Hey y’all! If you want a party hit that’s sweet, savory, and piled high with tender meat, these BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls are your new go-to. With mouthwatering pork slow-cooked to juicy perfection, smothered in tangy barbecue sauce, and nestled in pillowy-soft Hawaiian rolls, this recipe brings smiles to everyone around the table. Whether you’re hosting a game day get-together, backyard BBQ, or a casual dinner, these sliders always disappear fast. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- Perfect for feeding a crowd—easy to make in big batches.
- The Hawaiian rolls add an irresistible, buttery sweetness to every bite.
- Juicy, tender Pulled Pork is loaded with smoky, savory BBQ flavor.
- Quick to assemble and easy to serve as finger food or a meal.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and sides.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder (also called pork butt)
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce, plus more for serving
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 packages (24 rolls total) Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 cup coleslaw (optional, for topping)
- Pickles, for serving (optional)
Directions
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 6-8 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes (Slow Cooker Method)
Step 1: Season and Prepare the Pork
Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Pat the pork shoulder dry, then rub the spice mixture all over the meat.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Pork
Place the seasoned pork in a slow cooker. Add chicken broth, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar around the pork (not overtop). Cook on low heat for 8 hours or on high for 5-6 hours until the pork is fall-apart tender.
Step 3: Shred the Pork
Transfer the cooked pork to a clean tray or large bowl. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding excess fat. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir in 1 cup barbecue sauce. Keep warm until ready to assemble.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice Hawaiian rolls horizontally (do not separate individual rolls). Place bottom halves in a baking dish. Layer with generous amounts of BBQ pulled pork. Optional: Top with coleslaw and pickles. Place roll tops back on, brush with melted butter.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 10-12 minutes until the rolls are warm. Remove foil and bake an additional 3-5 minutes until tops are golden. Slice and serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side!
Notes
- Using store-bought pulled pork? Warm it up and toss with your favorite BBQ sauce before assembling sliders.
- For even more flavor, add sliced jalapeños or crispy fried onions as a topping.
- The pork can be made a day ahead—just reheat gently before assembling the sliders.
Variations
- Spicy BBQ Sliders: Use spicy barbecue sauce and chopped jalapeños for extra kick.
- Cheesy Sliders: Add a layer of shredded sharp cheddar or pepper jack before baking.
- Asian-Inspired: Toss pulled pork with hoisin sauce and top with sesame slaw.
Required Equipment
- Slow cooker or pressure cooker (for pork)
- Large baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Brush for melted butter
- Aluminum foil
Storage Instructions
Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before assembling or serving sliders. Assembled sliders can be stored covered in the fridge for 1-2 days; reheat in a low oven, covered, until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze pulled pork (without sauce) for up to 2 months, then thaw and mix with barbecue sauce before use.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve sliders with classic potato salad, baked beans, or creamy mac and cheese.
- Pair with a citrusy slaw to balance the richness of the pork.
- Offer sweet tea, lemonade, or cold beer for a true BBQ spread!
Pro Tips
- Use a fat separator to skim extra fat from the cooking liquid for a cleaner-tasting pork.
- Lightly toast the Hawaiian rolls before assembling for even more flavor and texture.
- Don’t skip brushing the tops with butter for an irresistible golden finish.
FAQ
- Can I make these BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders ahead of time?
- Yes! Prepare the pork and assemble the sliders a few hours in advance. Bake just before serving for best taste and texture.
- Can I use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot?
- Absolutely. Cook the pork on high pressure for about 60 minutes with natural pressure release, then proceed as directed.
- Do I have to use Hawaiian rolls?
- Nope! Any soft slider buns will work, but Hawaiian rolls add a special touch of sweetness everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder (boneless)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 12 Hawaiian rolls
- 1 cup coleslaw (prepared)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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1In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
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2Rub the spice mixture evenly over the pork shoulder.
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3Place the seasoned pork in a slow cooker. Add half of the barbecue sauce. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until pork is tender and easily shredded.
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4Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Stir in the remaining barbecue sauce.
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5Slice Hawaiian rolls in half. Pile shredded BBQ pulled pork onto the bottom halves. Top with prepared coleslaw and cover with the top halves.
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6Serve warm and enjoy these delicious sliders.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
320 caloriescal
Protein:
17gg
Fat:
13gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
34gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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