Savory Smoky Maple Pulled Pork Sliders with Creamy Coleslaw
These savory smoky maple pulled pork sliders paired with creamy coleslaw offer a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. Easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings, they deliver tender pulled pork with a refreshing coleslaw twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (slow cooker low) or 4 to 5 hours (slow cooker high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 lbs boneless pork shoulder
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 12 small slider buns (Hawaiian rolls preferred)
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- ½ tsp celery seed
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Mix the dry rub: Combine smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Prepare the pork: Pat pork shoulder dry and rub the spice mix all over. Let rest 15-20 minutes or refrigerate for several hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Slow cook the pork: Place pork in slow cooker. Pour maple syrup over top, then drizzle apple cider vinegar and yellow mustard around it. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until tender.
- Shred the pork: Remove pork and shred with forks or tongs. Return shredded pork to slow cooker and stir into juices. Keep warm.
- Make the creamy coleslaw: In a large bowl, combine cabbage and carrots. Whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, celery seed, and salt in a small bowl. Toss dressing with veggies and chill.
- Prepare slider buns: Optionally toast buns on baking sheet or grill pan until golden.
- Assemble sliders: Place pulled pork on bottom bun, top with coleslaw, then bun top. Serve warm.
Notes
If slow cooker juices are too watery, simmer on stove to thicken before mixing back in. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Let pork rest with rub for deeper flavor. Shred pork while warm for best texture. Adjust coleslaw vinegar and honey to taste. Substitute gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for gluten-free diet. Use dairy-free mayo or coconut yogurt for dairy-free coleslaw.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 18
Keywords: pulled pork sliders, smoky pulled pork, maple pulled pork, creamy coleslaw, easy sliders, slow cooker pulled pork, comfort food, crowd-pleaser