There’s something deeply satisfying about sinking your teeth into a BBQ pulled pork slider, isn’t there? It’s like a little burst of a summer backyard cookout, even if you’re just in your kitchen. I remember a time when I tried to recreate that magic and almost charred the kitchen—lesson learned, don’t leave the grill unattended! These sliders, though, are foolproof and give you that same smoky, sweet, tangy goodness without the drama.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with a non-stick mat for easy cleaning. Place the Hawaiian slider rolls on the baking sheet and use a serrated knife to cut them in half without separating the rolls.
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of softened butter on both the top and bottom halves of the slider rolls. Put them in the oven for a few minutes until the bread is slightly browned.
- Warm the pulled pork and mix it with barbecue sauce. Spread the sauced pulled pork evenly over the bottom halves of the slider rolls.
- Layer slices of white cheddar cheese on top of the pulled pork, followed by sprinkling chopped bacon pieces evenly over the cheese.
- Place the top halves of the slider rolls back on the sandwiches to complete the assembly.
- For the glaze, melt butter and mix it with brown sugar, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Spoon this glaze over the assembled sliders.
- Bake the sliders in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden brown on top.
Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian slider rolls
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 pound pulled pork
- 2/3 cup barbecue sauce
- 6 slices white cheddar cheese
- 1/2 pound bacon, chopped into 2 – 3 inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
FAQ
- Can I prepare these BBQ pulled pork sliders in advance?
- Yes, you can assemble the sliders with the glaze poured on the night before. It’s best to glaze just before baking to prevent the glaze from sticking to the foil. Remember to let the dish sit out for about 30 minutes before baking to bring it to room temperature.
- What are some good side dishes to serve with pulled pork sliders?
- Some great options include Crock Pot Loaded Red Potatoes, Cheesy Potatoes for a Crowd, Crock Pot Mac & Cheese, Twice Baked Potato Casserole, Loaded Cauliflower Casserole, Farmhouse Baked Beans, and Angel Hair Pasta Salad.
- Can I customize the flavors in the sliders?
- Absolutely! Feel free to add different flavors to a portion of the sliders. Toppings like French fried onions or coleslaw can enhance the taste. You can also add ranch dressing to the bottom bun and barbecue sauce to the top bun for extra flavor.
- What types of cheese work best for these sliders?
- Slices of sharp white cheddar are preferred, but yellow sharp cheddar also works well. Shredded cheese is another option, though it might melt differently. Havarti and mozzarella have been tested, but sharp cheddar remains a favorite.
- Is browning the rolls necessary when making sliders?
- Browning the rolls is not required but is recommended as it adds a wonderful flavor and helps prevent the buns from becoming soggy. You can lightly brown them in a convection oven or under a broiler if you’re comfortable with it.
Tips
- Keep the sliders attached when preparing them; this will save you time during assembly and help maintain their structure.
- Enhance the flavor by browning the rolls slightly in the oven, which also helps prevent sogginess.
- If you don’t have a long bread knife, use a serrated knife to cut the rolls by slowly rotating the pan and cutting around the perimeter.
- For a richer taste, consider doubling the butter and brown sugar glaze, but be cautious of the sweetness level.
Equipment
- Non-stick baking mat
- Long bread knife
- Pastry brush