Prepare to embark on a flavor adventure with these Maple Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders! This recipe is a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and smoky elements that come together in the most craveable way. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this chef-tested, reliable recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
These Maple Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish. The tender, juicy pork is infused with a bold, smoky-sweet marinade that will have your taste buds dancing. The silky-smooth sauce and the soft, pillowy buns create a delightful contrast in texture, making every bite a flavor explosion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or looking for a cozy comfort food option, these sliders are sure to be a hit. They’re the perfect balance of big, bold flavor and easy-to-make convenience.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for these Maple Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are pork shoulder, a blend of spices, maple syrup, and bourbon. You’ll also need brioche buns or slider rolls to serve the pulled pork on. These simple, high-quality ingredients come together to create a mouthwatering dish that’s both indulgent and approachable.
- 3-4 lbs – Pork shoulder
- 2 tbsp – Smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp – Garlic powder
- 1 tbsp – Onion powder
- 2 tsp – Kosher salt
Ingredient Substitutions
- Pork Shoulder: Boneless pork butt (same rich, tender texture)
- Brioche Buns: Hawaiian rolls or other soft, sweet dinner rolls (dietary swap)
How to Make Maple Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
Start by seasoning the pork shoulder with a blend of spices, including smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Then, in a large pot or Dutch oven, sear the pork on all sides until it develops a nice, golden-brown crust. Next, add the maple syrup, bourbon, and a bit of water to the pot. Cover and let the pork braise in the oven for several hours, until it’s fork-tender and falling apart. Baste the pork occasionally with the flavorful cooking liquid to keep it moist and infuse it with even more delicious flavor. Once the pork is cooked through, use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Toss the pulled pork with the reduced cooking liquid to coat it evenly in the sweet, smoky, and slightly boozy sauce. Pile the saucy, pulled pork high on your soft, pillowy buns and you’re ready to serve!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Flavor: Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the pulled pork.
- Different Buns: Try pretzel rolls or whole wheat sliders for a change in texture and taste.
- Make it a Meal: Serve the Maple Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders alongside coleslaw, baked beans, or a fresh salad.
- Saucier Pork: Reserve some of the cooking liquid and mix it back into the shredded pork before serving.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, or a fresh green salad.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: On the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until hot.
Make-Ahead: The pulled pork can be made up to 4 days in advance and reheated before assembling the sliders.
Nutrition Information
These Maple Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are a hearty, indulgent dish, but with a few simple tweaks, they can be a part of a balanced diet. The pork shoulder is a lean protein, and the maple syrup and bourbon provide natural sweetness without the need for added sugar. Pair the sliders with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 24 g
- Carbs: 40 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to reheat the pulled pork?
The best way to reheat the pulled pork is on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s hot and steaming throughout. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it halfway through to ensure even heating.
Can I make the pulled pork ahead of time?
Absolutely! The pulled pork can be made up to 4 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the pork and assemble the sliders.
What should I serve with the Maple Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders?
These sliders pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, such as coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve them with crispy fries or tater tots for a classic BBQ combo.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be made in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Follow the same basic steps, but cook the pork on low for 8-10 hours in the slow cooker or on high pressure for 60-90 minutes in the Instant Pot.
How do I make the pulled pork extra saucy?
If you want an extra saucy pulled pork, simply reserve some of the cooking liquid and mix it back into the shredded pork just before serving. You can also add a bit more maple syrup or bourbon to the sauce to intensify the flavors.
Try These Next
- Smoky Maple Bbq Pork Sliders With Tangy Slaw
- Smoky Maple Bourbon Bbq Ribs
- Spicy Bbq Pulled Pork Nachos With Cheese Drizzle
Maple Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 300 minutes
- Total Time: 315 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: 🔥 BBQ, Grilling & Smokehouse
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Maple Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are deliciously tender, sweet, and smoky. Perfect for parties or a cozy dinner!
Ingredients
3 lbs pork shoulder
1 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup bourbon
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
12 slider buns
Coleslaw (for topping, optional)
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
3. 2. In a large bowl, mix the maple syrup, bourbon, BBQ sauce, chopped onion, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. 3. Place the pork shoulder in a large baking dish and pour the maple bourbon mixture over it.
5. 4. Cover tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 4-5 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
6. 5. Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes. Shred the pork using two forks.
7. 6. Mix the shredded pork with the sauce from the baking dish.
8. 7. Serve the pulled pork on slider buns and top with coleslaw if desired.
9.
Notes
– For extra flavor, marinate the pork in the sauce overnight before cooking.
– Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup to taste.
– These sliders can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pulled pork, sliders, BBQ, bourbon, maple