BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are buttery, saucy, cheesy, and so quick to throw together with some leftover BBQ pork (or chicken)!
Author’s Notes
The Best Leftover Glow-Up!
My family is currently obsessed with BBQ pulled pork. I grabbed an 8.5-pound pork shoulder and made BBQ pulled pork sandwiches over the weekend. Total hit; clean plates all around!
But then I had a ton of shredded pork left over. So I got creative! First up: BBQ pizza. Always a fave. Then I stuffed some into baked sweet potatoes. So good. And finally…these very BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders!
I had the pork, a pack of slider buns (bought for cinnamon rolls, naturally), and a fridge full of cheese. Plus about a million hungry kids running around. So I threw these together fast.
I thought they’d be better with jalapeños, red onions, or cilantro, but I didn’t have any of that. So I used what I had.
And after one bite of the “plain” version, everyone was obsessed. Gone in minutes! So honestly, why mess with a good thing? Feel free to jazz them up, but even with just the basics, they’re so dang good!
Ingredients In BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Hawaiian Sweet Rolls | Keep the rolls attached when slicing to make assembly easier. |
| Pulled Pork | Coarsely chop the pork into smaller pieces to make separating sliders easier. |
| BBQ Sauce | Use a thicker sauce so the sliders don’t get soggy. Choose a sauce you love or my favorite homemade one! |
| Cheese (Cheddar/Gouda) | Grab store-bought thin slices. Sharp Cheddar adds tang, Gouda adds creaminess. |
| Garlic-Herb Butter | Brush generously on tops and sides for rich flavor and golden color. |
Storage
These sliders are best served fresh when the rolls are crisp and the cheese is perfectly melted.
For leftovers, let them cool to room temperature, then store in airtight containers or bags in the fridge. The rolls will soften and get soggy over time.
More Ways To Use Leftover Pork:
Dinner
BBQ Pasta Salad
Dinner
BBQ Mac and Cheese
Chicken
BBQ Chicken Sweet Potatoes
Chicken
BBQ Chicken Bowl
BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls
- 3 cups shredded pork or chicken, or beef (see note 1)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce see note 2
- 1 8-ounce package pre-sliced sharp Cheddar or Gouda
- 7 tablespoons garlic-herb butter see note 3
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease with cooking spray.
- Slice the entire block of rolls in half horizontally, keeping the individual rolls attached. Place the bottom half in the prepared pan.
- Coarsely chop the pork into bite-sized pieces. Toss with BBQ sauce in a large bowl until well-coated.
- Assemble Sliders: Lay 6 slices of cheese over the bottom buns. Evenly spread the BBQ pork on top. Top with the remaining 6 slices of cheese. Do not add the top buns yet. Bake, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter.
- Remove the pan from the oven and place the top half of the buns over the cheese. Pour and brush the melted butter generously over the tops and sides. It’s okay if some butter pools at the bottom; this makes the base extra crisp and flavorful. Sprinkle with Parmesan, if using.
- Cover the pan with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve hot, cutting into individual sliders.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What To Serve With BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
- Greek Pasta Salad: A veggie-filled side that pairs nicely with the pork.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The perfect mix of crispy and sweet!
- Baked Beans: Smoky, saucy, and super filling.
- Watermelon Slices: Light, juicy, and refreshing.
- Macaroni Salad: Creamy and classic; it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Variations
Switch Up These BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
- Cheese Swaps: Try Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack.
- Swap The Meat: Use BBQ chicken or BBQ beef instead.
- Add Some Spice: Add sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) or use a hot BBQ sauce.
- Tropical: Add in some diced fresh pineapple and cilantro.
Toppings & Add-Ins
- Pickled Red Onions: For some tang and crunch. Or use plain (raw) red onions.
- Coleslaw: Pile it on top for a classic BBQ pork sandwich!
- Crispy Onions: Sprinkle over the meat for some crunch.
- Bacon: Crumble cooked bacon on top for some smoky flavor.
