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Easy Crockpot Apple Cider Pulled Pork Sliders

crockpot apple cider pulled pork sliders - featured image
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Tender, slow-cooked pulled pork infused with apple cider and spices, served on soft slider buns. A simple, crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for game days, potlucks, or busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
  • 1 cup apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 12–16 slider buns (brioche or Hawaiian rolls)
  • Butter, melted (for brushing buns)
  • Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, sliced jalapeños, extra barbecue sauce

Instructions

  1. Take pork shoulder out of refrigerator 20 minutes before starting. Pat dry with paper towels. Trim excess fat, leaving a thin layer.
  2. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Rub mixture all over pork shoulder.
  3. In a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, whisk together apple cider, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce until tomato paste is mostly dissolved. Add bay leaves.
  4. Place seasoned pork shoulder into slow cooker, fat side up. Spoon some cooking liquid over top. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until fork-tender and internal temperature reaches at least 195°F (90°C).
  5. Carefully remove pork from slow cooker and place on a cutting board or large bowl. Use two forks to shred meat, discarding large pieces of fat and bone (if using).
  6. Pour cooking liquid through a fine-mesh strainer into a saucepan. Discard bay leaves and solids. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook 5-10 minutes until slightly thickened.
  7. Return shredded pork to slow cooker (or large bowl). Pour about half of reduced liquid over pork and toss to coat. Add more liquid as needed until moist and flavorful. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. To serve, split slider buns and toast if desired. Brush cut sides with melted butter and toast under broiler for 1-2 minutes. Pile pulled pork onto buns, add toppings, and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, sear the pork shoulder in a hot skillet with oil before adding to slow cooker. Check liquid level halfway through; add extra broth if needed. Let shredded pork rest in sauce for 10-15 minutes before serving. Leftovers keep 3-4 days in refrigerator or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot pulled pork, apple cider pulled pork, pulled pork sliders, slow cooker pork, game day recipe, party food, easy dinner

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/easy-crockpot-apple-cider-pulled-pork-sliders/