BBQ Baby Shower Pulled Pork

There's something magical about gathering loved ones around a table piled high with tender, smoky pulled pork sliders. These BBQ Baby Shower Pulled Pork Sliders with Coleslaw are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining slow-cooked perfection with the satisfying crunch of creamy coleslaw. Whether you're celebrating a baby shower, hosting a backyard party, or simply craving comfort food that feeds a crowd, these sliders deliver big flavor in a perfectly portable package. The pork shoulder transforms into melt-in-your-mouth strands after hours in the slow cooker, while the tangy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, smoky BBQ sauce.

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The secret to these incredible sliders lies in the perfectly balanced dry rub and the low-and-slow cooking method. As the pork shoulder braises in a mixture of BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth, it becomes impossibly tender while absorbing all those smoky, savory flavors. The homemade coleslaw, with its creamy dressing and crisp vegetables, provides the perfect cooling contrast to the rich pulled pork. Every bite is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will have your guests coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

• For the Pulled Pork: 3 lbs (1.4 kg) boneless pork shoulder (pork butt), 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat), 1 cup (240 ml) BBQ sauce (plus more for serving), 1/2 cup (120 ml) apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• For the Coleslaw: 3 cups (200 g) shredded green cabbage, 1 cup (70 g) shredded red cabbage, 1 cup (100 g) shredded carrots, 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp honey or sugar, 1/2 tsp celery seed (optional), salt and pepper, to taste
• For Assembly: 12 slider buns, extra BBQ sauce for drizzling

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Rub

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cumin, and cayenne pepper.

Step 2: Season the Pork

Pat the pork shoulder dry and rub the spice mixture all over the meat.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Pork

Place the pork in a slow cooker. Pour BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth around (not over) the pork. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is very tender and shreds easily.

Step 4: Make the Coleslaw

While the pork cooks, combine green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey (or sugar), celery seed, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Toss to coat. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 5: Shred the Pork

Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Skim and discard excess fat from the cooking liquid. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker, tossing with juices. Add more BBQ sauce if desired.

Step 6: Assemble the Sliders

Slice the slider buns. Pile pulled pork onto each bun, drizzle with extra BBQ sauce, and top with generous spoonfuls of coleslaw.

Step 7: Serve

Arrange sliders on a platter and serve warm.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra flavor, sear the pork shoulder in a hot skillet before slow cooking to develop a deeper, caramelized crust. If you're short on time, substitute store-bought coleslaw mix for convenience—just add the dressing ingredients and toss. To make ahead, prepare the pork and coleslaw in advance and assemble just before serving to keep the buns from getting soggy. When shredding the pork, be sure to skim off excess fat from the cooking liquid to keep the sliders from being too greasy. If the pulled pork seems dry, add more BBQ sauce or some of the reserved cooking liquid to moisten it.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Make these sliders your own by adjusting the heat level—add more cayenne pepper for a spicier kick, or omit it entirely for a milder version. For a dairy-free option, use dairy-free slider buns and egg-free mayonnaise in the coleslaw. Try different BBQ sauce styles like Carolina mustard-based or Kansas City sweet and tangy to change up the flavor profile. You can also swap the coleslaw for pickles and onions for a more traditional BBQ approach, or add sliced jalapeños for extra heat. For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free slider buns.

Serviervorschläge

These sliders are perfect for baby showers, game day gatherings, or any casual celebration. Arrange them on a large platter for a beautiful presentation that encourages guests to help themselves. Pair them with classic sides like baked beans, potato salad, or corn on the cob for a complete BBQ spread. For beverages, a chilled rosé or light lager beer complements the smoky, tangy flavors beautifully. Set out extra BBQ sauce and coleslaw on the side so guests can customize their sliders to their liking. These also make excellent leftovers—store the pulled pork and coleslaw separately and assemble fresh sliders the next day.

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These BBQ Baby Shower Pulled Pork Sliders with Coleslaw prove that impressive party food doesn't have to be complicated. With just 30 minutes of prep and your trusty slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, you'll have tender, flavorful pulled pork that's worthy of any celebration. The combination of smoky meat, tangy sauce, and crisp coleslaw creates a flavor experience that guests will remember long after the party ends. Whether you're celebrating new beginnings at a baby shower or simply gathering friends and family for good food and great company, these sliders are guaranteed to be the star of the spread.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How long should the pork cook for best tenderness?

For tender, easily shredded pork, cook on low in the slow cooker for 6 to 8 hours.

→ Can I prepare the coleslaw ahead of time?

Yes, the coleslaw can be mixed and refrigerated until ready to serve, enhancing its flavors.

→ What type of buns work best for sliders?

Soft slider buns are ideal as they hold the juicy pork and creamy slaw without overpowering flavors.

→ How can I add extra smoky flavor to the pork?

Searing the pork shoulder in a hot skillet before slow cooking intensifies smoky and savory notes.

→ Are there alternatives for the coleslaw dressing?

You can substitute mayonnaise with dairy-free options or mix in tangy vinegar and honey for variation.