BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Apple Coleslaw are warm, savory, satisfying, and ideal for sharing. Soft slider buns are filled with saucy pulled pork, brushed with seasoned butter, baked until golden, and finished with a crisp apple coleslaw for a bright, tangy crunch.
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About This BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe
Pulled pork is one of those comfort foods that works for almost any occasion. It is rich, tender, and easy to pair with bold sauces, soft bread, and a cool, crunchy topping. These BBQ pulled pork sliders take everything people love about a classic pulled pork sandwich and turn it into a party-friendly, bite-sized recipe.
The combination is simple but full of contrast. The pulled pork is coated in barbecue sauce and baked between soft Hawaiian slider buns. The tops of the rolls are brushed with a buttery mixture seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and garlic powder, giving them a golden finish and a savory flavor. Once the sliders come out of the oven, they are topped with apple coleslaw for freshness, crunch, and a light tartness that balances the richness of the pork.
These baked pulled pork sliders are especially useful for game day, tailgating, family gatherings, casual dinners, and appetizer spreads. They are easy to assemble, quick to bake, and simple to serve. Because the coleslaw is added after baking, the rolls stay warm while the slaw remains crisp and refreshing.
If you already have pulled pork ready, this recipe comes together quickly. You can use homemade pulled pork, slow cooker pulled pork, Instant Pot pulled pork, or store-bought pulled pork. The most important thing is to use pork that is tender and easy to shred, then mix it with a barbecue sauce you enjoy.
Ingredients
Apple cider vinegar. This gives the apple coleslaw its tangy base. Red wine vinegar can also work if apple cider vinegar is not available.
Mayonnaise. Mayonnaise adds creaminess to the slaw. Full-fat or low-fat mayonnaise can be used.
Granulated sugar. A small amount of sugar helps balance the acidity in the dressing.
Seasonings. Garlic powder, salt, and black pepper keep the flavor simple and savory.
Lemon juice. Fresh lemon juice is best, but bottled lemon juice can be used if needed.
Apple. A green apple adds tartness and crunch. You can use another apple variety if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
Green onion. Green onion adds mild sharpness without overpowering the slaw.
Coleslaw mix. Store-bought coleslaw mix saves time, but shredded green cabbage also works.
Slider buns. Hawaiian slider buns are soft, lightly sweet, and a great match for BBQ pulled pork. White or wheat slider rolls may also be used.
Pulled pork. Use your favorite pulled pork, homemade or store-bought.
BBQ sauce. Choose a barbecue sauce you already like. Original, sweet, smoky, or spicy BBQ sauce all work well.
Unsalted butter. Melted butter helps the tops of the buns bake up golden and flavorful.
Worcestershire sauce. This adds a savory kick to the butter topping. It can be skipped if you do not have it.
This Recipe’s Must-Haves
You will need a sharp chef’s knife and a cutting board to slice the apple and green onion for the coleslaw. A large mixing bowl is useful for whisking together the slaw dressing and tossing it with the cabbage, apple, and onion.
A second bowl is helpful for combining the pulled pork with BBQ sauce before adding it to the buns. You will also need a whisk, a spoon, and a pastry brush or similar tool for spreading the seasoned butter over the rolls.
For baking, use a rimmed half sheet pan lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. The lining helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
How to Make BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Apple Coleslaw
Make Coleslaw
In a large bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, mayonnaise, sugar, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice until smooth. Add the thinly sliced apple, green onion, and coleslaw mix. Toss until everything is evenly coated in the dressing.
Place the coleslaw in the refrigerator until the sliders are ready to serve. Chilling helps keep it crisp and fresh.
Assemble Sliders
Slice the Hawaiian slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the rolls connected if possible. Place the bottom half of the buns on a lined, rimmed baking sheet.
In a medium bowl, stir together the pulled pork and BBQ sauce until the pork is evenly coated. Spread the saucy pulled pork over the bottom buns in an even layer, then place the top half of the buns back on top.
Bake
Melt the butter, then stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and garlic powder. Brush the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls.
Cover the sliders with aluminum foil and bake at 375˚F for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 5 more minutes, or until the tops are golden and the sliders are warmed through.
Let the sliders cool slightly. Remove the tops, add the apple coleslaw, replace the tops, and serve warm.
Tips for Success
Use chicken if preferred. If pork is not your favorite, shredded chicken is a good substitute. Rotisserie chicken can also be used for a quick version.
Adjust the BBQ sauce. Use the amount of sauce that tastes right to you. Add more for extra saucy sliders, choose a spicy sauce for heat, or use a milder sauce for a sweeter flavor.
Choose soft rolls. Hawaiian rolls are especially good because their slight sweetness pairs well with barbecue sauce and tangy coleslaw. White or wheat slider rolls are also fine.
Add the coleslaw after baking. This keeps the slaw crisp and prevents the buns from becoming too soft while the sliders bake.
What Kind of Pulled Pork Should I Use?
Use any pulled pork you enjoy. Homemade pulled pork is excellent, whether it is made in an Instant Pot, slow cooker, oven, or smoker. Store-bought pulled pork also works well when you need a faster option. The pork should be tender, shredded, and easy to mix with barbecue sauce.
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes. The sliders can be assembled up to 4 hours in advance. Cover them and keep them in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake. When it is time to serve, bake them as directed.
The apple coleslaw can also be made ahead of time, up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and toss it before serving.
What Goes with Pulled Pork Sliders?
BBQ pulled pork sliders are filling enough to serve as a main dish, but they also work well as a hearty appetizer. For serving, keep extra coleslaw and extra BBQ sauce nearby so everyone can add more if they like.
Simple sides are often the best match. Potato chips, French fries, roasted potatoes, baked beans, corn, pickles, or a simple salad all pair nicely with the sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors in the sliders.
If you are serving these at a party, they can be part of a larger appetizer spread with dips, chips, and easy finger foods. For a casual dinner, add one or two sides and the meal is complete.
How to Store and Reheat
Store. Keep leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If possible, store the coleslaw separately to help the buns hold their texture.
Reheat. Reheat the sliders in a 350˚F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. The oven helps keep the rolls from becoming too soggy.
These BBQ pulled pork sliders with apple coleslaw are a dependable recipe for gatherings, quick dinners, and game day menus. They are warm, flavorful, easy to make, and finished with a crunchy topping that keeps every bite fresh and balanced.
BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Apple Coleslaw
Equipment
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Chef’s knife
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Cutting board
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Whisk
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Wooden spoon
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Mixing bowls
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Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
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Rimmed 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 store-bought pulled pork
- 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
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Preheat the oven to 375˚F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
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In a large bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, mayonnaise, sugar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Add the apple, green onion, and cabbage or coleslaw mix. Toss until well coated. Season with extra salt and pepper if desired, then refrigerate until serving.
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Slice the buns in half horizontally and remove the tops. Place the bottom half of the buns on the prepared baking sheet.
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Add the pulled pork and BBQ sauce to a medium bowl. Stir until combined, then spread the pork evenly over the buns. Place the tops of the buns back on.
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In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and garlic powder. Brush the mixture over the tops of the buns.
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Cover the sliders with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
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Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Lift off the tops of the buns, add the apple coleslaw, replace the tops, and serve.