Slow-Cooker Hot Honey Barbecue Pulled Pork Sliders

During the summer months, we pasture-raise hogs on our small hobby farm, so suffice it to say we usually have a freezer full of pork on hand. Pork shoulder (also known as pork butt, Boston butt or picnic roast) has long been one of my favorite cuts of pork. It is perfect for slow-cooking and always turns out tender and juicy. I’ve experimented with a lot of different sauces to make pulled pork, and this recipe for slow-cooker hot honey barbecue pulled pork sliders is one of my new favorites.

Sweet and spicy hot honey, along with a few other rich and flavorful ingredients, is added to a regular barbecue sauce, which results in sweet, savory, spicy and tangy pulled pork.

Slow-Cooker Hot Honey Barbecue Pulled Pork Slider Ingredients

• Onion: The best type of onion to use in this pulled pork recipe is a yellow or white one.
• Boneless pork shoulder butt roast: This cut of pork comes from the top portion of the front leg. It’s a well-marbled cut that’s ideal for slow-cooking or braising. You’ll need a 3- to 4-pound pork shoulder for this recipe.
• Seasoning: The pulled pork is seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.
• Barbecue sauce: Use your favorite barbecue sauce brand.
• Hot honey: This tasty condiment is a mixture of honey and spices such as red pepper flakes, chili peppers or cayenne pepper. You can use store-bought hot honey (the hot honey at Aldi is a favorite, if you can find it) or make a batch of hot honey from scratch.
• Cider vinegar: This type of vinegar adds a tangy, fruity flavor to the sauce.
• Tomato paste: Tomato paste adds a rich umami flavor to the sauce. Leftover tomato paste is good for so many recipes, from pasta sauce to soups and stews.
• Worcestershire sauce: Worcestershire sauce adds another blast of umami flavor.
• Hawaiian sweet rolls: These soft rolls—which are perfectly sized for sliders—are slightly sweet, which pairs well with the sweet and spicy pulled pork. You can also use regular rolls or hamburger buns if you prefer.
• Optional: Serve the sliders with a variety of topping options, such as sliced pickles or deli coleslaw.

Directions

Step 1: Season the pork

Place sliced onions in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Season pork with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Place the pork on top of the onions.

Step 2: Make the sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, hot honey, cider vinegar, tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Pour the sauce mixture over the pork.

Step 3: Slow-cook the pork

Cover and cook on low for 9 to 10 hours, until the pork is fork-tender. Transfer the pork to a cutting board and shred with two forks, discarding excess fat. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir into the sauce until well coated.

Step 4: Assemble the sliders

Using a slotted spoon, place the pork onto slider bottoms. Drizzle with additional hot honey. Top with pickles or coleslaw, as desired. Place slider tops on the sandwiches and serve.

Slow-Cooker Hot Honey Barbecue Pulled Pork Slider Variations

• Add a rub: Enhance the flavor of the pork by adding a sweet, savory or spicy dry rub.
• Add cheese: Top the sliders with cheddar, pepper jack or provolone cheese.
• Spice it up: Add thinly sliced jalapenos or pickled jalapenos to the sliders.

How to Store Slow-Cooker Hot Honey Barbecue Pulled Pork

Transfer leftover hot honey barbecue pulled pork to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.

How long does slow-cooker barbecue pulled pork last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, slow-cooker barbecue pulled pork lasts for up to five days.

Can you freeze hot honey barbecue pulled pork?

Absolutely! After allowing the hot honey barbecue pulled pork to cool completely, transfer the meat to a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer for up to three months.

How should you reheat slow-cooker barbecue pulled pork?

The simplest way to reheat slow-cooker barbecue pulled pork is in the microwave. Transfer the pulled pork to a microwave-safe container, cover and cook for about two minutes, or until the meat registers 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. If you are reheating a large amount of pulled pork, reheat it in the oven. Transfer to a baking dish, add a splash of broth and cover tightly with foil. Reheat in a 225° oven for 30 minutes or until the meat registers 165°.

Slow-Cooker Hot Honey Barbecue Pulled Pork Slider Tips

What can you serve with hot honey barbecue pulled pork sliders?

These flavorful sliders pair well with all our summer barbecue sides. Think baked beans, Mexican street corn, veggie kabobs, watermelon mint salad, or creamy macaroni and cheese.

How else can you make hot honey barbecue pulled pork?

You can make this pulled pork recipe on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot. To make pulled pork on the stovetop, sear all sides of the pork in a Dutch oven with a bit of olive oil. Remove the pork, and then saute the onions. Return the pork to the Dutch oven and top with the sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the meat is tender, three to four hours.

To make this pulled pork in an Instant Pot, sear the pork using the saute function, then add the remaining ingredients and cook under high pressure for one hour.

How else can you use hot honey barbecue pulled pork?

Hot honey barbecue pulled pork is also delicious served over rice or polenta. Or, use the pulled pork as a topping for protein-packed salads, nachos or quesadillas.