Lunch

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Coleslaw Topping

Name: BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Coleslaw Topping
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 3 lbs 3–4 pork shoulder; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 tsp smoked paprika; 2 tsp garlic powder; 2 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground black pepper; 1 tsp salt; 1 cup barbecue sauce; ½ cup chicken broth or water; 4 cups shredded cabbage; 1 cup shredded carrots; ½ cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 2 tsp sugar; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp ground black pepper; 12 slider buns; Extra BBQ sauce

August 28, 2025

Servings: 12 Total Time: 6 hrs 20 mins Difficulty: Beginner

Jump To Recipe Print Recipe

Introduction

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Coleslaw Topping are a classic American comfort food that brings together tender, smoky pulled pork coated in tangy-sweet barbecue sauce, all piled high on soft slider buns and topped with crunchy, refreshing coleslaw. They’re the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and zesty flavors in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, family gathering, or summer cookout, these sliders always steal the show.

Why I Love This Recipe ❤️

I love this recipe because it’s a crowd-pleaser with minimal effort. The pulled pork is cooked low and slow until it practically melts in your mouth, while the barbecue sauce infuses it with bold, smoky-sweet flavor. The creamy coleslaw topping not only adds crunch but also balances the richness of the pork. I especially love how versatile it is — you can prepare it ahead of time, serve it for casual meals, or even make it the star of a festive spread.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because:

It’s easy to scale up for large gatherings.
It offers the perfect flavor contrast between savory pork and crisp coleslaw.
Sliders are fun, portable, and satisfying — ideal for both adults and kids.
The leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious the next day.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours (slow cooker) OR 3–4 hours (oven)
Total Time: 6½–8½ hours
Servings: 12 sliders
Calories: ~320 per slider (with bun, pork, BBQ sauce, and coleslaw)

Cuisine & Course

Cuisine: American (Southern-inspired)
Course: Main Dish / Party Food / Sandwiches

Ingredients

For the Pulled Pork:

3–4 lbs pork shoulder (Boston butt)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp salt
1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
½ cup chicken broth or water

For the Coleslaw Topping:

4 cups shredded cabbage (green and/or red)
1 cup shredded carrots
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tsp sugar (or honey)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper

For Serving:

12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls or brioche)
Extra BBQ sauce (optional)

Simple Cooking Directions

Rub pork shoulder with spices, then sear until browned.
Cook low and slow (slow cooker or oven) until tender.
Shred pork, mix with BBQ sauce.
Prepare creamy coleslaw.
Assemble sliders with pulled pork + coleslaw.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Season & Sear the Pork

Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the pork on all sides until golden brown (for flavor).

Step 2: Slow Cook the Pork

Place the pork into a slow cooker (or Dutch oven).
Add chicken broth and cover.
Cook on LOW for 8 hours or until fork-tender.
(Oven method: Cover tightly with foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 3–4 hours).

Step 3: Shred the Pork

Remove pork, discard excess fat, and shred with two forks.
Mix shredded pork with barbecue sauce.

Step 4: Prepare the Coleslaw

In a large bowl, mix mayo, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Add shredded cabbage and carrots; toss well.
Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Step 5: Assemble the Sliders

Slice slider buns in half.
Spoon BBQ pulled pork onto the bottom half.
Top with a generous spoonful of coleslaw.
Cover with bun tops and serve immediately.

How to Serve

Serve warm as the main dish at parties, BBQs, or weeknight dinners.
Pair with sides like baked beans, corn on the cob, or potato salad.
Great with a refreshing lemonade or iced tea.

Additional Recipe Tips

Use boneless pork shoulder for easier shredding.
For extra smokiness, add a few drops of liquid smoke.
Toast the buns lightly to prevent sogginess.
Double the coleslaw if serving a large crowd — it goes fast!

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or sriracha to the coleslaw.
Cheesy Slider: Top pork with a slice of cheddar before coleslaw.
Light Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo in coleslaw.
Alternative Protein: Substitute chicken or beef brisket.

Freezing & Storage

Pulled Pork: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Coleslaw: Best eaten fresh; can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Sliders (assembled): Not recommended for freezing; assemble fresh.

Special Equipment Needed

Slow cooker or Dutch oven
Sharp knives & cutting board
Mixing bowls
Tongs & two forks for shredding pork

Conclusion

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Coleslaw Topping are the ultimate comfort food for gatherings. With their tender, smoky pork, tangy-sweet BBQ sauce, and crunchy, refreshing slaw, they deliver a burst of flavor in every bite. They’re fun, filling, and versatile enough for any occasion. Once you try them, they’ll become a staple for parties and family dinners alike.

Print Recipe