Print

Easy Sheet Pan Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe for Graduation Parties

easy sheet pan pulled pork sliders - featured image

This easy sheet pan pulled pork sliders recipe delivers tender, juicy pulled pork with a smoky, sweet, and tangy barbecue flavor, perfect for casual gatherings and graduation parties. Cooked on one pan for minimal cleanup, these sliders are crowd-pleasers that come together quickly and simply.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (50 g)
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (240 ml)
  • 12 small soft slider buns
  • 2 cups coleslaw (fresh or store-bought)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large rimmed sheet pan with foil or parchment paper.
  2. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder, leaving some fat for moisture and flavor. Pat dry with paper towels.
  3. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Rub the pork shoulder all over with olive oil, then coat generously with the spice mixture, pressing it in.
  5. Place the pork shoulder fat side up on the prepared sheet pan. Pour apple cider vinegar around the pork, not directly on top.
  6. Cover the pan tightly with foil, sealing the edges to trap steam.
  7. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily pulls apart. Check after 2 hours for tenderness.
  8. Remove the foil and increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Brush the pork with barbecue sauce and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes to caramelize.
  9. Carefully shred the pork on the pan using two forks, mixing in pan juices and any leftover sauce.
  10. Lightly toast the slider buns in the oven or on a skillet.
  11. Assemble sliders by piling pulled pork on the bottom bun, adding a spoonful of coleslaw, then topping with the bun lid.
  12. Serve warm.

Notes

If pork seems dry after shredding, add more barbecue sauce or reserved pan juices. Lightly toast buns to prevent sogginess. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Slow cooker method can be used as an alternative. Adjust spice rub to taste, adding cayenne or chipotle for heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork, sliders, sheet pan recipe, graduation party food, easy pulled pork, barbecue sliders, crowd-pleaser, comfort food