What do you get when tender, slow-cooked pulled pork meets homemade rolls and crisp vinegar slaw? These easy pulled pork sliders — perfect for game day, potlucks, or any casual gathering.
I found out there was a big game coming up — thanks to a friend — and decided sliders would be the ideal crowd-pleaser. These pulled pork sliders are built from three straightforward components: slow-cooker Southern-style pulled pork, soft yeast rolls, and a tangy vinegar slaw. Each part is simple to make and can be prepared ahead so assembly is fast when guests arrive.
Recipe Ingredients
Crockpot pulled pork
- A pork roast (about five pounds)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Brown sugar
- Apple cider vinegar
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Hot sauce
Easy yeast rolls
- All-purpose flour
- Sugar
- Salt
- Instant yeast
- Vegetable shortening
- Eggs
- Melted unsalted butter
- Warm water
Vinegar slaw
- Green cabbage or coleslaw mix
- White vinegar
- Sugar
Helpful Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker
- 9×13 baking dish
- Pastry brush
How to Make Pulled Pork Sliders
1. Make the Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Put the pork roast in the slow cooker.
Season with salt and pepper, then pour in the apple cider vinegar.
Cover and cook on low for about 12 hours (overnight works great).
Remove the roast and shred it easily with forks.
Reserve about two cups of the cooking liquid. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker.
Whisk the reserved liquid with brown sugar, hot sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes, then pour it over the pork and stir to combine. Keep warm on low or the warm setting until serving. This can be made ahead, refrigerated, and reheated.
2. Bake the Bread Rolls
Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl: sugar, salt, a portion of the flour, and yeast. Cut in shortening with a fork.
Add beaten eggs, the remaining flour, melted (and cooled) butter, and warm water. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
Cover with a towel and let rest in a warm spot for 20 minutes.
How to knead the dough
Flour your hands and surface. Press the dough into a ball, then push it with the heel of your hand, fold, and repeat two or three times.
Roll the dough into a rectangle about 3/4-inch thick, cut into squares, and arrange the pieces in a greased 9×13 pan.
Cover and let rise another 20 minutes. Brush the tops with melted butter and bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes, until golden brown. Brush again with butter when they come out of the oven.
3. Make the Vinegar Slaw
Place finely chopped or shredded cabbage (or coleslaw mix) in a large bowl.
Add white vinegar and sugar, stir, then cover and chill for a few hours or overnight. The flavors mellow and the slaw releases some juice as it sits.
4. Assemble Pulled Pork Sliders
Place a generous portion of pulled pork on each roll, top with vinegar slaw, and serve immediately.
These sliders are irresistible straight away — soft rolls, juicy pork, and tangy slaw make a perfect bite.
Storage
Serve sliders immediately for best texture. For storage guidance on each component, refrigerate the pulled pork, rolls, and slaw separately: pork and slaw keep well for 3–4 days, and rolls last 2–3 days at room temperature or longer in the fridge. Reheat pork gently in the microwave or a covered skillet; refresh rolls in a warm oven if desired.
Recipe Variations
Make this recipe your own with simple swaps:
- Substitute pulled barbecue chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken for pork.
- Use store-bought coleslaw or another slaw recipe if you prefer a creamier option.
- Use store-bought dinner rolls, brioche, or Hawaiian rolls instead of homemade.
- Add different toppings — see suggestions in the next section.
Toppings & FAQs
Toppings that pair well
- Dill pickles
- Mustard (yellow, Dijon, or wholegrain)
- French fried onions or caramelized onions
- Fresh or pickled jalapeños
- Ranch dressing or barbecue sauce
- Potato chips for crunch
- Pickled onions, cheddar, provolone, Havarti, or pepper jack
- Pineapple pieces or crispy bacon
How to keep sliders warm for a party
Cover assembled sliders with foil if they’ll sit out briefly. For longer service, wrap individually in foil and keep them in a slow cooker on the warm setting or in a low oven until ready to serve.
Do buns need to be toasted?
Toasting is optional. Lightly toasting or warming rolls in the oven or air fryer adds texture and helps prevent sogginess from the pork juices.
What rolls and pork cuts work best?
Brioche or Hawaiian rolls are excellent store-bought options. For the roast, pork shoulder or pork butt gives the best, juicy pulled pork.
You may also like these recipes:
Breakfast Sliders With Sausage & Cornbread
Juicy Ground Pork Burgers (With a Surprise Ingredient)
Smoked Burger Recipe
Ham and Swiss Sliders
Meatloaf Burgers
Enjoy — touchdown for your taste buds!