Save
There’s just something about these BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders that makes them hard to stop eating. I love throwing extra pork from a barbecue together with barbecue sauce, cheddar cheese that gets all gooey, and extra crispy bacon. Sandwich everything inside those soft sweet Hawaiian rolls, brush the tops with buttery brown sugar glaze, and you’re set for a killer snack or no-fuss dinner. These never last long when I pull them out.
Irresistible Ingredients
- For the glaze: Throw in brown sugar, some real butter, grated garlic, and a sprinkle of Italian herbs for a glossy sweet finish. Go for fresh garlic and just a little seasoning.
- Bacon: The crunchier, the better. Cook up thick slices for an incredible flavor hit.
- Barbecue sauce: A little tang, a little sweet, a hit of smoke. Pick one with real molasses or brown sugar in it!
- Pulled pork: Smoky and full of flavor, use leftovers from your smoker or slow cooker for the best result.
- White cheddar cheese: Grab slices that melt into that creamy, sharp layer. Make sure it’s got a good bite to it.
- Butter: This is for that crispy, golden roll top. Choose really good unsalted butter for best results.
- Hawaiian slider rolls: Nothing beats them for that pillowy sweetness. If you can, get a fresh pack.
Easy Step-by-Step Directions
- Add the Glaze and Bake:
- Spoon that sweet glaze all over the rolls, then brush to cover every inch. Bake five to ten minutes till the cheese bubbles and the tops look golden and shiny.
- Make the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, microwave the rest of your butter. Stir in brown sugar, fresh garlic, and Italian seasoning until everything melts together.
- Finish the Layers:
- Pop the tops back onto the bacon-and-cheese-stacked rolls and press gently so everything stays put.
- Assemble the Sliders:
- Layer the cheesy slices over the hot pork, then pile on the crispy bacon. Make sure every bite is loaded.
- Warm and Flavor the Pork:
- Pour barbecue sauce over pulled pork in a skillet. Warm gently over medium heat, giving it a good stir till heated through.
- Toast the Bread:
- Spread half the butter across the bottoms and tops, keep rolls in one connected sheet, and toast cut-side up at 350°F. Pull them out once the edges are just starting to brown.
- Prep the Rolls:
- Grab a long serrated blade to slice the rolls in half horizontally, but don’t pull the rolls apart—keep ‘em stuck together to make things easier.
Save
The bacon is key for me—it turns a good slider into one nobody can resist. I tried making these once for a neighbor’s tailgate, and within minutes the whole platter vanished. Don’t skimp on the bacon!
How To Store Leftovers
If you’ve got extras, wrap them up tight in foil and pop them in the fridge for three days tops. When you want more, reheat them in a warm oven. That way, the rolls don’t dry out and the cheese is nice and melty again.
Ingredient Swaps
Feel like mixing things up? Use smoked gouda or pepper jack instead of cheddar for a fresh twist. Swap regular bacon for turkey bacon if you like. No Hawaiian rolls? Grab some honey-sweet dinner rolls for nearly the same vibe.
How To Serve
Try them beside pickles, crisp coleslaw, or a simple salad. For a gathering, just set the whole tray out with tongs and let everyone help themselves. Cool drinks like lemonade or iced tea go great with them.
Save
Background & Traditions
Pulled pork is a southern barbecue staple, and turning leftovers into new meals is something southern cooks do best. These sliders are that classic tradition, just with a modern, party-friendly twist that everyone at the table will love.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I swap out the cheese?
Of course! Cheddar's sharpness is great, but options like Monterey Jack, Swiss, or provolone melt smoothly and taste awesome with the pork and bacon.
- → How can I stop the buns from getting mushy?
Brush the rolls lightly with butter and toast them briefly before adding the fillings. This helps keep everything crispy and delicious.
- → Is it okay to make them ahead of time?
Yep! Put the sliders together early, cover them, and save the glazing and baking for just before serving. They'll still taste fresh when served warm.
- → Can store-bought pork work?
Definitely! Use pre-cooked pork to save time. Just mix it up with your favorite BBQ sauce and heat it up before layering it on the rolls.
- → What sides go well with them?
Pair them with crunchy coleslaw, tangy pickles, or a fresh green salad to balance the rich, smoky flavors.
- → How long can I store any extras?
Keep leftover sliders in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in the oven so they regain that fresh, melty texture.