These BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders on Hawaiian rolls are a little taste of heaven! Sweet and savory pulled pork sits perfectly on soft, lightly sweet rolls that just melt in your mouth.
They’re super easy to make, and trust me, everyone will want seconds. I love serving them at parties—they disappear faster than you can say “yum!”🍖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is perfect for pulled pork due to its marbling. If you’re looking for a leaner option, use pork loin, but it may not be as tender. Chicken thighs can be a great substitute for a different flavor!
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought sauce, or make your own for a personal touch. If watching sugar intake, opt for a sugar-free BBQ sauce or a vinegar-based sauce. I love using a tangy, smoky sauce for added depth!
Hawaiian Rolls: These sweet rolls give a nice contrast to the savory pork. If you can’t find them, any soft dinner rolls will work. Some people prefer whole wheat rolls for a healthier twist—but I love the sweetness of the Hawaiian ones!
Coleslaw: This adds a fresh crunch. You can use store-bought coleslaw mix for convenience or make your own with shredded cabbage and carrots. For a lighter option, try a vinegar dressing instead of mayonnaise.
How Do I Ensure My Pulled Pork Is Tender and Flavorful?
The key to tender pulled pork is low and slow cooking. This method breaks down the connective tissues and fat in the meat, making it juicy and easy to shred. Here’s how to nail it:
- Rub the spice mix well into the meat for maximum flavor. Don’t rush it!
- Place onions and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker to help flavor the pork as it cooks.
- Cook on low heat for the full duration—this ensures tenderness. Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking!
After shredding the pork, mix it well with the sauce, and let it simmer a bit more in the slow cooker. This extra step helps the flavors meld wonderfully!
BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork:
- 3 to 4 lbs pork shoulder (pork butt), trimmed
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Sliders:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 package Hawaiian sweet rolls (12 sliders)
- 1 cup coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 8-10 hours of cooking time in the slow cooker. It’s great for meal prep or gatherings since you can let it cook throughout the day and enjoy delicious sliders in the evening!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork:
In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice blend all over the pork shoulder, pressing it firmly into the meat for maximum flavor.
2. Slow Cook the Pork:
Place the quartered onion and minced garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker. Set the seasoned pork on top. Pour the chicken broth (or water) around the pork, making sure not to wash away the spice rub.
3. Cook Until Tender:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or until the pork is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
4. Shred the Pork:
Once your pork is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a large bowl. Use two forks to pull the meat apart into bite-sized pieces.
5. Mix with BBQ Sauce:
Discard any excess fat from the liquid left in the slow cooker. Add your barbecue sauce to this liquid and give it a good stir to combine. Then, return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, tossing to coat the meat evenly. Let it warm together on low for about 15 to 20 minutes.
6. Assemble the Sliders:
Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Pile a generous amount of pulled pork onto the bottom half of each roll. Top the pork with a small spoonful of coleslaw for added crunch and flavor.
7. Final Touch:
Carefully place the top half of the roll over the coleslaw and gently press down to hold everything together.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Arrange the sliders on a serving platter and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if you like. These sliders are perfect for parties, gatherings, or a cozy night in—everyone will love them!
Enjoy your sweet and savory BBQ pulled pork sliders on soft Hawaiian rolls—it’s a guaranteed hit!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Absolutely! You can use pork loin or even chicken thighs for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that pork shoulder is ideal for its marbling, which makes the meat tender and juicy.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want to kick up the heat, consider adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice rub. You can also use a spicy BBQ sauce to give your sliders some extra zing!
Can I Prepare the Pulled Pork in Advance?
Yes! You can cook the pulled pork in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in the slow cooker or stovetop with a splash of BBQ sauce to keep it moist.
How Should I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the microwave or oven—just keep the bread from getting too dry!
