Pulled Pork Sliders with Pickled Onions are the ultimate crowd-pleasing finger food, combining tender, slow-cooked pork with tangy, slightly sweet pickled onions, all nestled on soft slider buns. This dish embodies comfort food at its best, with smoky, savory pulled pork and the bright acidity of pickled onions balancing every bite. Perfect for game days, parties, or casual dinners, these sliders are small in size but big in flavor.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a perfect balance of rich, tender pork and zesty, crisp onions. The sliders are easy to assemble, fun to eat, and feel indulgent without being overly complicated. They’re also incredibly versatile, perfect for both casual gatherings and more formal entertaining.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Ultimate party food or appetizer
• Juicy, tender pulled pork with bold flavors
• Quick-pickled onions elevate the dish with brightness
• Slider-sized for easy serving
• Make-ahead friendly and freezer-friendly

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6–8 hours (slow cooker)
• Total Time: ~6–8 hours 20 minutes
• Servings: 12 sliders
• Calories: ~350 calories per slider
• Course: Main Course / Appetizer
• Cuisine: American / Barbecue

Ingredients

For the Pulled Pork

• 3–4 lb (1.4–1.8 kg) pork shoulder (boneless)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• ½ cup chicken broth or apple juice

For Pickled Onions

• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

For Assembly

• 12 slider buns
• Extra barbecue sauce, optional
• Coleslaw, optional

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the pork: Rub pork shoulder with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
2. Slow cook: Place pork in slow cooker with chicken broth/apple juice. Cook on LOW 6–8 hours or HIGH 4–5 hours until fork-tender.
3. Shred pork: Remove pork and shred using two forks; mix with barbecue sauce.
4. Pickle onions: In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Heat until sugar dissolves, then pour over sliced onions. Let sit at least 30 minutes.
5. Assemble sliders: Place pulled pork on buns, top with pickled onions and optional coleslaw.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Season pork: Ensure seasoning is rubbed evenly for maximum flavor.
2. Slow cook: Cook until meat easily pulls apart.
3. Shred pork: Mix well with sauce for consistent flavor.
4. Quick-pickle onions: Heat vinegar mixture and let onions sit while pork cooks.
5. Build sliders: Layer pork, pickled onions, and optional toppings on buns.

How to Serve

• Serve immediately on small slider buns
• Offer extra barbecue sauce on the side
• Pair with chips, fries, or a light salad
• Great for parties, game days, or casual dinners

Recipe Tips

• Use day-old buns—they hold up better under moist pork.
• Make pickled onions ahead; they keep for several days.
• Adjust barbecue sauce to taste for sweetness or spice.
• Leftover pork is perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or nachos.

Variations

• Spicy Pulled Pork: Add hot sauce or jalapeños to pork.
• Carolina-Style: Use vinegar-based sauce instead of BBQ sauce.
• Coleslaw Topper: Add creamy coleslaw on top for crunch.
• Mini Slider Bar: Offer buns, pork, pickled onions, slaw, and various sauces for guests to customize.
• Slow Roast Oven Version: Cook pork in oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3–4 hours until tender.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store pulled pork in airtight container up to 4 days
• Freezer: Freeze cooked pulled pork for up to 3 months
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of liquid to keep moist
• Pickled onions can be stored in the refrigerator for 1–2 weeks

Special Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker or Dutch oven
• Small saucepan (for pickled onions)
• Two forks (for shredding pork)
• Knife and cutting board

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, both the pork and pickled onions can be made a day in advance.

Q: Can I use bone-in pork shoulder?
Yes, just remove the bone after cooking and shred the meat.

Q: Can I make this in the oven?
Yes, roast at 300°F (150°C) for 3–4 hours covered until tender.

Q: How long do the sliders stay good?
Assembled sliders are best eaten immediately; leftover pork and pickled onions store well separately.

Conclusion

Pulled Pork Sliders with Pickled Onions are a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed delight that’s perfect for any casual gathering or family dinner. Tender, juicy pork, tangy pickled onions, and soft buns come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Easy to make ahead, freezer-friendly, and endlessly versatile, these sliders are sure to become a favorite at your table.