The Ultimate BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Zesty Apple Coleslaw: Your Go-To Party Appetizer!
Experience a burst of flavor with these incredible BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders, perfectly complemented by a crisp, tart apple coleslaw. Each mini sandwich features tender, savory pulled pork nestled in soft, buttery Hawaiian rolls, brushed with an aromatic garlic-Worcestershire butter, and baked to golden perfection. Topped with a vibrant, crunchy apple coleslaw, these sliders offer a delightful balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy notes, making them an irresistible choice for any gathering, game day, or an easy, satisfying weeknight meal.
About These BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
There’s nothing quite like the comforting taste of pulled pork, and these mini BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Apple Coleslaw elevate that experience to a whole new level. As an avid fan of pulled pork sandwiches, I wanted to capture all the incredible flavors of a classic full-sized sandwich – the tender, smoky pork, the rich BBQ sauce, and a generous topping of crisp coleslaw – and transform them into a convenient, bite-sized format perfect for any occasion. These sliders are designed to deliver maximum flavor in a compact package, ensuring every bite is bursting with deliciousness.
What makes this recipe truly special is the ingenious addition of apple coleslaw. While traditional coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch, our apple coleslaw introduces a delightful fruity, tart, and crunchy element that perfectly complements the savory richness of the pulled pork. This unique combination not only adds a seasonal twist, particularly ideal for autumn gatherings, but also provides a dynamic contrast in textures and tastes, creating a harmonious balance that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
These BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a lively party, planning a game day tailgate, or simply looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner option for the family, they fit the bill perfectly. The baking process ensures that the sliders are served warm and comforting, a wonderful contrast to the cool and crisp apple coleslaw. This recipe is an ultimate crowd-pleaser and a reliable go-to for any time of year when you crave hearty, flavorful appetizers or a fun main course. Let’s dive into how you can create these irresistible BBQ pulled pork sliders!
If you’re on the hunt for more substantial appetizers, my roast beef sliders are another mouthwatering option that never disappoints.
Key Ingredients for Irresistible Sliders
Crafting the perfect BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Apple Coleslaw starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layered flavors and satisfying textures of this dish. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This is a cornerstone for our apple coleslaw dressing. Its bright, tangy notes are crucial for balancing the richness of the mayonnaise and the sweetness of the sugar. While apple cider vinegar is highly recommended for its complementary fruity undertones, red wine vinegar can be used as a substitute if absolutely necessary, though it will impart a slightly different flavor profile.
- Mayonnaise: Providing the creamy base for the coleslaw dressing, mayonnaise binds the ingredients together and adds a luscious texture. You can choose full-fat mayonnaise for maximum richness or a low-fat alternative if you prefer a lighter option.
- Granulated Sugar: A touch of sugar in the coleslaw dressing helps to mellow the acidity of the vinegar and lemon juice, creating a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy flavor. It’s essential for that classic coleslaw taste.
- Spices (Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper): These pantry staples are used in both the coleslaw dressing and the savory butter topping for the buns. Garlic powder adds a subtle aromatic depth, while salt and pepper enhance all the other flavors. Freshly ground black pepper is always a great choice for a more robust taste.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the coleslaw dressing and adds another layer of zesty tang. Freshly squeezed lemon juice offers the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
- Apple: The star of our unique coleslaw! A crisp green apple, such as Granny Smith, is highly recommended for its tartness and firm texture, which holds up well in the slaw. However, feel free to use your favorite apple variety if you prefer a sweeter or milder flavor. Just make sure it’s a firm apple that won’t become mushy when sliced thin.
- Green Onion: Offering a mild, fresh onion flavor without being overpowering, thinly sliced green onion adds a delicate bite and a pop of color to the coleslaw.
- Coleslaw Mix: For ultimate convenience, a pre-packaged coleslaw mix (shredded green cabbage and carrots) is a fantastic time-saver. If you prefer, you can easily shred fresh green cabbage yourself for a homemade touch.
- Hawaiian Slider Buns: These soft, slightly sweet rolls are truly the best choice for these sliders. Their mild sweetness and incredibly soft texture perfectly complement the savory pulled pork and tangy coleslaw. While white or wheat slider rolls can work, Hawaiian rolls offer a unique flavor and texture combination that truly makes these sliders shine.
- Pulled Pork: The hearty foundation of our sliders! You can use your favorite homemade pulled pork recipe. If you’re looking for a quick and easy method, I highly recommend my Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe. Alternatively, high-quality store-bought pulled pork is a convenient option for busy days.
