Bbq Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Coleslaw

StarSpangled July 4th Food BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

By Kendra ThompsonSeptember 15, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Let’s Get This BBQ Started!

Ever feel like you need that show stopping dish for july 4th food ? Well, grab your apron because we're making some seriously delicious BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders ! This recipe is a guaranteed win for any summer barbecue recipes .

Honestly, it's so good, your guests will think you've been secretly training with a pitmaster!

Sliders That Scream "Happy Independence Day!"

These aren’t just any sliders, mate. We're talking about juicy, tender bbq pulled pork sliders topped with a tangy coleslaw.

A taste of home and heart! Think smoky goodness meets creamy crunch a perfect combo for your independence day food .

A Taste of Americana

BBQ pulled pork sliders are a staple at American gatherings. They're easy to eat, totally customizable, and always a crowd pleaser.

This recipe is a medium difficulty level and takes around 7- 9 hours using a slow cooker, or 4-5 in the oven.

You'll get about 12 sliders, perfect for sharing.

Why You'll Love These Sliders

These sliders are a nutritional touchdown. Pork is a great source of protein and helps keep you feeling full. It's the ideal dish for a relaxed july 4th BBQ or any picnic food ideas .

What makes this recipe special? The homemade BBQ sauce and coleslaw that’s where all the real flavour is at! You can also experiment with 4th of july appetizers and patriotic desserts .

Think red white and blue food or even an american flag cake

Now, let's talk ingredients. Trust me, this is one coleslaw recipe you’ll be making all summer long!

Okay, let's dive into the nitty gritty of making these BBQ pulled pork sliders awesome! We're talking about the july 4th food spread that everyone will be raving about! Trust me, this recipe is perfect for your summer barbecue recipes .

It has that independence day food vibe and they'll be gone before you know it.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Ready to Rumble!

Main Ingredients

Pork: 3 lbs ( 1.36 kg ) boneless pork shoulder, trimmed. This is your star. Look for a good marbling of fat, that's where the flavour lives. Nobody wants a dry bbq pulled pork sliders .
Dry Rub: 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ) paprika, 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ) brown sugar, 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ) garlic powder, 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ) onion powder, 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml ) chili powder, 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml ) cumin, ½ teaspoon ( 2.5 ml ) cayenne (optional), 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml ) salt, ½ teaspoon ( 2.5 ml ) pepper.
BBQ Sauce: 1 cup ( 237 ml ) ketchup (high-quality matters!), ½ cup ( 118 ml ) apple cider vinegar, ¼ cup ( 59 ml ) brown sugar, 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ) Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ) Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml ) smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon ( 2.5 ml ) garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon ( 1.25 ml ) cayenne (optional), salt and pepper.
Coleslaw: ½ head green cabbage (about 4 cups ), 1 cup ( 237 ml ) shredded carrots, ½ cup ( 118 ml ) mayonnaise (full fat is best!), ¼ cup ( 59 ml ) apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ) sugar, 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ) Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon ( 2.5 ml ) celery seeds, salt, pepper.
Assembly: 12 slider buns (potato rolls are my fave!), pickles, extra BBQ sauce.

Seasoning Notes: Let's Spice Things Up!

The dry rub is crucial. Don't skip any ingredients! Smoked paprika in the BBQ sauce adds a depth you wouldn't believe.

You can add more cayenne if you want that extra kick. If you are prepping 4th of july appetizers and you need a flavor enhancer, soy sauce can be used in the BBQ sauce to replace Worcestershire sauce in a pinch.

Equipment Needed

Slow cooker (or Dutch oven). My slow cooker is my ride or die.
Large bowl.
Small bowl.
Whisk.
Tongs.
Two forks. Shredding time!
Baking sheet (optional).

Honestly, the most important thing is your slow cooker or Dutch oven. If you don't have a slow cooker, no worries! Just use your oven.

A large pot works too. Now you are ready to impress everyone this july 4th bbq . These red white and blue food sliders will steal the show, trust me! They are also perfect picnic food ideas .

Okay, let's get this july 4th food party started! We're making some seriously killer BBQ pulled pork sliders with tangy coleslaw recipe .

It's the dish for your summer barbecue recipes . Forget boring burgers! This is how you celebrate independence day food !

BBQ Pulled Pork Magic: The Slow Cooker Secret!

Honestly, the slow cooker is your best mate here. It does all the hard work. Trust me, you'll want to lick the bowl!

Prep Steps: Get Your Game Face On

First, mise en place . Basically, get everything ready. Mix the spices for the pork. Whisk the BBQ sauce. Shred the cabbage for the coleslaw recipe .

It saves so much time. And for safety, always wash your hands after handling raw pork. Especially on july 4th bbq with all those guests around!

step-by-step: From Zero to Hero

Rub that pork shoulder with the spice mix.
Chuck it in the slow cooker with 1 cup of chicken broth.
Cook on low for 6- 8 hours , or high for 3- 4 hours . Until it falls apart.
Simmer the BBQ sauce ingredients for 10 minutes in a saucepan.
Mix cabbage, carrots, and coleslaw dressing in a bowl.
Shred the pork with two forks (satisfying, right?).
Mix shredded pork with half the BBQ sauce.
Pile high on toasted slider buns with coleslaw recipe .

