Arendelle-Inspired Pulled Pork Sliders with Apple Slaw

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Savory slow-cooked pulled pork served on soft slider buns topped with crisp apple slaw for a sweet and tangy contrast. This american-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes pairs pork shoulder, smoked paprika, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 12, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 12 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over a 3 lb pork shoulder.
  2. Step 2: Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker. Pour 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and 2 tbsp brown sugar over the pork.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is tender and easily shredded with forks.
  4. Step 4: While pork cooks, prepare apple slaw by mixing 1 large julienned apple, 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 1 tbsp honey in a bowl. Set aside refrigerated.
  5. Step 5: When pork is done, remove from slow cooker and shred with two forks.
  6. Step 6: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add shredded pork and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to crisp edges slightly.
  7. Step 7: To assemble, slice 12 slider buns horizontally. Pile each bottom bun with a generous scoop of pulled pork and top with 2 tbsp of apple slaw.
  8. Step 8: Cover with top buns and serve warm for a hearty slider with a crisp, sweet crunch.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Arendelle-Inspired Pulled Pork Sliders with Apple Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 min prep + 480 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Arendelle-Inspired Pulled Pork Sliders with Apple Slaw?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Arendelle-Inspired Pulled Pork Sliders with Apple Slaw?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Arendelle-Inspired Pulled Pork Sliders with Apple Slaw for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Arendelle-Inspired Pulled Pork Sliders with Apple Slaw?

American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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