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Savory Brown Sugar Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

brown sugar bourbon bbq pulled pork sliders - featured image
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These sliders feature tender pulled pork slow-cooked to perfection and soaked in a sticky, sweet bourbon BBQ sauce, served on soft toasted slider buns. Perfect for parties and casual get-togethers, they offer a smoky-sweet flavor that’s both comforting and indulgent.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds pork shoulder (Boston butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/3 cup bourbon (e.g., Jim Beam)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought, smoky and slightly spicy preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt to taste (about 1 tablespoon for rub)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste (about 1 teaspoon for rub)
  • 12 small slider buns, lightly toasted
  • Optional toppings: pickles, coleslaw, sliced red onion, sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry. Mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.
  2. Rub the seasoning mix all over the pork, pressing it in well. Let sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes if possible.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together brown sugar, bourbon, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Adjust sweetness or acidity if needed.
  4. Place the seasoned pork shoulder into a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Pour half of the bourbon BBQ sauce over the pork, reserving the rest for serving.
  5. Cook the pork: Slow cooker on low for 8-9 hours or high for 4-5 hours until fork-tender; or Instant Pot on meat/stew setting for 60 minutes with a 15-minute natural release.
  6. Remove pork carefully and shred using two forks or meat claws. Return shredded pork to the cooker and stir in the remaining sauce. Let soak for 10-15 minutes.
  7. Slice and lightly toast the slider buns on a baking sheet or skillet until golden and slightly crisp.
  8. Assemble sliders by piling shredded pork on bun bottoms, adding optional toppings, and capping with bun tops. Serve immediately.
  9. If desired, melt cheese on the pork in the last 5 minutes of cooking by covering to soften.

Notes

Letting the pork rest in the sauce after shredding is key for flavor absorption. Toast buns lightly to prevent sogginess. If sauce is too thin after cooking, simmer gently to thicken. Adjust bourbon amount if sensitive to alcohol flavor. Use meat claws or forks to shred pork carefully. Store leftover pork and sauce separately in airtight containers. Pulled pork freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork sliders, bourbon BBQ, brown sugar, party food, slow cooker pulled pork, easy sliders, BBQ sliders, bourbon sauce

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/savory-brown-sugar-bourbon-bbq-pulled-pork-sliders-recipe-easy-homemade-sliders-for-parties/