- BBQ Sauce: Choose your absolute favorite barbecue sauce! An original, smoky BBQ sauce works wonderfully, but feel free to experiment with spicy varieties for an added kick, or a sweeter one for a more pronounced sweet-and-savory profile. The BBQ sauce binds the pork and adds that quintessential smoky, tangy flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Used for brushing the slider buns, melted unsalted butter ensures the rolls bake to a beautiful golden brown and adds a rich, savory flavor. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A secret ingredient in our butter topping, Worcestershire sauce adds a deep umami flavor and a slight tang that elevates the buns from simple bread to an integral, flavorful component of the slider. If you don’t have it on hand, you can skip it, but it truly adds an extra layer of deliciousness.
Essential Equipment for This Recipe
Having the right tools on hand makes preparing these BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders a breeze. Here’s a list of the must-have equipment:
- Sharp Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: Indispensable for thinly slicing the apple and green onion for your coleslaw. A sharp knife ensures clean cuts and efficiency.
- Mixing Bowls (Set): You’ll need a large bowl for whisking the coleslaw dressing and tossing the slaw ingredients, and a medium bowl for combining the pulled pork with BBQ sauce. A good set of mixing bowls in various sizes is always handy in the kitchen.
- Whisk: Essential for thoroughly combining the coleslaw dressing ingredients, ensuring a smooth and well-emulsified mixture.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for gently folding the coleslaw ingredients together and stirring the pulled pork with BBQ sauce without damaging the delicate meat fibers.
- Half Sheet Baking Sheet: This is where your sliders will come together and bake. A rimmed baking sheet prevents any juices or butter from spilling over.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat ensures that the sliders don’t stick and makes for super easy cleanup. It also helps prevent the bottoms of the buns from getting too crispy.
How to Make BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Apple Coleslaw
These BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are surprisingly simple to assemble, making them a fantastic option when you need to feed a crowd or whip up a quick family meal. Follow these straightforward steps to create a dish that’s big on flavor and easy on effort:
Preparing the Refreshing Apple Coleslaw
The apple coleslaw is the perfect counterpoint to the rich pulled pork. To start, grab a large mixing bowl. Into this bowl, add your apple cider vinegar, creamy mayonnaise, granulated sugar, a pinch of garlic powder, salt, pepper, and the bright, fresh lemon juice. Whisk all these ingredients together vigorously until you have a smooth, well-combined dressing. The goal is a creamy, tangy base that will coat your vegetables perfectly.
Next, it’s time to add the fresh components. Carefully fold in your thinly sliced apple, delicate green onion, and the shredded coleslaw mix (or fresh cabbage). Gently toss the mixture until every strand of cabbage and every apple slice is thoroughly coated with the luscious dressing. This ensures an even distribution of flavor in every bite. Once mixed, cover the bowl and transfer it to the refrigerator. Chilling the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes, or longer, allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures it’s refreshingly cold when served alongside the warm sliders. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste if desired before serving.
Assembling Your Flavorful Sliders
Preheat your oven to 375˚F (190˚C) and prepare a rimmed baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This step ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking. Take your Hawaiian slider buns and carefully slice them in half horizontally, separating the tops from the bottoms. Place the entire bottom half of the buns in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Keeping them connected is key for that pull-apart appeal.
In a separate medium bowl, combine your tender pulled pork with your favorite BBQ sauce. Stir these two ingredients together until the pork is thoroughly coated in the sauce. This step ensures that every piece of pork is infused with that delicious barbecue flavor. Once mixed, spoon the BBQ pork mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the buns, spreading it from edge to edge. Finally, carefully place the top halves of the buns back onto the pork, completing your slider assembly.
Baking to Perfection
For the final touch before baking, melt your unsalted butter in a small bowl. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, a little salt, and some garlic powder. This savory butter mixture is going to give your slider buns an incredible flavor and a beautiful golden crust. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the tops of the assembled buns with this flavorful butter. Ensure every bun top gets a good coating.
Now, cover the baking sheet loosely with aluminum foil. This helps to steam the buns and warm the pork through without drying out the rolls. Bake for 10 minutes at 375˚F (190˚C). After 10 minutes, remove the foil and return the sliders to the oven for an additional 5 minutes. This last step allows the buttered tops to become wonderfully golden brown and slightly crisp. Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for just a few minutes. Carefully lift the top halves of the buns and generously spoon your chilled apple coleslaw over the warm pulled pork. Replace the bun tops, pull them apart, and serve immediately to enjoy the fantastic contrast of warm, savory pork and cool, crisp slaw!
