Independence Day is right around the corner, which means it is almost time for backyard BBQs, firework shows, and hometown parades. If you are looking for a 4th of July appetizer that will knock it out of the park, check out these delicious, flavorful pulled pork sliders.
Pulled pork sliders have become a favored fair at restaurants and breweries across the country because they are mini, savory flavor bombs that don't leave you feeling completely stuffed.
With only 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe aims to impress without keeping you stuck in the kitchen all day.
The best part about 4th of July finger foods for a party is that there is something for all taste palettes. These pulled pork sliders pair well with other classic Americana like hot dogs, grilled pork tenderloin skewers and potato salad. I also have this red, white and blue charcuterie board that you can add to the appetizer table.
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Ingredients
- boneless pork loin - The best pork cuts for pulled pork in terms of flavor are pork shoulder roast or butt. However, for a leaner option that is easier to shred, I use either boneless pork loin or pork tenderloin for this recipe. You can take your pick based on your personal preference.
- beer - My first choice for beer in this sauce would be a pale ale (not to be confused with an IPA) but a porter also works great with pulled pork. A porter is a malty, dark beer.
- slider buns - These are basically mini hamburger buns.
- lettuce - I like to use iceberg but you can use romaine, arugula, spring mix etc.
- mayo, apple cider vinegar, cumin and sugar - These ingredients are for the delicious slider sauce that complements the pulled pork flavors really well.
- red onions - The onions are going to be marinated in the lemon juice, making a delicious topping with an extra punch of flavor.
- lemon juice - Freshly squeezed, to marinate the onions.
*Check recipe card for full ingredient amounts.
Chef's Note: The slider sauce is amazing, but these sliders would also taste great with a homemade white BBQ sauce as an alternative.
How to Make These Sliders
Step 1. Add pork to slow cooker. Place the pork shoulder (or loin) in a slow cooker and season with some salt and pepper.
Step 2. Make the pork sauce. Combine the BBQ sauce, beer, ketchup and brown sugar in a bowl (Image 1). Pour it over the pork in the slow cooker (Image 2).
Step 3. Cook. Cover with the lid and cook for 4 to 6 hours on high, until tender.
Step 4. Shred. Remove the pork from the slow cooker (Image 1) and shred it using two forks on a cutting board (Image 2). Return to slow cooker with all of the cooking juices (Image 3) and mix well (Image 4).
Step 5. Make the slider sauce. Meanwhile, mix all slider sauce ingredients together in a bowl. I like to funnel it into a squeeze bottle for serving. Reserve.
Step 6. Marinate the onions. Just before serving: place the onion slices in a small bowl with the lemon juice for 20 minutes.
Step 7. Assemble the sliders. Drain the pulled pork from the cooking liquid (but save the liquid for later). Layer the slider buns with the pulled pork, lettuce, onions and slider sauce.
Step 8. Serve. Serve the sliders and enjoy!
Make Ahead Options
Sliders are a welcome addition to any BBQ or picnic. If you are headed to a BBQ or party where the grill and kitchen will be busy, this dish is perfect for making ahead.
- Simply keep the meat warm in the slow cooker, and take along the buns, sauce and toppings separately until they are ready to be served.
- These sliders also reheat well, so the meat can be prepared a day or two in advance, but no longer than 3 to 4 days total.
- The slider sauce can be made ahead of time and stored, covered in the fridge, for up to two weeks.
Recipe Tips
Save the sauce. When you drain the liquid from the pulled pork, be sure to save it. You can add back as much or as little as you like to the shredded pork, but keep in mind that the more liquidy it is, the more soggy the buns will be. Toasting the buns helps too.
If you're reheating the pulled pork later, you are going to want to use the reserved sauce to remoisten it.
Add some patriotic decor. Be sure to add some red, white and blue decorations to your finished sliders and/or on the appetizer table.
If you can find some festive, red or blue plates and napkins, those would be great too!
More Delicious Finger Foods to Consider
If you tried this 🎇 4th of July Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. And please share the recipe!
📋Recipe
4th of July Pulled Pork Sliders
Ingredients
For the Pulled Pork
- 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder roast - trimmed of fat--you can also use boneless pork loin or pork tenderloin
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- ½ cup beer - a pale ale beer or porter work well
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- salt and pepper
For the Slider Sauce
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon sugar
To Serve
- 1 red onion - sliced
- 1 lemon - squeezed
- iceberg lettuce
- 16 slider buns - mini hamburger buns
Instructions
- Place the pork shoulder (or loin if using) in a slow cooker and season with some salt and pepper.
- Combine the BBQ sauce, beer, ketchup and brown sugar in a bowl and pour it over the pork in the slow cooker. Cover and cook for 4 to 6 hours on high, until tender.
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks on a cutting board. Return to slow cooker with all of the cooking juices and mix well.
- Meanwhile, mix all slider sauce ingredients together in a bowl. I like to funnel it into a squeeze bottle for serving. Reserve.
- Just before serving: marinate the onion slices with the lemon juice in a small bowl for 20 minutes.
- Drain the pulled pork from the cooking liquid (but save it to remoisten the leftovers). Serve the pulled pork on slider buns with the lettuce, slider sauce and onions.
Equipment
Notes
- You can use boneless pork loin or pork tenderloin for a leaner option but pork shoulder and butt tends to have the best flavor.
- The pulled pork for these sliders reheats well, so the meat can be prepared a day or two in advance, but no longer than 3 to 4 days total.
- The slider sauce can be stored covered in the fridge for up to two weeks.
- Be sure to add some red, white and blue decorations to your finished sliders and/or on the appetizer table. If you can find some festive, red or blue plates and napkins, those would be great too!
- When you drain the liquid from the pulled pork, be sure to save it. You can add back as much or as little as you like to the shredded pork, but keep in mind that the more liquidy it is, the more soggy the buns will be. Toasting the buns helps too.
- If you're reheating the pulled pork later, you are going to want to use the reserved sauce to remoisten it.
Nutrition
Nutrition information on In the Kitch is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may not include toppings and/or sauces.
Monica says
Definitely a 5 star recipe.
Very tasty!
I’ll be making this over and over again.
Joss D says
Thanks Monica. 🙂 Glad you liked them!