BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are a true revelation: buttery, richly sauced, delightfully cheesy, and incredibly simple to assemble, especially when you have some leftover BBQ pork (or even chicken) on hand! These mini sandwiches are more than just a snack; they’re an experience, delivering big flavor in a perfectly portioned bite.

From the Author

Contents

Toggle

Transforming Leftovers into a Culinary Delight!

My family’s current obsession with BBQ pulled pork knows no bounds. Just last weekend, I prepared a massive 8.5-pound pork shoulder, crafting delicious BBQ pulled pork sandwiches that were an absolute triumph – plates were cleared with astonishing speed! However, as often happens with such a generous cut, I found myself with a substantial amount of shredded pork remaining. Always up for a creative kitchen challenge, I embarked on a mission to give these leftovers a spectacular glow-up.

First on the menu was BBQ pizza, a perpetual family favorite that never disappoints. Next, I experimented by stuffing the savory pork into fluffy baked sweet potatoes, creating a surprisingly delightful and wholesome meal. And finally, the culinary journey led me to these utterly fantastic BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders!

The inspiration struck when I had the pork, a fresh pack of slider buns (originally intended for cinnamon rolls, of course!), and a well-stocked fridge full of various cheeses. With a legion of hungry kids eagerly anticipating their next meal, I knew I needed something quick, easy, and undeniably delicious. My initial thought was to elevate them with ingredients like jalapeños, red onions, or fresh cilantro. However, as luck would have it, my pantry was missing these specific items. So, I decided to work with what I had on hand.

To my astonishment, and everyone else’s, the “plain” version of these sliders was an instant hit. They vanished within minutes! This experience taught me a valuable lesson: sometimes, the simplest combinations are truly the best. While you’re welcome to customize these sliders with your favorite toppings and additions, rest assured that even with just the fundamental ingredients, they are incredibly satisfying and flavor-packed. Don’t be afraid to embrace the basics!

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

Crafting these irresistible BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders requires just a handful of key ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering that signature buttery, cheesy, and saucy goodness. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the ability to turn humble components into something truly extraordinary.

Why These Sliders Will Become Your New Go-To

Beyond their delightful taste, these BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders offer a host of reasons to fall in love:

• Effortlessly Delicious: With minimal prep and active cooking time, you can have a gourmet-tasting dish on the table quickly.
• Leftover Hero: They’re the ultimate way to reinvent leftover pulled pork or chicken, ensuring no delicious morsel goes to waste.
• Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: Perfect for game days, potlucks, parties, or casual family dinners, these sliders disappear fast!
• Customizable Fun: Easy to adapt with various cheeses, meats, and toppings to suit any palate.
• Perfectly Portioned: Their small size makes them ideal for snacking or as a component of a larger meal.

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

By
Chelsea Lords

These BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are a sensational way to transform leftover pulled pork or chicken into a buttery, cheesy, and irresistibly saucy meal. Quick to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, they are perfect for any gathering or a fun family dinner.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

35 minutes

Total Time:

50 minutes

Servings:

12 sliders

Recipe Video (Optional)

For a visual guide to crafting these delicious sliders, check out the embedded recipe video (if available on the original post). It walks you through each step, ensuring perfect results every time.

Equipment Needed

• 9 x 13-inch baking pan

Ingredients

• 12 Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls
• 3 cups shredded pork or chicken, or beef (see Note 1)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (see Note 2)
• 1 8-ounce package pre-sliced sharp Cheddar or Gouda cheese
• 7 tablespoons garlic-herb butter (see Note 3)
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper and lightly greasing it with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Carefully slice the entire block of Hawaiian sweet rolls in half horizontally, ensuring that all individual rolls remain attached. Place the bottom half of the rolls evenly into the prepared baking pan.
3. In a large mixing bowl, coarsely chop your shredded pork (or chicken/beef) into smaller, manageable pieces. Add the BBQ sauce and toss until the meat is thoroughly and evenly coated.
4. Assemble the Sliders: Arrange 6 slices of cheese over the bottom buns in the baking pan. Evenly spread the BBQ pork mixture over the cheese layer. Top with the remaining 6 slices of cheese. At this stage, do not add the top buns. Bake, uncovered, for 10 minutes to start melting the cheese and heating the pork.
5. While the first bake is happening, melt the garlic-herb butter in a microwave-safe bowl. This butter will give your sliders an incredible golden finish and flavor.
6. Remove the pan from the oven. Carefully place the top half of the slider buns over the cheese and pork mixture. Pour and brush the melted garlic-herb butter generously over the tops and sides of the buns. Don’t worry if some butter pools at the bottom; this will ensure a deliciously crisp and flavorful base for your sliders. If using, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the buttery tops.
7. Cover the baking pan tightly with aluminum foil and return it to the oven to bake for an additional 20 minutes. This steaming helps the rolls soften and allows the cheese to melt fully. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5–10 minutes, or until the tops of the buns are beautifully golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and thoroughly melted.
8. Serve these delightful BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders hot. For easy serving, cut along the lines of the individual rolls to separate them. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes for Success

