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Apple cider pulled pork sliders with pomegranate bourbon BBQ sauce on a platter.

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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 sliders
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

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.

Notes

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.