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smoky pulled pork sliders - featured image

Labor Day Smoky Pulled Pork Sliders: 5-Ingredient Budget Family Meal

  • Author: Saly
  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 24 servings 1x

Description

These smoky pulled pork sliders are the ultimate budget-friendly Labor Day feast. Just 5 ingredients, slow-cooked tenderness, and easy enough for a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6–8 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt)
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 bottle (18-20 oz) BBQ sauce
  • 1 pack (24 rolls) Hawaiian rolls
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: Pickles, coleslaw, or jalapeños

Instructions

  1. If the pork shoulder is large, cut it in half to fit the slow cooker. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, rubbing it all over.
  2. Place the sliced onions in the bottom of the slow cooker to create a bed. Place the pork on top.
  3. Pour the BBQ sauce over the pork, ensuring it is well coated.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the pork shreds easily with a fork.
  5. Remove the pork to a large bowl. Discard the onions or chop them and add them back in. Shred the pork using two forks, removing any large chunks of fat or bone.
  6. Mix the shredded pork back into the slow cooker with the remaining sauce and stir well to coat.
  7. Place the Hawaiian rolls on a baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter.
  8. Add a generous mound of pulled pork to the bottom half of each roll. Add pickles if using.
  9. Place the top halves on the buns and serve warm. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes until golden.

Notes

Pork shoulder is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 195°F-205°F. Let the pork rest in the slow cooker for 10-15 minutes after shredding to reabsorb juices. For extra smokiness, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke. Keep buns separate from pork until serving to prevent sogginess.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-8 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slider
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 6
  • Sodium: 450
  • Fat: 8
  • Saturated Fat: 2
  • Carbohydrates: 15
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 12

Keywords: pulled pork sliders, labor day recipes, slow cooker pork, budget family meal, smoky pulled pork, easy crowd pleaser

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Find it online: https://warmdinnerrecipes.com/labor-day-smoky-pulled-pork-sliders-5-ingredient-budget-family-meal/