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Savory Kentucky Bourbon Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe with Easy Creamy Coleslaw

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A comforting and flavorful pulled pork slider recipe featuring bourbon-infused pork shoulder and a creamy, tangy coleslaw, perfect for gatherings and casual meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 cup Kentucky bourbon (Bulleit or Maker’s Mark preferred)
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 3 cups shredded green cabbage (about half a small head)
  • 1 cup shredded carrot
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • 12 slider buns (soft, slightly sweet varieties)
  • Butter for toasting buns (optional)

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and pat dry with paper towels (10 minutes).
  2. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Rub this spice mix evenly all over the pork (5 minutes).
  3. Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Pour bourbon around the pork (not directly on top) and add barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until pork is fork-tender and easy to shred.
  4. While pork cooks, combine shredded cabbage and carrot in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. Toss dressing with cabbage mixture and chill until ready to serve (15 minutes prep).
  5. Remove pork from slow cooker and shred finely with two forks, discarding large chunks of fat. Return shredded pork to slow cooker juices and stir to coat evenly (10 minutes).
  6. Heat a skillet over medium heat, spread butter on cut sides of slider buns, and toast until golden brown and slightly crispy (5 minutes).
  7. Assemble sliders by piling bourbon pulled pork on toasted bun bottoms, topping with creamy coleslaw, and crowning with bun tops. Serve immediately (5 minutes).

Notes

Keep an eye on the pork towards the end of cooking; add a splash of water or more bourbon if it seems dry. Toasting buns with butter prevents sogginess and adds texture. Coleslaw tastes better after chilling for a few hours. Substitute bourbon with apple juice or apple cider and vanilla extract for a kid-friendly version. Use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for gluten-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: bourbon pulled pork, pulled pork sliders, creamy coleslaw, Kentucky bourbon, slow cooker pulled pork, barbecue sliders, easy party food

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/savory-kentucky-bourbon-pulled-pork-sliders-recipe-with-easy-creamy-coleslaw/