Indoor Amusement Park BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

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

Tender pulled pork slow-cooked in a smoky barbecue sauce, served on soft slider buns perfect for parties and casual gatherings. This american-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes pairs trimmed pork shoulder, smoked paprika, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 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 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 2 tsp smoked paprika, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 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 the 3 lbs trimmed pork shoulder evenly with the spice mixture, pressing it into the meat.
  3. Step 3: Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker, pour 1 cup barbecue sauce and 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar over it.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, until the pork is very tender and pulls apart easily.
  5. Step 5: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks, then return it to the sauce in the cooker and stir to combine.
  6. Step 6: Toast 12 slider buns lightly and fill each with a generous scoop of pulled pork and 1 tbsp coleslaw if using.
  7. Step 7: Serve warm for a fun, flavorful party snack.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Indoor Amusement Park 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 Indoor Amusement Park 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 trimmed pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Indoor Amusement Park 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 Indoor Amusement Park 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 Indoor Amusement Park 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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