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Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders for Game Day

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These incredibly tender and flavorful pulled pork sliders are made effortlessly in a slow cooker, perfect for game day gatherings. The smoky-sweet dry rub and simple braising liquid create a crowd-pleasing dish that disappears before halftime.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 4–5 pounds boneless pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 12–15 slider buns (brioche or potato rolls)
  • Your favorite barbecue sauce (smoky Kansas City-style recommended)
  • Coleslaw (for topping)
  • Pickle slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dry Rub: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well.
  2. Trim and Season the Pork: Place pork shoulder on a cutting board. Trim off large, thick pieces of fat. Pat pork dry with paper towels. Drizzle olive oil over pork and rub all over. Generously coat entire surface with dry rub, pressing it in.
  3. Sear the Pork (Optional but Recommended): Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat with a splash of oil. Sear pork shoulder on all sides until deeply browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  4. Assemble in the Slow Cooker: Place seared (or unseared) pork into slow cooker. Add smashed garlic cloves and bay leaf. In a small measuring cup, whisk together chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour mixture around the pork, not directly over the top.
  5. Cook Low and Slow: Cover slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 5-6 hours, until pork is fork-tender and shreds easily.
  6. Shred the Pork: Carefully remove pork from slow cooker and place on a large cutting board or bowl. Discard bay leaf and garlic cloves. Using two forks, shred pork into bite-sized pieces. Remove any large chunks of fat.
  7. Add Back Some Liquid: Pour about 1/2 to 1 cup of cooking liquid over shredded pork. Stir to combine. Add barbecue sauce if desired (about 1/2 cup).
  8. Keep Warm: Return shredded pork to slow cooker and set to ‘Warm’ setting until ready to serve.

Notes

For best results, use a well-marbled pork shoulder. Searing the pork adds significant flavor. Avoid peeking during cooking to maintain temperature. Toast slider buns for added crunch. Leftover pulled 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, game day recipe, pork shoulder, easy pulled pork, crowd-pleasing, barbecue sliders

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/best-slow-cooker-pulled-pork-sliders-for-game-day/