Explore more delicious slider recipes: Don’t forget to try my Pickle Brined Hot Chicken Sliders, Jamaican Jerk Chicken Sliders, Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pull Apart Sliders, or the ever-popular Crunch Cheeseburger Sliders for more party-perfect bites!
Pro Tips for Pulled Pork Slider Success
Making these BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders is straightforward, but a few expert tips can elevate your dish from good to unforgettable. Keep these in mind to ensure every batch is a resounding success:
- Protein Alternatives: If pork isn’t your preference, don’t worry! These sliders are incredibly adaptable. Shredded chicken makes an excellent substitute. You can either cook and shred your own chicken or take a shortcut by using a store-bought rotisserie chicken, shredded and tossed with BBQ sauce. The flavors will still marry beautifully with the apple coleslaw.
- Customize Your BBQ Sauce: The type and amount of BBQ sauce you use can significantly impact the final flavor. Feel free to use your absolute favorite brand and style – whether it’s sweet and smoky, tangy and vinegary, or bold and spicy. If you love an extra saucy slider, don’t hesitate to add a bit more than the recommended amount when mixing with the pork. Conversely, if you prefer a drier, meat-focused slider, you can reduce the BBQ sauce or even omit it entirely and serve it on the side.
- Choose Your Rolls Wisely: While Hawaiian rolls are highly recommended for their unique mild sweetness and incredibly soft, fluffy texture, other slider rolls can also work. The sweetness of Hawaiian rolls creates a delightful harmony with the savory pulled pork, zesty BBQ sauce, and tart apple coleslaw. If using white or wheat slider rolls, understand that the overall flavor profile will be less sweet, so you might consider adjusting the sweetness in your BBQ sauce or coleslaw to compensate.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: For even baking and golden-brown tops, ensure your sliders have a little breathing room on the baking sheet. If making a large batch, use two baking sheets rather than crowding one.
- The Importance of Chilled Coleslaw: The contrast between the warm sliders and the cold, crisp coleslaw is key to this recipe’s appeal. Make sure your coleslaw is thoroughly chilled before adding it to the warm buns.
- Serve Immediately for Best Texture: While the sliders can be made ahead (as discussed below), they are at their absolute best when served fresh out of the oven, with the warm pork and buttery buns meeting the cool, crunchy slaw.
Choosing the Best Pulled Pork
The star of these sliders is undoubtedly the pulled pork, and the good news is you have several fantastic options for sourcing it. The key is tender, flavorful pork that shreds easily and absorbs the BBQ sauce beautifully.
Homemade is always a winner: If you have the time, making your own pulled pork allows you to control the seasonings and tenderness. My easy recipe for Instant Pot Pulled Pork is a fantastic choice, yielding perfectly tender pork in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. It’s an ideal solution for getting delicious, fork-tender pulled pork ready for these sliders without spending hours over a hot stove. Another popular homemade method is using a slow cooker; simply set it and forget it for several hours, resulting in fall-apart tender pork.
Store-bought for convenience: For those busy days when time is of the essence, high-quality store-bought pulled pork is a perfectly acceptable and convenient option. Many grocery stores offer pre-cooked, seasoned pulled pork in their deli or refrigerated sections. Look for brands with good reviews and minimal artificial ingredients. Before mixing with your chosen BBQ sauce, you might want to gently heat the store-bought pork on the stovetop or in the microwave to ensure it’s warmed through and ready to absorb the sauce effectively.
Regardless of whether you choose homemade or store-bought, make sure the pulled pork is well-shredded and has enough moisture to remain tender after being combined with the BBQ sauce and baked. This ensures a juicy, satisfying filling for your sliders.
Can You Prepare These Sliders in Advance?
One of the many great things about these BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders is their make-ahead potential, which is a huge bonus when planning for parties or busy weeknights. You can certainly get a head start on preparing them:
- Assembling Sliders Ahead of Time: You can assemble the sliders – buns with the BBQ pulled pork mixture – up to 4 hours in advance. After assembling them on the baking sheet and brushing with the butter topping, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent the buns from drying out. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. When it’s time to serve, simply follow the baking instructions, adding a few extra minutes if the sliders are very cold, to ensure they are warmed through and golden.
- Coleslaw Preparation: The apple coleslaw can be prepared even further in advance. Mix all the coleslaw ingredients together, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors will actually deepen and meld beautifully as it chills. Just give it a good stir before serving. Remember to add the coleslaw only after the sliders have been baked, cooled slightly, and are ready to be served, to maintain its crisp texture.
This flexibility makes these sliders a fantastic choice for entertaining, allowing you to focus on your guests rather than being stuck in the kitchen at the last minute.
Need more appetizer inspiration? Be sure to check out my full appetizers recipe page for a wide array of delicious options!
