Easy Dr Pepper Pulled Ham Sliders Recipe Perfect for Parties

There’s something magical about the sweet and savory combination of ham paired with the bold, fizzy notes of Dr Pepper. These bite-sized Dr Pepper Pulled Ham Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, game days, or even a casual family dinner. The juicy pulled ham, slow-cooked to perfection, melts in your mouth, while the slider buns provide the perfect handheld vessel for this flavor-packed creation. Trust me, once you try these sliders, you’ll never look at ham the same way again!

This recipe is one of those gems that I stumbled upon while experimenting with leftover ham and a can of Dr Pepper sitting in my fridge. The result? A sticky, sweet, tangy masterpiece that had my friends asking for seconds—and thirds. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, planning a holiday gathering, or just looking for an easy way to impress, these sliders are your secret weapon. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing most of the work, this recipe is a breeze.
• Perfect for Parties: These sliders are crowd-friendly and easy to serve—no forks or knives required!
• Sweet & Savory Flavor Explosion: The Dr Pepper adds a unique sweetness that pairs perfectly with the smoky, salty ham.
• Versatile: You can customize the toppings, buns, and even the flavor profile to suit your preferences.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prep the pulled ham ahead of time and assemble the sliders right before serving—less stress, more fun!

What makes this recipe stand out is the balance of flavors. The Dr Pepper caramelizes beautifully as it cooks, creating a glaze that coats the ham in rich, sticky goodness. Paired with some tangy coleslaw and a soft slider bun, it’s the perfect bite. Plus, if you’re a fan of leftovers, this recipe is a great way to breathe new life into your holiday ham. Trust me, it’s a foolproof way to make sure everyone leaves the table satisfied!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create a show-stopping dish. Whether you’re grabbing items from your pantry or making a quick grocery run, the ingredients list is straightforward and flexible.

• Ham: 2 lbs of cooked ham, shredded or sliced (leftover ham works perfectly).
• Dr Pepper: 1 can (12 oz) for that sweet, fizzy magic.
• Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup for added caramel sweetness.
• Mustard: 2 tbsp of Dijon or yellow mustard for a tangy kick.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tbsp to balance the sweetness.
• Slider Buns: 12 soft slider buns or dinner rolls.
• Coleslaw: 2 cups, prepared or homemade (optional, but highly recommended).
• Pickles: Sliced dill pickles for a zesty touch (optional).

If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t worry! You can easily adapt this recipe. For instance, use another soda like root beer or cola if Dr Pepper isn’t available. The flavor will vary slightly, but it’ll still be delicious.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need fancy gadgets to whip up these sliders, but having the right tools will make things easier.

• Slow Cooker: Essential for tender, flavorful ham.
• Mixing Bowls: For combining the sauce ingredients and tossing coleslaw.
• Tongs: To shred and serve the ham.
• Knife: For slicing buns and pickles.
• Serving Tray: Perfect for presenting these bite-sized sliders at your gathering.

If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can use a large pot or Dutch oven on the stove—just keep the heat low and stir occasionally to avoid sticking. And if you’re short on serving trays, a wooden cutting board works wonderfully as a rustic alternative.

Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Ham: Place the shredded or sliced ham into your slow cooker.
2. Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine Dr Pepper, brown sugar, mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until well mixed.
3. Slow Cook: Pour the sauce over the ham in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to coat the ham evenly.
4. Check Texture: After 2 hours, check the ham. It should be tender and easy to pull apart. Use tongs or forks to shred it further if needed.
5. Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the slider buns to prevent sogginess when assembled.
6. Make the Coleslaw: If using homemade coleslaw, toss shredded cabbage with mayo, vinegar, and a pinch of sugar. Set aside.
7. Assemble the Sliders: Place a generous scoop of pulled ham on the bottom half of each bun. Add a spoonful of coleslaw and a pickle slice if desired. Top with the bun lid.
8. Serve: Arrange the sliders on a serving tray and serve warm. Enjoy!

Tip: If your sauce looks too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for 10-15 minutes in a saucepan to thicken it up before pouring it over the ham.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are a few tips to make your Dr Pepper Pulled Ham Sliders turn out perfectly every time:

• Choose the Right Ham: For the best results, use a fully cooked ham with a balance of lean meat and fat. The fat will help keep the ham tender and flavorful.
• Don’t Skip the Toasting: Toasted buns hold up better against the juicy pulled ham and prevent them from getting soggy.
• Make It Ahead: The pulled ham can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
• Adjust the Flavor: Taste the sauce before adding it to the ham. If you prefer it sweeter, add a bit more brown sugar. If you like more tang, increase the apple cider vinegar.
• Multitasking: While the ham cooks, prep your coleslaw and toast the buns to save time.

Pro Tip: If you’re serving these sliders at a party, keep the ham warm in the slow cooker and let guests assemble their own sliders. This way, they’re always fresh and delicious!

Variations & Adaptations

This recipe is incredibly versatile, and there are countless ways to make it your own! Here are some ideas:

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free slider buns or lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.
• Cheesy Goodness: Top the ham with a slice of cheddar or pepper jack cheese and pop the sliders under the broiler for a melty finish.
• Seasonal Adjustments: Swap coleslaw for fresh greens or arugula in the summer, or use cranberry sauce for a holiday twist.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ham with jackfruit for a plant-based alternative that mimics the texture of pulled meat.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Dr Pepper Pulled Ham Sliders are best served warm, right after assembling. Here are some serving and storage tips to make the most of your dish:

• Serving Ideas: Pair these sliders with a side of sweet potato fries, chips, or a fresh green salad. They’re also delicious with a cold glass of iced tea!
• Storage: Store leftover pulled ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: The pulled ham freezes well! Portion it into freezer bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm the ham in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water or Dr Pepper if it seems dry.

Bonus tip: The flavors of the pulled ham deepen as it sits, so leftovers taste even better the next day!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per slider (depending on the exact ingredients used):

• Calories: ~250
• Protein: ~15g
• Carbohydrates: ~20g
• Fat: ~10g

The ham provides a good source of protein, while the Dr Pepper glaze adds flavor without being overly indulgent. If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can use a sugar-free soda and skip the brown sugar. Just keep in mind that the sweetness is key to balancing the tanginess of the sauce.

Conclusion

Dr Pepper Pulled Ham Sliders are a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. They’re simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, feeding a hungry family, or simply craving something delicious, these sliders are guaranteed to hit the spot.

I love how this recipe allows for creativity—swap ingredients, add toppings, or make them your own. Cooking should be fun and flexible, and these sliders are the perfect canvas for your culinary imagination. So, grab a can of Dr Pepper and let’s get cooking!

If you try this recipe, let me know what you think in the comments below! I’d love to hear your variations or see photos of your sliders. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family—it’s too good to keep to yourself. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Can I use a different soda instead of Dr Pepper?

Yes, you can! Cola or root beer are great substitutes, though they’ll slightly change the flavor profile.

What type of ham works best?

A fully cooked ham with a good balance of lean meat and fat is ideal. Leftover holiday ham works wonderfully!

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the pulled ham in advance and assemble the sliders right before serving.

How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?

Toasting the buns helps prevent sogginess. You can also serve the pulled ham separately and let guests assemble their sliders.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free slider buns or lettuce wraps as a substitute.

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