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Savory Smoky Honey Mustard Pulled Pork Sliders

smoky honey mustard pulled pork sliders - featured image

These sliders feature tender slow-cooked pulled pork coated in a smoky honey mustard sauce, perfect for casual get-togethers or cozy nights in. The recipe is easy, flavorful, and a crowd-pleaser with a balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 pounds pork shoulder (1.41.8 kg), well-marbled
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup honey (85g)
  • ¼ cup Dijon mustard (60g)
  • 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
  • 12 small slider buns (classic Hawaiian rolls or brioche recommended)
  • Pickles or coleslaw (optional toppings)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this seasoning all over the pork, pressing it in gently. (About 5 minutes)
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and hot sauce (if using). Set aside about ⅓ cup (80ml) of this sauce for serving later. (About 5 minutes)
  3. Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the slow cooker. Pour the remaining smoky honey mustard sauce over the meat, ensuring it’s well coated. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
  4. Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and place on a large cutting board or platter. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Discard any large chunks of fat. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to coat in the cooking juices. (10 minutes)
  5. Slice slider buns in half. Pile generous portions of pulled pork onto the bottom halves. Drizzle reserved smoky honey mustard sauce over the meat. Add pickles or coleslaw if desired, then top with the bun. (10 minutes)
  6. Serve warm. Optionally, brush the tops of the buns with melted butter and toast briefly in a skillet for extra flavor and texture. (Optional, 5 minutes)

Notes

Check the pork an hour before the end if your slow cooker runs hot to avoid drying out. Reserve some sauce for drizzling when assembling sliders. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns. For dairy-free, this recipe is already suitable as it contains no milk products. Shredding with forks keeps the meat chunky and tender. Optionally toast buns with melted butter for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork sliders, smoky honey mustard, slow cooker pulled pork, game night recipe, easy sliders, party food, comfort food