Casual Game Day BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender slow-cooked pulled pork tossed in tangy BBQ sauce, served on mini buns perfect for sharing at any game day gathering. This American-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 495 minutes, pairs pork shoulder, BBQ sauce, yellow mustard for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to make a dry rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub this seasoning evenly over all sides of 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder, pressing gently to adhere.
  3. Step 3: Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours until tender and easily shredded.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork from the slow cooker and shred using two forks, discarding excess fat.
  5. Step 5: Stir 1 cup BBQ sauce and 2 tbsp yellow mustard into the shredded pork until well coated.
  6. Step 6: Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush 12 mini slider buns with 2 tbsp melted butter and toast on a baking sheet for 5 minutes until golden.
  7. Step 7: Assemble sliders by piling BBQ pulled pork onto each bun bottom, topping with 1 dill pickle slice, then placing the bun top over the filling.
  8. Step 8: Serve warm with your favorite game day sides.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Casual Game Day BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders 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 Casual Game Day BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders?

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 Casual Game Day BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders?

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 Casual Game Day BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders 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 Casual Game Day BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders?

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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