Spiced Cider Pulled Pork Sliders (Print Version)

Slow-cooked pork infused with cider and spices, served on slider buns for a flavorful party snack.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pork

01 - 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder, trimmed
02 - 2 teaspoons kosher salt
03 - 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Spice Rub

04 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
05 - 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
09 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

→ Cooking Liquid

11 - 1 1/4 cups apple cider
12 - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
13 - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
14 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

→ Serving

15 - 12 slider buns
16 - 1 1/2 cups coleslaw mix (optional)
17 - 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (optional)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - In a small mixing bowl, thoroughly blend brown sugar, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, garlic powder, and onion powder.
02 - Pat boneless pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Generously season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then evenly coat with prepared spice rub.
03 - Transfer seasoned pork to the slow cooker. Pour apple cider, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce around the pork, taking care to avoid pouring directly over the meat.
04 - Cover and cook on low heat setting for 6 hours, or until pork is extremely tender and shreds with ease.
05 - Using two forks, remove pork from the cooker and shred. Skim excess fat from the cooking liquid, then return shredded pork to the slow cooker, tossing gently to coat with juices.
06 - Pile pulled pork onto slider buns. Top with coleslaw mix and a drizzle of barbecue sauce, if using. Serve warm.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Easy slow cooker method for effortless preparation
  • Deep apple cider flavor with spices for a cozy twist
  • Feeds a crowd and perfect for gatherings
  • Customizable toppings for everyone’s taste
02 -
  • Perfect for meal prep and parties
  • Pulled pork is naturally dairy free and stays delicious reheated
  • Freezes beautifully for future meals
03 -
  • Let the pork rest for ten minutes after cooking before shredding to keep it extra juicy
  • For bolder flavor toast your spice rub briefly in a dry skillet before rubbing on the meat
  • Do not skip returning shredded pork to the juices in the slow cooker This makes the pulled pork ultra moist and flavorful