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Easy Crockpot Pulled Pork Sliders Best Game Day Recipe

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Tender, juicy pulled pork sliders made effortlessly in a slow cooker with a perfectly balanced dry rub. Ideal for game day gatherings, this hands-off recipe delivers crowd-pleasing flavor with minimal prep.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth, low-sodium
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 12 to 16 slider buns (brioche or Hawaiian rolls)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, sliced red onion, pickled jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Trim the pork shoulder: Place pork on a cutting board and trim off large, thick pieces of fat, leaving a thin layer (about 1/4 inch).
  2. Mix the dry rub: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, cayenne (if using), and cumin. Whisk until evenly distributed.
  3. Apply the rub: Pat pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Sprinkle dry rub all over the meat, pressing into every surface. Let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes (or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor).
  4. Prepare the slow cooker: Pour chicken broth and apple cider vinegar into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Place seasoned pork shoulder into the cooker, fat side up.
  5. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 5-6 hours, until pork is fork-tender and internal temperature reaches at least 200°F.
  6. Shred the pork: Carefully transfer pork to a cutting board or baking sheet using tongs. Let rest for 10 minutes. Using two forks, shred into bite-sized pieces. Discard large chunks of unrendered fat.
  7. Add BBQ sauce: Return shredded pork to the slow cooker (discard most cooking liquid, leaving about 1/4 cup). Pour BBQ sauce over meat and stir to combine. Cook on LOW for 15-20 minutes.
  8. Toast the buns: Slice slider buns in half. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
  9. Assemble the sliders: Place a generous scoop of pulled pork on the bottom half of each bun. Add desired toppings (coleslaw, pickles, etc.). Place top bun on and serve immediately.

Notes

For deeper flavor, sear the pork shoulder in a hot skillet with oil before adding to the slow cooker. Resist lifting the lid during cooking. Save the strained cooking liquid for soups or rice. Leftover pulled pork freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot pulled pork, pulled pork sliders, game day recipe, slow cooker pork, easy pulled pork, BBQ sliders

Find it online: https://bakebeam.com/easy-crockpot-pulled-pork-sliders-best-game-day-recipe/