BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Coleslaw Topping

Few dishes embody comfort food and crowd-pleasing flavor quite like BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Coleslaw Topping. These little sandwiches pack a mighty punch of flavor — tender, slow-cooked pulled pork smothered in smoky-sweet barbecue sauce, topped with a crunchy, creamy coleslaw, and nestled between buttery slider buns. Each bite is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, tangy, and crunchy — pure satisfaction in miniature form!

This dish is ideal for game days, backyard cookouts, potlucks, or casual family dinners. The pulled pork, slow-cooked to perfection, practically melts in your mouth, while the coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that cuts through the richness. Whether you serve them hot off the slow cooker or make them ahead for easy entertaining, these sliders never fail to impress.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the ultimate combination of comfort and convenience. The slow-cooked pork is unbelievably tender and flavorful, and when paired with tangy BBQ sauce and creamy coleslaw, it becomes something magical. The sliders are small, fun to eat, and perfect for sharing — they bring people together around the table in the best way possible.

Plus, this recipe is forgiving and versatile — you can make the pulled pork in a slow cooker, oven, or instant pot. It’s great for meal prep, and leftovers taste even better the next day. I love how it turns simple ingredients into something spectacularly satisfying.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try for so many reasons:

• Tender & Flavorful – The pork is slow-cooked until it’s melt-in-your-mouth soft.
• Fun & Portable – Perfect finger food for parties or casual dinners.
• Balanced Flavor – The creamy coleslaw complements the smoky BBQ perfectly.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Easy to prepare in advance and reheat for serving.
• Crowd-Pleaser – Everyone from kids to adults loves these sliders!

It’s comfort food elevated — hearty, delicious, and completely addictive.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6–8 hours (slow cooker)
• Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes
• Servings: 12 sliders
• Calories: ~340 kcal per slider
• Course: Main Course / Snack
• Cuisine: American (Southern-style BBQ)

Ingredients

For the Pulled Pork:

• 3 lbs (1.3 kg) pork shoulder (also called pork butt)
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for serving)
• ½ cup chicken broth or water
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a bit of heat)

For the Coleslaw Topping:

• 3 cups shredded cabbage (green or mixed)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 12 slider buns or small dinner rolls
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for brushing buns)
• Extra BBQ sauce for drizzling

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

1. Combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder in a small bowl.
2. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
3. Place sliced onions at the bottom of your slow cooker, then set the pork on top.
4. Pour chicken broth and BBQ sauce over the pork.

Step 2: Cook the Pork

1. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
2. Once cooked, remove the pork and shred it with two forks.
3. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix with the remaining sauce to keep it juicy.

Step 3: Prepare the Coleslaw

1. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the shredded cabbage and carrots.
3. Toss well to coat evenly and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 4: Assemble the Sliders

1. Lightly toast the slider buns if desired.
2. Brush the tops with melted butter for extra flavor.
3. Layer the bottom buns with a generous scoop of pulled pork.
4. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce.
5. Top with a spoonful of creamy coleslaw.
6. Place the top bun over the slaw and press lightly.

How to Serve

Serve these BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders warm, straight from the slow cooker, topped with chilled coleslaw for a delightful contrast.

They’re perfect for:

• Game day gatherings
• Summer barbecues or parties
• Picnics or potlucks
• Casual weeknight dinners

Serve alongside potato wedges, corn on the cob, baked beans, or sweet potato fries for a full meal.

Recipe Tips

• Use fatty cuts: Pork shoulder or butt gives the best tender, flavorful results.
• Don’t skip the slaw: It balances out the richness of the BBQ pork beautifully.
• Toast the buns: Keeps them from getting soggy and adds a nice texture.
• Make it saucy: Add extra BBQ sauce for juicier sliders.
• Meal prep tip: Cook the pork a day in advance and reheat before serving — the flavor deepens overnight.

Variations

1. Spicy BBQ Sliders:
   Add a few dashes of hot sauce or mix chili flakes into the BBQ sauce.
2. Hawaiian Style:
   Use Hawaiian sweet rolls and add a pineapple slice for tropical flair.
3. Cheesy Pulled Pork Sliders:
   Sprinkle shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese over the pork before adding the slaw.
4. Vinegar BBQ Style:
   Use a Carolina-style vinegar BBQ sauce for a tangier, lighter flavor.
5. Tex-Mex Twist:
   Add jalapeños, pickled onions, or chipotle mayo for a smoky heat.
6. Vegetarian Version:
   Substitute pork with jackfruit or shredded mushrooms — they mimic the texture beautifully!

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store pulled pork and coleslaw separately in airtight containers.
  • Pulled pork: Up to 4 days in the fridge.
  • Coleslaw: Up to 2 days (best fresh).
• Freezing:
  • Pulled pork freezes well for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of water or BBQ sauce.
  • Coleslaw should not be frozen (the mayo will separate).
• Reheating Tip: Reheat pork in a skillet or slow cooker until warm. Add a bit of extra sauce to restore moisture.

Special Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker (or Dutch oven / instant pot)
• Mixing bowls
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Forks for shredding pork
• Whisk
• Tongs or serving spoon

Conclusion

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Coleslaw Topping are the definition of comfort meets convenience. Juicy, tender pulled pork drenched in smoky-sweet barbecue sauce, topped with cool, crisp coleslaw, and tucked into buttery buns — it’s a flavor explosion that’s impossible to resist.

They’re perfect for feeding a crowd, simple to make ahead, and guaranteed to disappear fast at any gathering. Whether it’s game night, a summer cookout, or a cozy family dinner, these sliders deliver big taste in small packages.