 cup of pulled pork onto each bottom bun. Top with coleslaw and pickles. Place the top bun on and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, sear the seasoned pork in a hot skillet with oil before adding to the slow cooker. Do not lift the lid during cooking. Shred the pork while it’s still warm. Leftover pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker pulled pork, pulled pork sliders, easy pulled pork, root beer pulled pork, game day recipe, potluck recipe, pork shoulder recipe

Find it online: https://recipebelle.com/easy-slow-cooker-pulled-pork-sliders-best-30-minute-recipe/