Print

Easy Crockpot Pulled Pork Sliders for Labor Day

Easy Crockpot Pulled Pork Sliders for Labor Day - featured image
Print Recipe

These Easy Crockpot Pulled Pork Sliders are perfect for Labor Day gatherings. The slow cooker does all the work, delivering tender, smoky pulled pork that’s juicy and flavorful, served on soft toasted buns with tangy slaw or pickled onions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds pork shoulder (or pork butt)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 12 slider buns
  • For the quick pickled onions (optional): 1 red onion (thinly sliced), 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt
  • For the coleslaw (optional): 2 cups shredded cabbage mix, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the pork. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Trim any large chunks of fat, but leave some. Cut the pork into 3-4 large chunks if needed.
  2. Make the dry rub. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using. Mix well.
  3. Season the meat. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork chunks. Let the seasoned pork sit for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
  4. Add broth to the crockpot. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of your slow cooker.
  5. Place the pork in the crockpot. Arrange the chunks in a single layer as much as possible. Pour any excess rub from the bowl over the top.
  6. Cook low and slow. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours, or on HIGH for 5-6 hours. The pork is ready when it shreds easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches at least 200°F.
  7. Shred the pork. Carefully transfer the pork to a cutting board or large bowl. Reserve about 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Using two forks or meat claws, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Discard any large pieces of fat.
  8. Add BBQ sauce. Return the shredded pork to the crockpot (or a large bowl). Pour in 1 cup of BBQ sauce and about 1/2 cup of the reserved cooking liquid. Stir to combine. Taste and add more sauce if desired. Let it sit on warm for 15-20 minutes.
  9. Toast the buns. Split the slider buns in half and place them cut-side up on a baking sheet. Brush lightly with melted butter if desired. Broil on high for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
  10. Assemble the sliders. Pile the pulled pork onto the bottom buns. Top with pickled onions or coleslaw if using. Add the top buns and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t open the lid during cooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches 200-205°F. Skim the fat from the cooking liquid before adding back to the meat. Toast the buns right before serving to prevent sogginess. The pork can be made ahead and reheated.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/easy-crockpot-pulled-pork-sliders-for-labor-day/