Apple Cider Pulled Pork Sliders with Pomegranate Bourbon BBQ Sauce

Apple Cider Pulled Pork Sliders with Pomegranate Bourbon BBQ Sauce are a delightful treat that your family will love. With tender pulled pork infused with sweet apple cider and rich pomegranate bourbon BBQ sauce, these sliders promise a burst of flavor in every bite. They’re perfect for game day, family gatherings, or a cozy weeknight dinner. You may also find One Pan Creamy Dijon Pork Tenderloin Mushroom Sauce useful.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Pulled Pork Sliders with Pomegranate Bourbon BBQ Sauce

• Rich, sweet, and tangy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
• Versatile meal that can be served with various toppings and sides.
• Leftovers can be stored and enjoyed later, enhancing the flavors even more.

Ingredients Needed

Protein:

• 4 lbs Pork shoulder (boneless)

Liquids:

• 2 cups Apple cider
• 1 cup Pomegranate juice (fresh or store-bought)
• 1/2 cup Bourbon
• 1/2 cup Ketchup
• 1/4 cup Brown sugar (packed)
• 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Spices:

• 1 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Vegetables:

• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 Yellow onion (sliced)

For Serving:

• 8 Slider buns (preferably soft)
• 1 cup Coleslaw (optional topping)

For Cooking:

• 2 tbsp Olive oil (for searing)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup Water
• 1 tbsp Honey

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the pork shoulder until browned on all sides.

Step 2

In a slow cooker, combine apple cider, pomegranate juice, bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and spices.

Step 3

Place the seared pork in the slow cooker, ensuring it’s submerged in the sauce. Add sliced onion on top.

Step 4

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shredded.

Step 5

Once cooked, shred the pork using two forks and stir it back into the sauce. If preferred, this dish pairs beautifully with grilled steak to create a hearty feast.

Serving Suggestions Apple Cider Pulled Pork Sliders with Pomegranate Bourbon BBQ Sauce

• Serve the pulled pork on soft slider buns, topped with coleslaw for crunch.
• Pair with potato chips or sweet potato fries for a satisfying crunch.
• Add pickles or jalapeños for an extra zing.
• Complement with a refreshing apple cider or bourbon cocktail.

Tips for Success Apple Cider Pulled Pork Sliders with Pomegranate Bourbon BBQ Sauce

• For the best flavor, sear the pork shoulder nicely before slow cooking.
• Allow the pulled pork to cool before storing leftovers in an airtight container.
• Drizzle additional honey before serving for extra sweetness.
• If you like heat, increase the cayenne pepper to suit your taste.

Variations

Here are a few easy ways to change it up:

• Substitute pork with chicken thighs for a lighter option.
• Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños in the slow cooker for a spicy kick.
• Make it a dairy-free dish by skipping any creamy toppings.
• For a fun twist, serve the pulled pork over nachos with cheese and jalapeños.

Follow us on Pinterest for more cozy ideas.

Apple Cider Pulled Pork Sliders

Tender pulled pork infused with sweet apple cider and rich pomegranate bourbon BBQ sauce, perfect for game day or family gatherings.

Protein

• 4 lbs Pork shoulder (boneless)

Liquids

• 2 cups Apple cider
• 1 cup Pomegranate juice (fresh or store-bought)
• 1/2 cup Bourbon
• 1/2 cup Ketchup
• 1/4 cup Brown sugar (packed)
• 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Spices

• 1 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Vegetables

• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 medium Yellow onion (sliced)

For Serving

• 8 pieces Slider buns (preferably soft)
• 1 cup Coleslaw (optional topping)

For Cooking

• 2 tbsp Olive oil (for searing)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup Water
• 1 tbsp Honey (For drizzling before serving)

Preparation

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the pork shoulder until browned on all sides.

Cooking

1. In a slow cooker, combine apple cider, pomegranate juice, bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and spices.
2. Place the seared pork in the slow cooker, ensuring it’s submerged in the sauce. Add sliced onion on top.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
4. Once cooked, shred the pork using two forks and stir it back into the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve the pulled pork on soft slider buns, topped with coleslaw for crunch.
2. Pair with potato chips or sweet potato fries for a satisfying crunch.
3. Add pickles or jalapeños for an extra zing.
4. Complement with a refreshing apple cider or bourbon cocktail.

For the best flavor, sear the pork shoulder nicely before slow cooking. Allow the pulled pork to cool before storing leftovers in an airtight container. Drizzle additional honey before serving for extra sweetness. If you like heat, increase the cayenne pepper to suit your taste.

Appetizer, Main Course

American

BBQ Sauce, Comfort Food, Game Day, Pulled Pork, Sliders