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Savory Brown Sugar Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

brown sugar bourbon bbq pulled pork sliders - featured image
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These sliders feature tender pulled pork coated in a rich, sticky brown sugar bourbon BBQ sauce, perfect for parties and casual gatherings. The recipe balances bold flavors with simple prep for a crowd-pleasing finger food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 to 5 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 12 slider buns, soft and slightly sweet
  • Pickle slices (optional)
  • Coleslaw (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry and trim excess fat. Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the spice blend evenly over the pork and let rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  2. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Pour chicken broth around the meat. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until fork-tender.
  3. While pork cooks, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until sauce thickens.
  4. Remove pork from slow cooker and shred finely with two forks, discarding large fat chunks. Add some cooking liquid if pork seems dry.
  5. Pour half of the BBQ sauce over shredded pork and mix thoroughly to coat.
  6. Slice slider buns in half. Pile pulled pork on bottom buns, add pickle slices or coleslaw if desired, then top with bun tops. Brush tops with reserved sauce.
  7. Serve sliders warm. To hold, cover loosely with foil and keep in a warm oven (200°F) for up to 30 minutes.

Notes

Use low and slow cooking for tender pork. Let pork rest with rub for 20 minutes before cooking. Simmer sauce gently to preserve bourbon flavor. Toast buns lightly to prevent sogginess. Save cooking juices to keep pork moist. For a vegetarian version, substitute pulled jackfruit or shredded mushrooms.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork, BBQ sliders, bourbon BBQ sauce, party food, slow cooker recipe, brown sugar BBQ, finger food

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/savory-brown-sugar-bourbon-bbq-pulled-pork-sliders-easy-recipe-for-perfect-party-bites/