Note 1 (Choice of Meat): The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to use delicious leftover pork from our BBQ pork sandwich recipe, or substitute with flavorful BBQ chicken. You can also opt for shredded BBQ beef. If you don’t have homemade leftovers, readily available prepared BBQ pork, beef, or chicken from your local deli or grocery store works perfectly in a pinch.

Note 2 (BBQ Sauce Selection): The quality of your BBQ sauce makes a significant difference. Choose a high-quality, thicker BBQ sauce that you genuinely enjoy the flavor of. A good thick sauce will cling to the meat and prevent the sliders from becoming soggy. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own homemade BBQ sauce for an extra layer of personalized flavor.

Note 3 (Garlic-Herb Butter): For an unparalleled buttery, savory crust, we highly recommend Kerrygold® garlic butter. Its rich flavor truly elevates these sliders. However, if it’s not available, you can easily create your own aromatic blend: simply combine 7 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted, with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per Serving)

Serving: 1 slider
|

Calories: 351 kcal
|

Carbohydrates: 23 g
|

Protein: 17 g
|

Fat: 21 g
|

Saturated Fat: 11 g
|

Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g
|

Monounsaturated Fat: 6 g
|

Trans Fat: 0.4 g
|

Cholesterol: 85 mg
|

Sodium: 548 mg
|

Potassium: 237 mg
|

Fiber: 0.6 g
|

Sugar: 11 g
|

Vitamin A: 460 IU
|

Vitamin C: 0.2 mg
|

Calcium: 175 mg
|

Iron: 1 mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation. Values may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

These flavorful sliders are versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Whether you’re aiming for a light accompaniment or a hearty feast, here are some excellent choices:

• Greek Pasta Salad: A refreshing and vibrant side, packed with fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing, offering a fantastic contrast to the rich pork.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet and savory, with a perfectly caramelized exterior and a tender interior, these offer a delightful balance to the smoky BBQ flavors.
• Classic Baked Beans: The ultimate BBQ sidekick! Smoky, saucy, and wonderfully filling, they complement the sliders with their robust flavor profile.
• Fresh Watermelon Slices: For a light and refreshing option, juicy watermelon provides a crisp, sweet, and cooling counterpoint, especially on a warm day.
• Creamy Macaroni Salad: A timeless crowd-pleaser, this classic side offers a creamy texture and subtle tang that works beautifully with the rich sliders.
• Crisp Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the sliders, adding freshness and crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions about making BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders:

• Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time? You can prepare the pulled pork mixture and slice the rolls a day in advance. Assemble the sliders just before baking to prevent the rolls from getting soggy, especially from the BBQ sauce.
• What kind of pulled pork is best? Any tender, flavorful pulled pork will work! Ideally, it should be well-seasoned and not overly saucy before mixing with additional BBQ sauce for the sliders. Homemade is always great, but store-bought pre-cooked options are fantastic for convenience.
• How do I reheat leftover sliders? For best results, reheat in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melted again. Microwaving can make the rolls soft.
• Can I use different types of rolls? While Hawaiian sweet rolls are highly recommended for their perfect size, sweetness, and soft texture, you could try brioche slider buns or even small dinner rolls. Adjust baking time as needed if using different types of bread.
• My sliders are soggy, what went wrong? This usually happens if the BBQ sauce is too thin or if the sliders were left assembled for too long before baking. Ensure you use a thicker BBQ sauce and assemble immediately before baking for the best results.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a show-stopping appetizer, or a creative way to use up leftovers, these BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are an absolute winner. Their irresistible combination of buttery rolls, savory pork, and melted cheese will have everyone reaching for more. Give them a try, and prepare to fall in love with this easy, flavorful dish!