Get ready to indulge in a mouthwatering fusion of tender pulled pork, smoky bacon, and melted cheddar cheese, all nestled between soft slider buns. Cheesy Bacon BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for gatherings, game days, or any time you crave the perfect balance of savory and sweet.
With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create these irresistible sliders that will have your guests coming back for more. The key is in the slow-cooked pork shoulder, which becomes fall-apart tender and soaks up the tangy barbecue sauce. Top it off with crispy bacon and melted cheddar, and you’ve got a flavor explosion in every bite.
Ingredients for Cheesy Bacon BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
To make these delectable sliders, you’ll need a few essential ingredients that come together to create a truly memorable dish:
The Protein: Pork Shoulder
Pork shoulder, also known as pork butt or Boston butt, is the best cut of meat for pulled pork. This well-marbled cut has the perfect balance of fat and lean muscle, which breaks down during the slow cooking process to create the signature tender, shredded texture.
The Sauce: Barbecue Sauce
The type of barbecue sauce you choose can greatly impact the overall flavor of your pulled pork sliders. Go for a bold, tangy, or sweet variety, depending on your personal preferences. You can even mix and match different sauces to create a unique blend.
The Cheese: Cheddar
Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for these sliders, as its smooth, creamy texture and slightly sharp flavor perfectly complements the pulled pork and bacon. You can opt for a sharp or mild cheddar, depending on your taste preferences.
The Buns: Slider Rolls
Soft, slightly sweet slider buns are the ideal vessel for these pulled pork sliders. Their smaller size allows you to enjoy multiple sliders without feeling too full. You can find pre-made slider buns or use dinner rolls or even Hawaiian rolls if you prefer.
The Crunch: Crispy Bacon
Crumbled bacon adds an irresistible smoky, salty crunch to the sliders, perfectly balancing the richness of the pulled pork and melted cheese.
Cooking the Pork Shoulder
Preparing the Pork
Start by seasoning the pork shoulder with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning blend will enhance the natural flavor of the meat and help create a delicious crust when searing.
Searing for Flavor
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork on all sides until a beautiful brown crust forms. This step is crucial for building layers of flavor in the final dish.
Slow Cooking for Tenderness
Once the pork is seared, transfer it to a slow cooker and pour the barbecue sauce and apple cider vinegar over the top. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the pork is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Shredding and Mixing the Pork
Shredding the Pork
After the pork has slow-cooked to perfection, remove it from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it into delicate strands. Be sure to incorporate any remaining sauce from the slow cooker for maximum flavor.
Mixing with BBQ Sauce
Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and toss it with the remaining barbecue sauce, ensuring every bite is coated in the tangy, sweet sauce.
Assembling the Sliders
Layering the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the slider buns in half and place the bottom halves on a baking sheet. Generously pile the shredded BBQ pork on each bun, then top with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
Baking to Perfection
Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese and pork, then bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are warm and toasted.
Serving and Garnishing
Garnishing for Presentation
Remove the sliders from the oven and top them with sliced red onions and fresh parsley for a vibrant, appetizing appearance. The combination of the tender pork, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh garnishes creates an irresistible visual and flavor experience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Cheesy Bacon BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders warm, either as a main dish or as a shareable appetizer. They pair perfectly with coleslaw, baked beans, or a simple green salad. For beverages, consider pairing them with a cold beer, iced tea, or lemonade to complement the bold flavors.
FAQs About Cheesy Bacon BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
What type of meat is best for pulled pork sliders?
The best cut of meat for pulled pork sliders is pork shoulder, also known as pork butt or Boston butt. This cut has a good amount of fat and connective tissue, which makes it perfect for slow cooking. The fat renders down during the cooking process, resulting in tender, flavorful pulled pork.
How long should I cook pulled pork for sliders?
Pulled pork should be cooked low and slow for optimal tenderness. If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. If using an oven or smoker, aim for a cooking temperature of 225-250°F (107-121°C) and plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours per pound of meat. The pork is ready when it easily pulls apart with a fork.
What toppings work well with pulled pork sliders?
Popular toppings for pulled pork sliders include coleslaw, pickles, barbecue sauce, jalapeños, and sliced onions. You can also experiment with cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, or add a drizzle of ranch or hot sauce for extra flavor.
Can I make pulled pork sliders in advance?
Yes, pulled pork can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little barbecue sauce or broth if it seems dry. Assemble the sliders just before serving for the best taste and texture.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Potato Skins
- Cheesy BBQ Bacon Tornado Fries
- Ultimate Cheesy BBQ Pulled Pork Volcano Potatoes
- Honey BBQ Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings
Conclusion
Cheesy Bacon BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are a true flavor sensation that will have your guests raving. With the tender, slow-cooked pork, tangy barbecue sauce, melted cheddar, and crispy bacon, these sliders are a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and indulgent. Whether you’re hosting a party, game day gathering, or simply craving a comforting and satisfying meal, these sliders are sure to become a new family favorite. Give this recipe a try and get ready to enjoy the ultimate pulled pork experience!
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Cheesy Bacon BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8-12 sliders 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Get ready to indulge in a mouthwatering fusion of tender pulled pork, smoky bacon, and melted cheddar cheese, all nestled between soft slider buns. Cheesy Bacon BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for gatherings, game days, or any time you crave the perfect balance of savory and sweet.
Ingredients
- 3–4 lbs pork shoulder (also known as pork butt or Boston butt)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (choose a bold, tangy, or sweet variety)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8–12 soft slider buns (or dinner rolls/Hawaiian rolls)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
- Sliced red onions and fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparing the Pork
- Season the pork shoulder with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork on all sides until browned.
- Transfer the seared pork to a slow cooker, pour barbecue sauce and apple cider vinegar over it, and cook on low for 8 hours.
Shredding and Mixing the Pork
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with any remaining barbecue sauce.
Assembling the Sliders
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the slider buns in half and place the bottom halves on a baking sheet.
- Generously pile the shredded BBQ pork on each bun, then top with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
- Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese and pork, then bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Serving and Garnishing
- Remove the sliders from the oven and garnish with sliced red onions and fresh parsley.
- Serve warm, ideally paired with coleslaw, baked beans, or a simple salad.
Notes
You can prepare the pulled pork in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat before assembling the sliders. Feel free to customize toppings to your liking!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Pulled Pork Sliders, BBQ Sliders, Cheesy Sliders, Game Day Recipes