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Cozy Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe with Easy Homemade Creamy Coleslaw

pulled pork sliders - featured image

Tender, smoky pulled pork paired with a light, tangy creamy coleslaw on soft mini buns, perfect for cozy dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup beef or chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 3 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 slider buns or small soft rolls (brioche buns recommended)
  • Optional pickles or sliced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork dry with paper towels. Mix smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub the spice blend all over the pork shoulder, pressing into the meat.
  2. Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker. Pour broth and apple cider vinegar around the pork, not directly on top. Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until fall-apart tender. For Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 90 minutes then natural release.
  3. Combine shredded cabbage and carrots in a large bowl. Whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey (if using), salt, and pepper in a smaller bowl. Pour dressing over cabbage mixture and toss to coat evenly. Chill until ready to serve.
  4. Transfer cooked pork to a cutting board or bowl. Use two forks to shred meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding large fat chunks. Mix shredded pork with cooking liquid for moisture and flavor.
  5. Toast slider buns lightly if desired. Pile pulled pork on each bun, top with creamy coleslaw, and add pickles or jalapeños if using. Serve immediately.

Notes

If liquid evaporates during cooking, add more broth. Let pork rest 10 minutes before shredding to keep it juicy. Shred cabbage finely for best coleslaw texture. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Instant Pot method is faster but slow cooker develops deeper flavor. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Substitute Greek yogurt for half mayo for lighter coleslaw.

Nutrition

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