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Smoky Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders: Easy 3-Step Recipe

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These Smoky Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are tender, saucy, and packed with sweet bourbon and smoky chipotle heat. Made in a slow cooker with simple ingredients, they’re perfect for game day, parties, or any casual gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds pork shoulder (or pork butt)
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup bourbon
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
  • 12 slider buns
  • 2 tablespoons butter (for toasting buns)
  • Coleslaw (optional but recommended)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Trim off any large pieces of excess fat, but leave a thin layer. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne (if using). Rub this mixture all over the pork. Let the pork sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, minced chipotle peppers, and Dijon mustard. Pour about 1/2 cup of the sauce into the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the seasoned pork on top, then pour the remaining sauce over it. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 5-6 hours, until the pork shreds easily with a fork.
  3. Carefully transfer the cooked pork to a large cutting board or baking sheet. Use two forks or meat claws to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Discard any large pieces of fat or bone. Pour the liquid from the slow cooker into a small saucepan. Skim off any excess fat. Bring the liquid to a simmer over medium heat and let it reduce for about 10-15 minutes, until it thickens into a glossy sauce. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker or a large bowl, pour the reduced sauce over it, and to…
  4. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Slice the slider buns in half and place them cut-side up on a baking sheet. Brush the cut sides with melted butter. Toast for 5-7 minutes, until golden and slightly crispy. Pile a generous amount of pulled pork onto each bun bottom. Top with coleslaw if using, then place the bun tops on. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free buns and check Worcestershire sauce label. For dairy-free, use vegan butter or olive oil on buns. The pork itself is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Leftover pulled pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork sliders, bourbon BBQ, slow cooker pulled pork, game day sliders, smoky pulled pork

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