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Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders

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These easy slow cooker pulled pork sliders are the ultimate tailgating food. With just a few simple ingredients, including root beer for tenderizing, this recipe delivers incredibly flavorful, fall-apart pork that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–5 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt)
  • 12 ounces root beer (preferably made with real sugar, like Virgil’s or Maine Root)
  • 1 ½ cups barbecue sauce (such as Sweet Baby Ray’s), divided
  • 12–15 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls recommended)
  • Coleslaw mix (optional, for topping)
  • Pickles (optional, for serving)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Generously season all sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Pour the entire 12-ounce can of root beer into the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
  3. Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the slow cooker, fat side up. If it doesn’t fit, cut into two or three large chunks.
  4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.
  5. Carefully transfer the cooked pork to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Discard any large chunks of unrendered fat.
  6. Drain most of the liquid from the slow cooker, leaving about ½ cup. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and pour in 1 cup of barbecue sauce. Stir to combine. Cook on low for another 15-20 minutes to meld flavors.
  7. While the pork finishes, split the slider buns and place them on a baking sheet. Toast under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
  8. Assemble the sliders: pile pulled pork onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with coleslaw and a pickle slice if using, then add the top bun. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, let the pork rest in the slow cooker (turned off) for 15-20 minutes before shredding to allow juices to redistribute. Resist lifting the lid during cooking. Adjust barbecue sauce to taste. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork, sliders, slow cooker, tailgating, game day, root beer, barbecue

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/easy-slow-cooker-pulled-pork-sliders/