These bbq pulled pork sliders are the ultimate tailgate and game day bite. They're the kind of appetizer that disappears before kickoff--messy in the best way and guaranteed to satisfy all your taste buds thanks to a trifecta of smoky and tender pulled pork, tangy coleslaw, and sweet bbq sauce.
As an avid SEC football tailgater, I've had my fair share of gameday appetizers and munchies, and I like to think of myself as an expert when it comes to football food. Plus, as a Southern girl who literally wrote a barbecue cookbook, you could say I know a thing or two about the subject 😉.
These sliders bring together three of my favorite Little Black Skillet recipes: Dutch Oven pulled pork, tangy cabbage coleslaw, and either Carolina gold bbq sauce or Western NC apple cider vinegar barbecue sauce.
The good news? If you don't feel like making those recipes from scratch, you can just as easily take shortcuts with store-bought pork, deli slaw, and bottled sauce. However you make them, they're guaranteed to disappear fast.
And speaking of amazing tailgating recipes: if you want some more ideas for your game day table, I bet you'll love my layered taco dip recipe, Southern caviar, and dill pickle dip recipes. We can't forget about something sweet, so these crowd-pleasing chewy marshmallow cookies with pretzels and chocolate chips are a must.
Finally, if you need a fun beverage, I love to make a big batch of my grapefruit Topo Chico cocktail. And, if you're in the mood for even more mini sandwiches, you've got to try these Italian sliders. Enough about that though--let's get to the main event: those bbq sliders!
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Ingredients
Before we get started, let's gather the ingredients we need for this pork slider recipe:
- leftover Dutch oven pulled pork
- tangy Cava cabbage slaw
- carolina gold bbq sauce or western carolina bbq sauce
- soft Hawaiian rolls
- butter
- dill pickles
(See recipe card for quantities.)
Instructions
Now that we've got our ingredients, it's time to get cooking!
- First, make the pulled pork barbecue and shred pork with two forks or heat up leftover shredded pork in a medium saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
- Then, make the red cabbage coleslaw.
- Next, remove the rolls from the package and split using a serrated knife. (Keep the rolls intact if possible.) Brush the cut sides with butter and toast in a cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat.
- Finally, carefully separate the rolls and divide the pork onto the bottom halves of the slider rolls. Spoon the slaw on top of the pork, followed by the slaw, bbq sauce, and pickles. Replace each top bun and serve.
Hint: Buttering and toasting the rolls not only give them an extra layer of flavor; it also prevents them from getting soggy.
Substitutions
Need to make some ingredient swaps? Here are some ideas:
- Pulled pork - If you don't have leftover pulled pork or don't want to start from scratch and make my homemade pulled pork recipe, pick up about 1 ½ pounds of pulled pork from your favorite barbecue joint. Or, shredded rotisserie chicken is another great option.
- Slaw - Grab a package of coleslaw mix and some bottled slaw dressing for a quick rendition of this side dish. Or, head to the deli and find some prepared coleslaw instead.
- Pickles - I love the tangy and sour crunch a dill pickle gives to these sandwiches but feel free to use bread-and-butter pickles or a spicy pickle instead.
- Rolls - Instead of Hawaiian rolls, use your favorite slider buns instead. Try brioche buns, potato rolls, or even mini ciabatta to change it up.
- BBQ sauce - I'm biased and prefer either my Carolina gold sauce or vinegar-based sauce but any style works. Grab your favorite bottled sauce or make your own!
Variations
Check out some more ways to change up these bbq pork sliders:
- Spicy - Love food with a kick? Add pickled jalapeños or drizzle these easy pulled pork sliders with hot sauce.
- Deluxe - These sandwiches are already pretty decadent but to take them over the top, add crispy fried onions and a slice of cheese to each.
- Ultra Southern - Instead of the coleslaw, add a hefty dollop of my jalapeno pimento cheese
- Tex Mex - Give these some Southwest flavor by adding my refrigerator pickled red onions and sliced avocado
- Breakfast Sliders - If brunch is your thing, omit the slaw and top the pork with fried eggs.
Equipment
Here's the equipment you'll need to make this easy recipe:
- serrated knife
- chef's knife
- large skillet
- Dutch oven or medium saucepan
Storage
To refrigerate: Store all the ingredients, except the rolls, in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the rolls in a sealed bag at room temperature.
To freeze: Portion the pulled pork into containers with the cooking juices and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the pork overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat until warmed through. You can freeze the Hawaiian rolls but the slaw doesn't freeze well.
Tasty Tip
For the best results and to prevent soggy sandwiches, assemble these sliders right before serving.
