Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? Because we’re about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise with this Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Maple Mustard Sauce! This epic recipe is an absolute INSANE fusion of bold, smoky barbecue flavors and a sweet, tangy maple mustard sauce that will have your taste buds doing the happy dance. Get ready to create an incredible dish that will have your friends and family begging for the recipe (and probably fighting over the last slider!)
Why You’ll Love This Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Maple Mustard Sauce
These smoky, saucy sliders are the ultimate party food that will have your guests going wild. The slow-cooked, fall-apart tender pulled pork is infused with a bold, smoky barbecue flavor that pairs perfectly with the addictive maple mustard sauce. The soft, pillowy buns soak up all the incredible flavors, creating a sensational bite that will have you reaching for more. Plus, these sliders are the perfect make-ahead dish that’s great for hosting. Prepare the pork and sauce ahead of time, then simply assemble and serve for an epic, hassle-free feast. This recipe is a total game-changer that will transform your ordinary meal into a legendary food adventure!
Ingredients
Get ready for the ultimate pulled pork experience! You’ll need bone-in pork shoulder (or pork butt), brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and mini slider buns. These simple, high-quality ingredients come together to create an explosion of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors in every bite.
- 3–4 lbs (1.4–1.8 kg) – Bone-in pork shoulder (or pork butt)
- 1/4 cup (50 g) – Brown sugar
- 2 tbsp (15 g) – Smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp (8 g) – Chili powder
- 1 tsp (5 g) – Garlic powder
- 1 tsp (5 g) – Onion powder
- 1 tsp (5 g) – Salt
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) – Black pepper
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) – Apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) – Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) – Maple syrup
- 12–15 – Mini slider buns
Ingredient Substitutions
- Mini slider buns: Regular burger buns or brioche rolls (for a softer, richer texture)
- Spices: Adjust the amounts of chili powder, smoked paprika, or other seasonings to suit your taste preferences
How to Make Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Maple Mustard Sauce
Get ready to create an INSANE flavor explosion with these Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Maple Mustard Sauce. This epic dish is all about low and slow cooking to infuse the pork with bold, smoky barbecue goodness, then pairing it with a sweet and tangy maple mustard sauce for the ultimate flavor experience.
Step 1: [Prep Work]
Start by seasoning the pork shoulder with the brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the spices all over the meat, making sure to coat it evenly. Let the pork sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking.
Step 2: [Main Cooking Process]
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a large, oven-safe Dutch oven or roasting pan. Pour in the apple cider vinegar, making sure to pour it around the sides of the pan rather than directly on the pork. Cover the pan tightly with foil or a lid and transfer it to the oven. Roast the pork for 4 to 5 hours, or until the meat is incredibly tender and falls apart easily with a fork.
Step 3: [Final Steps/Assembly]
Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes. Using two forks, shred the pork right in the pan, making sure to mix in all the flavorful juices and bits. In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard and maple syrup to make the tangy, sweet maple mustard sauce.
Step 4: [Finishing Touches]
To assemble the sliders, place a generous amount of the smoky, saucy pulled pork on the bottom half of each mini bun. Drizzle the maple mustard sauce over the top, then close the sliders with the top buns. Serve these INSANE Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Maple Mustard Sauce immediately, while the pork is hot and the buns are soft and pillowy.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Topping Ideas: Try topping the sliders with crispy fried onions, tangy coleslaw, or even a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for a flavor explosion.
- Sauce Variations: Switch up the sauce by using a honey Dijon or even a spicy chipotle mayo instead of the maple mustard.
- Serving Suggestions: For a heartier meal, serve the pulled pork on its own over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice.
- Slow Cooker/Instant Pot: Prepare the pulled pork in a slow cooker or Instant Pot for an even easier recipe. Simply add all the seasoned pork and the apple cider vinegar, then let it cook low and slow until the meat is fall-apart tender.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Creamy coleslaw, crispy fries, or a fresh green salad.
Storage: Leftover pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The maple mustard sauce can also be stored separately for up to 1 week. When ready to serve, simply reheat the pork and sauce, then assemble the sliders.
Reheat: The pulled pork and sauce can be reheated on the stovetop or in the oven until heated through.
Make-Ahead: The pulled pork and maple mustard sauce can be prepared in advance, then simply assemble the sliders right before serving for a hassle-free meal.
Nutrition Information
These Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Maple Mustard Sauce are a flavor-packed dish that won’t derail your healthy eating goals. Each slider contains approximately 280 calories, with 15 grams of protein, 8 grams of fat, and 33 grams of carbohydrates. The pork shoulder provides a good source of iron and zinc, while the maple mustard sauce adds a touch of sweetness and tang. Enjoy these INSANE sliders as part of a balanced diet, and savor every bite of this epic, flavor-packed dish!
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 15 g
- Carbs: 33 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Sodium: 530 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make the pulled pork?
The pork shoulder needs to roast in the oven for 4 to 5 hours, until it’s incredibly tender and falls apart easily with a fork. This low and slow cooking process helps to infuse the meat with a deep, smoky barbecue flavor.
Can I make the pulled pork in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Absolutely! To make the pulled pork in a slow cooker or Instant Pot, simply add the seasoned pork shoulder and apple cider vinegar, then let it cook on low for 8 to 10 hours (slow cooker) or high pressure for 60-75 minutes (Instant Pot). The slow cooking method will result in the same fall-apart tender, flavor-packed pulled pork.
Can I make the pulled pork and sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for making in advance! The pulled pork and maple mustard sauce can both be prepared up to 5 days ahead of time. Simply store them separately in the refrigerator, then reheat and assemble the sliders right before serving.
What can I serve with these sliders?
These Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Maple Mustard Sauce are the ultimate main dish, but they also make a fantastic appetizer or party food. Serve them alongside creamy coleslaw, crispy fries, or a fresh green salad for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal. You can also offer them as part of a slider bar with various toppings and sauces for your guests to customize.
Can I freeze the pulled pork?
Absolutely! The pulled pork freezes beautifully. Once cooled, transfer the shredded pork to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw the pork in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven until heated through. The pork will maintain its tender, flavorful texture, making it easy to whip up these INSANE sliders anytime.
Try These Next
- Smoky Maple Bourbon Pulled Pork Sliders With Tangy Slaw
- Smoky Bbq Pulled Pork Sliders
- Smoky Bourbon Bbq Brisket Sliders With Tangy Coleslaw
Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Maple Mustard Sauce
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 600 minutes
- Total Time: 615 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: 🍖 SMOKE HOUSE
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are the perfect blend of rich flavors and tender meat, topped with a sweet and tangy maple mustard sauce. Perfect for game day or a summer barbecue!
Ingredients
– 3-4 lbs pork shoulder
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 cup water
– Slider buns
– Coleslaw (optional for topping)
– Pickles (optional for topping)
For the Maple Mustard Sauce:
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
1. 1. In a bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper.
2. 2. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
3. 3. Place the pork in a slow cooker and add the water and BBQ sauce.
4. 4. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
5. 5. Once done, shred the pork with two forks and mix it with the sauce in the slow cooker.
6. 6. For the Maple Mustard Sauce, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a bowl.
7. 7. To assemble the sliders, place a generous amount of pulled pork on a slider bun, drizzle with maple mustard sauce, and top with coleslaw and pickles if desired.
8. 8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
– For extra smoky flavor, consider adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the pork before cooking.
– Leftover pulled pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pulled pork, sliders, BBQ, smoky, maple mustard