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Smoky Honey Mustard Pulled Pork Sliders

smoky honey mustard pulled pork sliders - featured image

Tender pulled pork coated in a complex, balanced glaze of whole grain mustard and honey, served on toasted brioche buns. This easy recipe delivers smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors perfect for game day or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt)
  • 1/2 cup Whole Grain Mustard
  • 1/3 cup Honey
  • 1 tablespoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 12–16 Slider Buns (Brioche or Potato Rolls)
  • Optional Toppings: Pickles, Coleslaw, or Jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. If boneless, tie with kitchen twine to maintain shape.
  2. In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create the dry rub.
  3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge.
  4. Place the pork in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Pour in the apple cider vinegar.
  5. Cook on low for 8 hours (slow cooker) or high for 4-5 hours. For Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 60 minutes, then natural release for 15 minutes.
  6. Check internal temperature; it should reach 195°F-205°F. Remove pork and let rest for 10 minutes.
  7. Shred the meat using two forks, discarding large pieces of fat.
  8. In a small saucepan over low heat, mix the whole grain mustard and honey until warm and pourable.
  9. Toss half of the glaze with the shredded pork. Reserve the rest for the buns.
  10. Slice slider buns in half. Brush cut sides with remaining glaze and toast in a skillet or under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until golden.
  11. Assemble sliders by piling pork onto bottom buns, adding toppings, and closing with top buns. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra fine shreds, use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on low speed. If the pork looks dry after shredding, add a splash of cooking liquid back in. The flavors improve if made a day ahead. Avoid microwaving leftovers as it can make the meat rubbery; reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork, sliders, honey mustard, game day food, slow cooker pork, easy dinner, smoky pork, brioche buns