Frequently asked questions
Yes! You can make the elements of these little sandwiches ahead of time but I don't recommend assembling them until just before serving. Otherwise, you'll end up with soggy sliders.
I'm biased, and I like my homemade bbq sauce: Carolina Gold barbecue sauce or my Western North Carolina vinegar-based sauce. If you are pinched for time, use your favorite store-bought sauce instead. I suggest choosing a sweet or tangy sauce to help cut through the richness of the pork.
For sure! And honestly, if you make my recipes for pulled pork, slaw, and barbecue sauce, you'll have plenty of leftovers for more. Just grab an extra package (or two) of the Hawaiian rolls.
Not all. I like them for their sweetness, but feel free to use another favorite roll. You can also use traditional buns if you don't want to go the slider route.
I like to keep the pork warm in a slow cooker and set up a choose-your-own-adventure slider bar with all the elements so everyone can build their own.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with these pulled pork Hawaiian roll sliders:
🍽Get the recipe
Easy BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Red Cabbage Slaw
Equipment
- serrated knife
- chef's knife
- large skillet
- Dutch oven or medium saucepan
Ingredients
- 4 cups Dutch oven pulled pork
- 1 (12-count) package Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 3 cups purple cabbage coleslaw
- softened salted butter
- dill pickle slices
- Carolina Gold bbq sauce (or use your favorite bbq sauce)
Instructions
- Make the pulled pork and shred with two forks or reheat leftovers in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat until warmed through.
- Make the coleslaw.
- Remove the buns from the package leaving them intact. Split the buns horizontally with a serrated knife.
- Separate the rolls and spread softened butter on the cut sides. Place the rolls, cut sides down, in a skillet over medium-low heat and cook, in batches until toasted.
- Transfer the buns to a cutting board. Top the bottom buns with the pork then the slaw, slaw, and pickles. Replace the bun tops and serve.
Video
Recipe guidelines and test kitchen tips
When developing and testing recipes, here are some key things that I do for more success in the kitchen:
- Be sure to use dry measuring cups for things like flour, sugar, and mayonnaise and a liquid measuring cup for things like water, milk, and broth.
- When measuring dry ingredients like flour and powdered sugar that can pack down, spoon the ingredient into a dry measuring cup and level with a knife as opposed to scooping the measuring cup into the ingredient.
- I test and develop recipes using a standard electric oven and standard gas stovetop. Be aware that if you use an electric stovetop or convection oven, your bake times will be different.
- When recipes call for kosher salt, I use Diamond Crystal kosher salt.
Food safety
Finally, don't forget to keep these food safety tips in mind when making this recipe.
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.
Jane says
You can’t beat tender, flavorful pulled pork for easy entertaining or meal prep! Using the slow cooker/Instant Pot is the best way to get that melt-in-your-mouth texture. This looks fantastic for sandwiches or tacos!
AshleyFreeman says
I 100% agree that this is perfect for entertaining! Love the slow cooker/instant pot idea!
Darrin says
SO GOOD. I really loved the cabbage slaw on it.
AshleyFreeman says
It's a must! A great texture contrast!
Liz says
These were perfect for game day!!! So yummy and well loved by the family!
AshleyFreeman says
Yay! I'm so happy to hear that!
Mary says
These are great! We took them to a college football tailgate (go Dawgs!) and they were a huge hit. We'll be making this recipe again!
AshleyFreeman says
Woohoo!! Go Dawgs!
susan says
pulled pork and cabbage make a perfect combo. These sliders were a hit with my family, so thanks for the recipe!
AshleyFreeman says
Yay! I'm so glad everyone loved them!
Lora says
Made these pulled pork sandwiches for a party yesterday and they were wonderful! It was very easy to make and very flavorful!
AshleyFreeman says
Woohoo! I love to hear that Lora!
Leslie says
These are the best pork sliders! The slaw was so flavorful too! Loved every bite!
AshleyFreeman says
Thanks so much for sharing Leslie!
Jaleah says
These sliders are the perfect crowd pleaser! Such a tasty meal.
AshleyFreeman says
Thanks Jaleah! So glad they were a hit!
Nicole says
These pork sliders are sooo good. I love the cabbage slaw.
AshleyFreeman says
Yay! Thanks so Nicole!
Jet says
Can’t wait to make these pulled pork sliders! The idea of combining slow-cooked pulled pork with tangy red cabbage slaw on mini buns looks irresistible. Love that it’s approachable for meal prep or easy parties.
AshleyFreeman says
Yes! They're perfect for both of those--hope you love them!