Hickory-Smoked Pulled Pork Sliders

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

Tender pork shoulder slow-cooked with a sweet-smoky glaze, served on toasted buns with a crisp coleslaw topping for balanced flavor. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 500 minutes pairs pork shoulder, apple cider vinegar, honey 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: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 12 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker, then mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a bowl. Pour this mixture over the pork and add 1/4 cup water. Cook on low for 8 hours until fork-tender.
  2. Step 2: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks, discarding large fat pieces. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix with the cooking juices until well combined.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a skillet over medium heat and toast the slider buns for 1-2 minutes until golden. Place 2-3 tablespoons of pulled pork on each bun and top with 1 tablespoon coleslaw.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Hickory-Smoked Pulled Pork Sliders take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 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 Hickory-Smoked 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 Hickory-Smoked 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 Hickory-Smoked 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 Hickory-Smoked Pulled Pork Sliders?

American slow cooker 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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