Flavorful Pulled Pork Slider Bar Board with 10 Easy Toppings Ideas
A smoky, tender pulled pork slider bar with a variety of easy toppings, perfect for casual gatherings and customizable bites.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (slow cooker low) or 1 hour 15 minutes (Instant Pot)
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes (slow cooker) or 1 hour 30 minutes (Instant Pot)
- Yield: 12-16 sliders 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup chicken broth or water
- 12–16 mini slider buns, split and lightly toasted
- Coleslaw (cabbage and carrot mix with creamy dressing)
- Pickled red onions
- Sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- Sliced dill pickles
- Cheddar cheese slices or shredded sharp cheddar
- Avocado slices or guacamole
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Honey mustard sauce
- Crispy fried onions
- Sliced fresh tomatoes
Instructions
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels.
- Mix smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.
- Rub the spice blend all over the pork, covering thoroughly (about 10 minutes).
- For slow cooker: Place pork in slow cooker, pour apple cider vinegar and chicken broth around it, cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours until tender.
- For Instant Pot: Place pork on trivet inside pot, add apple cider vinegar and broth, seal lid and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes, then let pressure release naturally for 15 minutes before quick releasing remaining pressure.
- Transfer pork to a large bowl and shred with two forks, discarding large pieces of fat.
- Pour barbecue sauce over shredded pork and toss gently to coat. Keep warm or set aside.
- Split and lightly toast slider buns in oven or skillet.
- Arrange toppings in small bowls or piles on a large board for easy access.
- Let guests assemble sliders with pulled pork and toppings as desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
If pork seems dry after shredding, stir in some cooking liquid or extra barbecue sauce. Reserve cooking juices before shredding to add moisture. For gluten-free, use almond flour buns or gluten-free rolls. For dairy-free, omit cheese or use plant-based alternatives. Pork shoulder fat should be trimmed but some left for moisture. Rest pork before shredding for juiciness. Sliders are best fresh but keep leftovers refrigerated up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One slider (includin
- Calories: 250300
- Fat: 1015
- Carbohydrates: 2025
- Fiber: 13
- Protein: 1822
Keywords: pulled pork, sliders, barbecue, party food, easy recipe, slow cooker, Instant Pot, toppings, backyard barbecue