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Pulled Pork Sliders
These BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Apple Coleslaw are incredibly versatile and can be served as a hearty appetizer or even a fun, informal main course. To make the most of your serving experience, always have extra apple coleslaw and a variety of BBQ sauces on hand, allowing your guests to customize their sliders to their liking.
As an Appetizer Spread:
When these sliders are the star of your appetizer spread, their heartiness means they can stand alone beautifully. However, if you’re looking to round out the offerings, complementing them with some dips and chips is always a hit. Our favorites include a savory chorizo pumpkin chipotle queso, which brings a spicy, cheesy kick, or a creamy chipotle chili cheese dip for a milder, equally satisfying option. Both pair wonderfully with crunchy tortilla chips.
Beverage Pairings:
To truly complete the experience, consider pairing these flavorful sliders with a refreshing cocktail. For a seasonal touch, a spiced apple cider Moscow mule or a crisp apple cider margarita offers a delightful complement to the apple coleslaw. If you prefer something summery, a light watermelon vodka cocktail is a great contrast. For a unique twist, a margarita mule offers a zesty kick. Planning for a crowd? A large batch of chile beer sangria is always a fan favorite, or opt for a tart and tangy spiced rum punch, bursting with citrus flavors, for an easy big-batch option that’s sure to please.
For a Main Course:
If you’re serving these sliders as a main course, don’t forget the classic side dishes that traditionally accompany pulled pork. My dedicated list of pulled pork side dishes offers a variety of perfect accompaniments, from creamy macaroni and cheese to baked beans, corn on the cob, or even a simple green salad. These sides transform the sliders into a complete, satisfying meal.
A Sweet Finish:
No meal is complete without a little something sweet. For a simple, no-bake treat that’s easy to prepare and always a favorite, consider serving these edible cookie dough bites. They’re a delightful way to end your flavorful slider feast.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
It’s rare to have leftovers of these incredibly popular BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders, but if you do, here’s how to properly store them to maintain their deliciousness and reheat them for another enjoyable meal:
- Storing: To store any leftover sliders, first remove the apple coleslaw if it’s already on the buns, as the moisture from the slaw can make the buns soggy over time. Store the pulled pork sliders (without the coleslaw) in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. Keep the coleslaw in a separate airtight container. Both should be refrigerated promptly and will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: The best method for reheating these sliders to prevent them from becoming soggy and to revive their golden-brown crust is using the oven. Preheat your oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Place the leftover sliders (again, without the coleslaw) on a baking sheet. You can cover them loosely with foil to keep them from drying out, or leave uncovered if you prefer a slightly crispier bun. Bake for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the pork is thoroughly warmed through and the buns are soft and lightly toasted. Once reheated, add fresh or stored coleslaw to the sliders and serve. Reheating in a microwave is possible, but it may result in softer, less appealing buns, so the oven method is highly recommended for best results.
Finally, if you create these irresistible BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Apple Coleslaw, please take a moment to give this recipe a rating or leave a comment below! Your feedback means the world to me, and I genuinely love hearing about your experiences in the kitchen. Feel free to ask any questions you might have – I’m always happy to help!
And don’t forget to tag me on Instagram if you share your culinary creations! Seeing these recipes come to life in your homes is truly my favorite part of what I do, and your photos are a constant source of inspiration. Thank you for being a part of this culinary journey!
BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Apple Coleslaw (Recipe Card)
15 minutes
15 minutes
30 minutes
Equipment
-
Shun Chef’s Knife
-
Utility Cutting Board
-
French Wire Whisk
-
long wooden spoon
-
Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
-
Silicone Baking Mat Sheets
-
Half Sheet Pan
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 green apple cored and thinly sliced
- 1 green onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 lb shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 12 pack Hawaiian slider buns
- 3 cups homemade pulled pork or use store bought
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
- Coleslaw recipe above
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 375˚F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
-
In a large bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, mayonnaise, sugar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice for the slaw. Add in apple, green onion, and slaw, tossing until the coleslaw is well-coated. Season with additional salt and pepper as desired. Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
-
Slice buns in half and remove the tops. Place the bottom half of the buns on the prepared baking sheet.
-
Add pulled pork and bbq sauce to a medium bowl. Stir to combine. Add pulled pork to the buns in an even layer. Add tops of the buns.
-
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and garlic powder. Brush the tops of the buns with the butter mixture.
-
Cover sliders with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 5 minutes until golden brown.
-
Remove from the oven and cool slightly. Remove tops of the buns and top with coleslaw. Replace tops and serve.
Tailgating
Appetizer