These sliders are pork shoulder cooked in a slow cooker with apple cider, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard until it shreds with two forks. The pork is stirred back into its own sauce and piled onto soft slider buns with a crunchy coleslaw. The recipe makes 12 sliders.
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Hands-on time is only 20 minutes. The cooking takes 8 hours on low, so the total is 8 hours 20 minutes. It suits a day when you can start it in the morning and leave it alone.
What Goes in the Slow Cooker
The recipe card at the bottom has the full list. These are the parts that shape the flavor.
- Pork shoulder (3 pounds): becomes tender and shreds easily when slow-cooked, and its fat keeps it juicy.
- Apple cider (1 cup) and maple syrup (1/2 cup): the sweet side of the sauce. The cider adds a little depth that balances the pork.
- Apple cider vinegar (1/4 cup) and Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons): the tang. The vinegar adds acidity, and the mustard a mild kick.
- Garlic powder (1 tablespoon), onion powder (1 tablespoon), salt (1 teaspoon) and black pepper (1 teaspoon): the seasoning.
- Slider buns (12): soft and slightly sweet, so they hold the filling.
- Coleslaw mix (2 cups) and coleslaw dressing (1/2 cup): mixed in a separate bowl, they add crunch and a tangy contrast to the rich pork.
Letting the Pork Cook
Whisk the cider, maple syrup, vinegar, mustard and seasonings together in the slow cooker, add the pork shoulder and cover it. Cook on low for 8 hours, until the pork is tender and shreds easily. Keep the lid on while it cooks, because lifting it lets out heat and moisture.
Lift the pork out and shred it with two forks, then return it to the slow cooker and stir it through the sauce. Toss the coleslaw mix with the dressing, and pile the pork and coleslaw onto the buns.
For a deeper flavor, marinate the pork overnight in the cider, maple syrup and spices before cooking.
Variations
- BBQ: stir a tablespoon of your favorite BBQ sauce into the pork before serving.
- Heat: mix diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce into the coleslaw.
- Other meats: chicken thighs or beef brisket can cook in the same maple-cider sauce.
- Vegetarian: replace the pork with jackfruit, cook it in the same sauce and serve it with the same coleslaw.
What to Serve Alongside
Sweet potato fries or a cucumber salad both work next to the sliders. Pickled jalapeños or sliced pickles on top cut through the maple sweetness and add crunch. Sharp cheddar or blue cheese on a slider is another option. For a party, set the pork out on a large platter with the toppings and let people build their own.
Nutrition per Slider
One slider has approximately 350 calories, 12 grams of fat (4 grams saturated), 40 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 10 grams of sugar, 18 grams of protein and 540 milligrams of sodium.
FAQ
What cut of pork is best?
Pork shoulder. It turns tender when slow-cooked, and its marbling keeps the meat juicy for shredding.
Can I use a different cooking method?
Yes. An oven works at a low temperature for several hours, and an Instant Pot cuts the cooking time a lot.
How long do leftovers keep?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, and reheat in the oven or microwave. Store the pork and buns separately so the buns stay fresh.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, with gluten-free slider buns. The sauce has no flour in it, but check the labels on the coleslaw dressing and the mustard.
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Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team
The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us
Maple-Cider Pulled Pork Sliders
Ingredients
Instructions
In a slow cooker, combine apple cider, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Add the pork shoulder to the slow cooker and cover it.
Cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork is tender and shreds easily.
Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the sauce.
In a separate bowl, combine the coleslaw mix and coleslaw dressing.
Serve the pulled pork on slider buns topped with coleslaw.
Notes
For extra flavor, let the pork marinate overnight before cooking.
These sliders pair well with pickles or jalapeños for added spice.
Nutrition
| Serving Size | 1 slider |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 calories |
| Sugar Content | 10g |
| Sodium Content | 540mg |
| Fat Content | 12g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 4g |
| Unsaturated Fat Content | 6g |
| Trans Fat Content | 0g |
| Carbohydrate Content | 40g |
| Fiber Content | 2g |
| Protein Content | 18g |
| Cholesterol Content | 70mg |