These Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders are the kind of recipe busy families dream about—minimal prep, big flavor, and guaranteed smiles around the table. Tender pork slow-cooked in warm spices, finished with tangy BBQ sauce, and tucked into soft Hawaiian rolls with a cool, crunchy coleslaw… it’s pure comfort wrapped in a slider bun. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping ahead for a stress-free meal, or setting out an irresistible appetizer buffet, these sliders bring all the cozy, festive energy with almost no hands-on work.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Pulled Pork Sliders have become a Christmas Eve tradition at our house. If there’s ever been a recipe that just gets you during the holidays, it’s this one. These slow-cooker pulled pork sliders are the definition of low-effort, high-reward—exactly what busy holiday energy calls for.
While you’re wrapping last-minute gifts, wrangling kids, or prepping for family to arrive, the slow cooker does every bit of the heavy lifting. And the payoff? Juicy, tender pork that tastes like you put way more work into it than you actually did.
What I love most about this recipe is how flexible and crowd-friendly it is. Picky eaters, big eaters, teens who wander through the kitchen every 20 minutes looking for snacks—everyone finds something they love here. The sweet Hawaiian rolls, tangy BBQ, and crunchy slaw hit that perfect balance of comfort and freshness. And because everything can be prepped ahead, it keeps the day calm and stress-free, which honestly feels like the biggest Christmas miracle of all.
This is one of those dishes that quietly becomes a tradition, the kind of thing your family starts asking for every year. It’s easy, it’s cozy, and it brings people together—exactly what holiday meals should do.
1. Let the rub rest for deeper flavor.
A 4–12 hour rest gives the pork time to absorb the smoky, sweet seasonings. If you’re in a hurry, even 30 minutes helps.
2. Cook low and slow for the most tender pork.
Low for 8–10 hours is ideal for shreddable, melt-in-your-mouth texture, especially for Christmas Eve when you want it ready by dinner.
3. Keep the fat cap on during cooking.
It bastes the pork naturally and keeps it juicy—trim excess after cooking.
4. Don’t skip the onions and liquid.
They prevent the pork from drying out and infuse delicious flavor into the final BBQ mixture.
5. Balance the sauce.
Stir in BBQ sauce after shredding, not before, to control moisture and sweetness. Add cooking liquid as needed.
6. Chill the coleslaw.
A 30-minute rest in the fridge helps the dressing absorb and softens the cabbage slightly—perfect for slider topping.
7. Make it buffet-style.
Set out toppings like pineapple, jalapeños, shredded cheese, and extra BBQ sauce so guests can build their own.
Can I make the pulled pork ahead of time?
Yes! Slow-cooker pulled pork reheats beautifully. Cook and shred up to 2 days ahead, store in its juices, and warm on the stovetop or slow cooker.
Can I cook the pork faster on high?
Yes—5–6 hours on high works when you’re short on time, though low gives the best tenderness.
How do I keep sliders warm for serving?
Keep shredded pork on the warm setting of your slow cooker. Assemble sliders just before serving or bake them with foil for a melty finish.
Do I have to use BBQ sauce?
No—other options include honey mustard, chipotle mayo, Carolina vinegar sauce, or cranberry BBQ for a holiday twist.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use an 8–10 quart slow cooker or cook in two batches.
How spicy is this?
The rub is mild by default. Add or omit cayenne depending on your family’s preference.
This pork makes fantastic leftovers- and is super versatile! Here are some of our favorite ways to serve them. Whenever I make this recipe, I make sure to double up so I know I’ll have plenty of pork to use for later meals.
1. BBQ Pulled Pork Quesadillas
Add cheese, pork, and pineapple to a tortilla. Toast until melty.
2. Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese Bowls
Stir BBQ pork into homemade or boxed mac for an easy next-day meal.
3. Pork + Egg Breakfast Scramble
Add pork to scrambled eggs with bell peppers for a cozy holiday morning breakfast.
4. Loaded Baked Potatoes
Top potatoes with pork, cheese, and slaw.
5. Holiday Pulled Pork Nachos
Layer pork, cheese, cranberries or jalapeños, and drizzle BBQ sauce.
More Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes:
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders
These slow-cooker pulled pork sliders bring family-friendly, tender, and flavorful meat that stays juicy and melts in your mouth. With a perfect balance of a smoky dry rub, tangy BBQ sauce, and crisp coleslaw, they’re a crowd-pleaser for busy families on holiday or weeknight gatherings.
Servings: 12
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Mix the dry rub: combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
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Pat the pork shoulder dry and rub the spice mix all over. Wrap and refrigerate for 4-12 hours for best flavor.
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Place sliced onion in the slow cooker bottom; set pork on top, fat side up. Pour apple cider vinegar and beer or apple juice around the pork.
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Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 5-6 hours until pork is fork tender.
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Remove pork from slow cooker and let rest 10 minutes before shredding with forks.
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Skim fat from cooking liquid, then return shredded pork to slow cooker with BBQ sauce and splash of cooking liquid. Mix and keep warm.
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Make coleslaw by combining coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes.Slice Hawaiian rolls in half. Layer pulled pork, drizzle extra BBQ sauce, and top with coleslaw. Add optional toppings like pickled onions, cheese, or pineapple tidbits if desired.
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For an optional finish, place assembled sliders on a baking tray, brush tops with melted butter mixed with garlic and brown sugar, cover loosely with foil, and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warm and golden.