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Best Easy BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders for Labor Day

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These Ultimate BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are tender, juicy, and packed with smoky-sweet flavor. Made in a slow cooker with a homemade BBQ sauce and topped with a crunchy apple slaw, they’re the perfect crowd-pleasing dish for your Labor Day cookout.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 4 to 5 pounds boneless pork shoulder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 ½ cups ketchup
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 to 16 slider buns (brioche recommended)
  • Easy Apple Slaw (shredded cabbage, grated apple, cider vinaigrette)
  • Pickle slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the dry rub: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne (if using), and dry mustard powder. Stir until evenly mixed. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the pork: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork, coating every side. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
  3. Sear the pork: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the pork for 3-4 minutes per side until a deep golden-brown crust forms.
  4. Make the BBQ sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Whisk together and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it bubble for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
  5. Slow cook the pork: Place the seared pork shoulder into the slow cooker. Pour the prepared BBQ sauce over the top. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 5-6 hours, until the pork is fall-apart tender.
  6. Shred the pork: Carefully transfer the cooked pork to a large cutting board or baking sheet. Using two forks or meat claws, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Remove any large pieces of fat that didn’t render down.
  7. Combine with sauce: Skim excess fat off the surface of the cooking liquid in the slow cooker. Pour about 1 cup of the liquid over the shredded pork and toss to coat. Add more sauce to your liking.
  8. Assemble the sliders: Split the slider buns and lightly toast them on a grill or in a dry skillet for about 1 minute. Pile a generous amount of pulled pork onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with a spoonful of easy apple slaw and a pickle slice if using. Place the top bun on and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip the sear—it builds deep flavor. Cook on LOW for best tenderness. Let the pork rest in the sauce for 10-15 minutes before shredding. Toast the buns to prevent sogginess. The pulled pork can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ pulled pork sliders, slow cooker pulled pork, Labor Day recipe, pulled pork sliders, easy pulled pork

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/best-easy-bbq-pulled-pork-sliders-for-labor-day/