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Smoky Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders – Easy Party Recipe

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These Smoky Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are the ultimate party food, featuring tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder infused with bourbon and a smoky spice rub, then piled onto toasted buns with tangy coleslaw and pickles. Perfect for game days, backyard hangs, or any gathering where you want to impress with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 3–4 pounds pork shoulder (or pork butt)
  • 1/2 cup bourbon
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon (for sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 12 slider buns (brioche recommended)
  • Coleslaw (optional)
  • Pickles (dill or bread and butter)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Rub the mixture all over the pork, pressing it in gently. Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  2. Place the seasoned pork in a 6-quart slow cooker. Pour in bourbon, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours.
  3. About 30 minutes before the pork is done, combine 1 cup BBQ sauce, 2 tablespoons bourbon, and 1 tablespoon honey in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
  4. Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and place on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding large pieces of fat. Discard the cooking liquid or save a cup to add back if needed.
  5. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Pour about half of the bourbon BBQ sauce over the meat and toss to coat. Add more sauce as needed. Let it sit on warm for 15-20 minutes.
  6. Split the slider buns and place cut-side up on a baking sheet. Broil on high for 1-2 minutes until golden and lightly crisp.
  7. Place a generous pile of pulled pork on the bottom half of each bun. Top with coleslaw (if using) and a couple of pickle slices. Add the top bun and press down gently. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side.

Notes

For best flavor, let the rub sit on the pork overnight in the refrigerator. Toast the buns to prevent sogginess. Save the cooking liquid to rehydrate leftovers. The pulled pork freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork sliders, bourbon BBQ, slow cooker pulled pork, party recipe, game day food, smoky pulled pork

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/smoky-bourbon-bbq-pulled-pork-sliders-easy-party-recipe/