Get ready to experience the ultimate flavor explosion, y’all! This BBQ Bourbon Pulled Pork Sliders recipe is about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise. Tender, juicy pork shoulder is slow-cooked to perfection in a mouthwatering bourbon-infused BBQ sauce, then piled high on soft, pillowy slider buns. This dish is a total show-stopper that’s sure to have your guests smashing their plates and begging for more. Buckle up, because we’re about to take your taste buds on the ride of their lives!
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Bourbon Pulled Pork Sliders
Prepare to be utterly obsessed with these BBQ Bourbon Pulled Pork Sliders! The combination of fall-apart tender pork, tangy-sweet BBQ sauce, and soft, pillowy buns is simply out of this world. The addition of bourbon adds a rich, smoky depth of flavor that takes this dish to the next level. Plus, these sliders are the ultimate handheld party food – easy to assemble and even easier to devour. Get ready for your guests to be absolutely blown away by the incredible flavors and textures in every bite. This recipe is a total game-changer that’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
You only need a few simple ingredients to create this epic BBQ Bourbon Pulled Pork Sliders recipe. The star of the show is a juicy pork shoulder, which becomes meltingly tender after a long, slow braise in the bourbon-infused BBQ sauce. Round out the dish with soft, fluffy slider buns, tangy pickles, and crunchy slaw for the perfect flavor and texture contrast. Get ready to take your taste buds on the ride of their lives!
- 4-5 lb pork shoulder – juicy, flavorful cut for pulled pork
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika – adds a delicious smoky flavor
- 1 tbsp garlic powder – enhances the savory profile
- 1/4 cup brown sugar – provides sweetness to balance the sauce
- 1 cup bourbon – for a rich, caramelized depth of flavor
- 2 cups barbecue sauce – use your favorite brand or homemade
- 12 slider buns – soft, pillowy rolls perfect for piling on the pork
- 1 cup dill pickles – tangy contrast to the sweet and savory pork
- 2 cups coleslaw – crunchy, creamy topping for the sliders
Ingredient Substitutions
- Pork Shoulder: Beef brisket or chicken thighs would also work great in this recipe. The key is to choose a tough, fatty cut that will become meltingly tender after slow cooking.
- Slider Buns: Swap out the traditional slider buns for brioche, Hawaiian, or even pretzel rolls for a fun twist on the classic.
How to Make BBQ Bourbon Pulled Pork Sliders
Alright, let’s get this flavor party started! Here’s how to make these epic BBQ Bourbon Pulled Pork Sliders step-by-step.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by seasoning your pork shoulder generously with a blend of aromatic spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar. Sear the pork in a hot pan to get a nice, caramelized crust. Then, it’s time to let the magic happen in the slow cooker or Instant Pot.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Add the seared pork to your slow cooker or Instant Pot, along with the bourbon-infused BBQ sauce. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours (or high for 4-6 hours), until the pork is meltingly tender and practically falling apart.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the pork is cooked, use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Pile the pulled pork onto your slider buns, then top with tangy pickles and a crunchy, creamy slaw. Get ready for the ultimate flavor explosion!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Caramelized Onions: Sauté some sliced onions in a pan until they’re sweet, jammy, and deeply caramelized, then stir them into the pulled pork for an extra layer of flavor.
- Crispy Bacon: Crumble some crispy bacon on top of the pulled pork for a delicious salty crunch.
- Spicy Honey Drizzle: Whisk together honey and a pinch of cayenne pepper, then drizzle it over the assembled sliders for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Barbecue Sauce Variations: Experiment with different types of barbecue sauce, from smoky to sweet and spicy, to find your perfect flavor profile.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Creamy coleslaw, roasted sweet potato wedges, grilled corn on the cob, or a fresh, crisp salad.
Storage: Leftover pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Make-Ahead: The pulled pork can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Simply reheat and assemble the sliders when you’re ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Get ready to indulge, y’all! These BBQ Bourbon Pulled Pork Sliders are the ultimate comfort food. Each slider packs a hefty 20 grams of protein, thanks to the tender pork shoulder. The bourbon-infused BBQ sauce adds a delicious depth of flavor, while the slider buns provide a satisfying source of complex carbs. Just don’t forget to balance out this dish with a fresh, crunchy slaw on the side. Moderation is key, but trust me – one slider is never enough!
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make BBQ Bourbon Pulled Pork Sliders?
The total cook time for this recipe is about 8-10 hours, most of which is hands-off time in the slow cooker or Instant Pot. The actual prep and assembly takes about 30 minutes. So you can enjoy this epic dish with minimal effort!
Can I make the pulled pork ahead of time?
Absolutely! The pulled pork can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the pork on the stovetop or in the microwave, then assemble your sliders.
What’s the best way to reheat the pulled pork?
The best way to reheat the pulled pork is on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle. Just be sure not to overheat it, as you don’t want the pork to dry out.
Can I freeze the pulled pork?
Yes, you can definitely freeze the leftover pulled pork! Transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat as directed above.
What should I serve with the BBQ Bourbon Pulled Pork Sliders?
These sliders are the star of the show, but they’d be delicious paired with a few tasty side dishes. Some great options include creamy coleslaw, roasted sweet potato wedges, grilled corn on the cob, or a fresh, crisp salad. The possibilities are endless!
Try These Next
- Smoky Bbq Pulled Pork Sliders
- Smoky Maple Bourbon Pulled Pork Sliders With Tangy Slaw
- Spicy Chipotle Bbq Pulled Pork Nachos
Delectable BBQ Bourbon Pulled Pork Sliders
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 480 minutes
- Total Time: 495 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: 🍖 SMOKE HOUSE
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These BBQ Bourbon Pulled Pork Sliders are a perfect combination of tender pulled pork, sweet bourbon BBQ sauce, and soft slider buns. Perfect for your next gathering!
Ingredients
– 3 lbs pork shoulder
– 1 cup bourbon
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 onion, chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 12 slider buns
– Coleslaw (optional, for topping)
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat your slow cooker or grill to low heat.
3. 2. In a bowl, mix bourbon, BBQ sauce, chopped onion, garlic, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. 3. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker and pour the bourbon BBQ mixture over it.
5. 4. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
6. 5. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
7. 6. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 30 minutes.
8. 7. Serve the pulled pork on slider buns and top with coleslaw if desired.
9.
Notes
– For an extra kick, add some hot sauce to the bourbon BBQ mixture.
– You can prepare the pulled pork a day in advance and reheat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: pulled pork, sliders, BBQ, bourbon