Pulled Pork Sliders

This pulled pork sliders recipe combines tender, juicy meat with tangy sauce and pillowy King’s Hawaiian buns. Once you cook the pork, assemble and bake in 15 minutes!

Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe

Nothing beats a Hawaiian sliders recipe when you need something quick and easy to feed a crowd — or a few hungry teenagers! Slice open the rolls, layer in some meat and cheese, then bake. 

Enjoy extra saucy pork and gooey mozzarella between sweet Hawaiian rolls in the perfect handheld bite. You won’t be able to stop at just one!

Try more grab-and-go meals like steak fajita kebabs or chili lime chicken wings. And for breakfast or a snack, you can’t go wrong with veggie-packed frittata cups.

Why you will love this recipe

• Makes 12 sliders in one pan with minimal cleanup.
• Uses simple ingredients for tender, flavorful meat.
• Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
• Customize this pulled pork sliders recipe with all your favorite toppings.

How to make a perfect pulled pork sliders recipe

Sauté onions and garlic. Add oil to a large saucepan or pot — we’re using the same pan for the pork, so a skillet won’t work. Toss in the onion slices and cook until soft and translucent, then add the garlic and cook for another minute.

Cook the pork. Mix together the seasonings and rub them all over the pork shoulder. Place the meat over the onions and garlic, then add the mustard, BBQ sauce, and broth. Stir, cover with a lid, and simmer for 1 hour.

Flip the pork and continue cooking, about 30-45 minutes, until it’s tender and shreds easily. Shred the whole shoulder in the pan and let it simmer for 15 minutes to soak up the sauce. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Assemble sliders. Place the bottom half of the sliced King’s Hawaiian sliders on a baking sheet. Spread the shredded pork over the buns, then top with cheese and the top half of the rolls. For extra flavor, brush the tops with a mixture of melted butter and dried oregano.

Bake and serve. Cover sandwiches with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese has melted. Slice or tear away each pulled pork sandwich to serve.

Pro Tips

• Slicing King’s Hawaiian sliders. Run a large, serrated bread knife back and forth through the center of the buns until you have a top and a bottom slab. It can help to gently place your hand on the top to prevent sliding.
• Make shredding simple. Once cooked, the pork will fall apart quite easily. Make quick work of the pork shoulder by using two forks the shred the meat in seconds.
• Cover with foil. This ensures that the tops of the buns don’t get too toasty. You can always remove the foil during the last few minutes of cooking if you want them more browned.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions for Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe

Pork Shoulder: This is the most popular cut when making pulled pork because of the ratio of meat to fat. It really benefits from low and slow cooking, leaving you with melt-in-your-mouth bites. You could also use pork butt when making this Hawaiian sliders recipe.

BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite, whether it’s a regular blend or something with a unique flavor. Our maple whiskey BBQ sauce would add something special to this pulled pork sliders recipe!

Mozzarella Cheese: This melts down really smooth and creamy, but it does have a bit of a neutral flavor. Accomplish the same gooey pull with Monterey or Colby Jack cheeses, or try Pepper Jack for a spicy kick! Provolone and Gouda would be just as tasty.

King’s Hawaiian Sliders: Our top choice for any slider sandwich. These are pillowy soft with a hint of sweetness. Plus, they come connected which saves time when assembling! 

Frequently Asked Questions about this Hawaiian Sliders Recipe

Can I make my pulled pork sandwich ahead of time?

You can cook the pork shoulder in advance. Then shred the meat and store it for later. It will keep for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Warm the meat (thawing in the fridge first if frozen). Next, assemble your slider sandwich just before eating. 

What’s the best way to reheat a slider sandwich?

Once assembled, you’ll want to reheat a pulled pork sandwich in the oven or air fryer. Everything will be warmed evenly, plus the buns will get a bit toasty.

Pop a pulled pork sandwich in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 375 degrees F, longer if you plan to warm several at a time. 

To reheat a large batch, place them on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes at 350 degrees F.

How do you keep pulled pork sliders warm for a party?

Turn your oven down to a low setting — 150-200 degrees F — and keep the sliders in there covered with foil.

Or, place them in a slow cooker with a piece of parchment between each layer and set it to warm. Don’t forget the lid!