Pro Tips: Level Up Your BBQ Game

Want to avoid a dry pork? Don’t overcook it! It should shred easily. For 4th of july appetizers , make the coleslaw recipe a day ahead.

It tastes even better. Oh my gosh, don't forget to toast the buns for that extra crunch!

Patriotic desserts are great, but people crave this savory treat. Think about it as the ultimate picnic food ideas , or maybe you could decorate your sliders with red white and blue food !

My July 4th Food Story

One year, I tried a fancy american flag cake along with the BBQ pulled pork. Honestly? Everyone just went nuts for the sliders.

Sometimes, simple is best. Especially when it tastes this good .

So there you have it. The ultimate july 4th bbq recipe! Go forth and grill!

Recipe Notes for Your Epic July 4th BBQ

Hey there, grill master! Ready to take your july 4th food game to the next level with these bbq pulled pork sliders ? Honestly, the recipe's pretty straightforward, but here are some extra nuggets of wisdom to make you the star of your summer barbecue .

Serving Suggestions: Let's Get Fancy (Kinda)

Presentation matters, even at a July 4th get-together! For independence day food , think red, white, and blue! Pile those delicious bbq pulled pork sliders high on a platter.

Garnish with some fresh parsley and maybe a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of colour. Seriously, it's so easy.

As for sides, you can't go wrong with classic picnic food ideas . Grilled corn on the cob is a must have.

A killer potato salad is always a hit, too. And for something sweet and refreshing, watermelon slices are the perfect summer barbecue treat! Want to be extra patriotic? Try some red white and blue food .

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Got leftovers? No worries! The pulled pork will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

The coleslaw recipe , however, is best enjoyed fresh, but it’s okay for a day!

For freezing, freeze the pulled pork separately from the coleslaw. The coleslaw recipe is not freezing well. Thaw the pork overnight in the fridge, and then reheat it gently in a skillet or microwave.

Add a little extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist. I recommend wrapping each portion individually to avoid freezer burn.

Variations: Make it Your Own!

One of the best things about summer barbecue recipes is how adaptable they are. Want to go low-carb? Skip the slider buns and serve the pulled pork over a bed of lettuce.

It is still pretty good!

Got vegetarian friends coming? Serve them some meatless barbecue jackfruit sliders! It would fit perfectly with July 4th food .

Feeling creative? Throw some pineapple chunks in the slow cooker for a Hawaiian twist, creating a unique July 4th food experience!

Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Festivities

Okay, let's keep it real. These bbq pulled pork sliders aren't exactly a health food, but that's okay! It's a holiday!

Pulled pork is a good source of protein. The coleslaw adds some veggies. The carbs are there!

Remember, it's all about balance. Enjoy your independence day food in moderation, and don't forget to hydrate with plenty of water.

So there you have it! Some extra tips and tricks to make your July 4th BBQ a roaring success. Don't be afraid to experiment, have fun, and enjoy the day with friends and family! Happy grilling!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the pulled pork ahead of time for my July 4th food celebration?

Absolutely! Making the pulled pork a day or two in advance is a great way to save time on the 4th. Just shred the pork, mix it with the BBQ sauce, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat it in a skillet, slow cooker, or even the microwave.

This also gives the flavors a chance to meld together even more, making it even tastier!

I'm not a fan of coleslaw. What else can I put on these BBQ pulled pork sliders?

No worries, mate! Coleslaw isn't for everyone. You could try pickled red onions for a tangy crunch, or maybe some quick pickled cucumbers. Sliced pickles are also a classic choice. For a bit of heat, consider sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Get creative and make it your own - after all, it is July 4th food!

My slow cooker runs hot. How can I prevent the pulled pork from drying out?

That's a fair dinkum concern! To prevent the pork from drying out, make sure you have enough liquid in the slow cooker the chicken broth helps. You can also add a quartered onion or some apple slices to the bottom of the pot. Check on it halfway through cooking and add a bit more broth if needed.

If it's still drying out, try cooking it on the "warm" setting for the last hour.

What's the best way to store leftover pulled pork and coleslaw? How long will they last?

Store leftover pulled pork and coleslaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The pulled pork will last for 3-4 days, and the coleslaw is best consumed within 1-2 days as it can get a bit soggy. Make sure to reheat the pulled pork thoroughly before serving.

Don't be a wally; always remember to properly store the food.

Can I make a healthier version of these July 4th food sliders?

You bet! For a healthier option, use lean pork loin instead of pork shoulder (though it won't be quite as tender). You can also reduce the amount of sugar in the BBQ sauce and coleslaw dressing, or substitute it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

Greek yogurt can replace some of the mayonnaise in the coleslaw, and whole wheat slider buns will add extra fiber. Every little bit helps!

I don't have a slow cooker. Can I still make this BBQ pulled pork?

No worries, mate! While the slow cooker is super convenient, you can definitely make this in the oven. Just follow the oven method described in the recipe using a Dutch oven. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is fork tender.

You could even use an Instant Pot for a faster cooking time - just be sure to adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.