Rodeo-Style Pulled Pork Sliders

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

Slow-simmered pork shoulder with smoky spice, piled onto toasted buns with a tangy pickle boost for a crowd-pleasing fairground meal. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 500 minutes pairs pork shoulder, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar 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: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 8 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Rub evenly over 1.5 pounds boneless pork shoulder.
  2. Step 2: Place pork in slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 8 hours until fork-tender.
  3. Step 3: Shred pork with two forks, discarding fat. Return to slow cooker and stir in 1/2 cup barbecue sauce.
  4. Step 4: Mix 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish with 2 tablespoons mayonnaise for the relish blend.
  5. Step 5: Toast buns lightly. Spread relish mixture on bottoms, top with pulled pork, and close with tops.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Rodeo-Style 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 Rodeo-Style 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 Rodeo-Style 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 Rodeo-Style 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 Rodeo-Style 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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