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Easy Tailgate Pulled Pork Sliders - featured image

Easy Tailgate Pulled Pork Sliders: Batch Cook & Freeze


  • Author: Thea
  • Total Time: 8 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 20-24 servings 1x

Description

A logistical masterclass for game day featuring batch-cooked pulled pork that freezes perfectly. This recipe yields 20-24 sliders, offering a stress-free solution for tailgating or meal prep with tender, juicy pork and customizable toppings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 45 pounds pork shoulder (Boston butt)
  • 2 large yellow onions, sliced into half-rings
  • 8 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar-free or low-sugar BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2436 small Hawaiian rolls or brioche slider buns
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 cups coleslaw mix, shredded (optional)

Instructions

  1. Trim excessive hard fat from the pork shoulder. Slice onions into half-rings and mince garlic.
  2. Place sliced onions at the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker to prevent sticking.
  3. Place pork shoulder on top of onions. Sprinkle minced garlic, smoked paprika, and brown sugar evenly over the meat.
  4. Pour apple cider vinegar and chicken broth around the sides of the slow cooker.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours until pork shreds effortlessly with a fork.
  6. Remove pork from cooker and shred using two forks or a potato masher. Discard cooked onions.
  7. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker. Stir in BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce.
  8. Simmer on LOW for 15 minutes to meld flavors. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Portion warm pork into freezer-safe bags or containers (approx. 2 cups per portion). Squeeze out air and label.
  10. For immediate serving: Slice buns, brush cut sides with melted butter, and toast lightly at 350°F for 5 minutes.
  11. Reheat reserved portion of pork in a skillet over medium heat.
  12. Assemble sliders by spooning warm pork onto toasted buns and topping with coleslaw if desired.

Notes

Do not freeze assembled sliders as buns will become soggy. Freeze pork only and assemble fresh. For best freezing results, lay bags flat. Add extra sauce when freezing to compensate for flavor loss. Reheat gently with added liquid to maintain moisture.

  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8-10 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slider (pork + bun
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 8
  • Sodium: 320
  • Fat: 6
  • Saturated Fat: 2
  • Carbohydrates: 15
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 12

Keywords: pulled pork sliders, tailgate food, batch cooking, freezer meals, slow cooker recipes, game day food, make ahead dinner