Pineapple and Southern Spiced Pulled Pork Sliders

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

Tender pulled pork sliders infused with Southern spices and sweet pineapple, perfect for a flavorful handheld meal. This american-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes pairs pork shoulder roast, brown sugar, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 8, 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 8 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a small bowl to create a spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub the 2 lbs pork shoulder evenly with the spice mixture. Place pork in a slow cooker and pour 1 cup pineapple juice and 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar around it.
  3. Step 3: Cook on low for 8 hours or until pork is fall-apart tender. Remove pork from slow cooker and shred with two forks, discarding excess fat.
  4. Step 4: Return shredded pork to slow cooker and mix with remaining juices. Spoon pulled pork onto 8 slider buns, topping each with 2 tbsp coleslaw. Serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pineapple and Southern Spiced 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 Pineapple and Southern Spiced 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 roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pineapple and Southern Spiced 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 Pineapple and Southern Spiced Pulled Pork Sliders for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Pineapple and Southern Spiced 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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