Slow Cooked Apple Butter Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe | The Next Recipes

These Slow Cooked Apple Butter Pulled Pork Sliders are tender, tangy, and perfectly sweet — made with juicy pork slow-cooked in apple butter and spices. The ultimate fall comfort food for parties or weeknight dinners!

Introduction

When it comes to fall comfort food, nothing beats the aroma of slow-cooked pork simmering in sweet, tangy apple butter. These Slow Cooked Apple Butter Pulled Pork Sliders are the kind of dish that turns an ordinary day into something special.

They’re juicy, flavorful, and just a little sweet — combining the smoky richness of tender pulled pork with the cozy warmth of apple butter and spices. Whether you’re hosting a game-day gathering, a fall dinner party, or just want an easy make-ahead meal, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

At The Next Recipes, we believe slow cooking should feel effortless — and these sliders prove that simplicity and comfort can taste gourmet.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect batch of Apple Butter Pulled Pork Sliders:

For the Pulled Pork:

• 3–4 pounds boneless pork shoulder (or pork butt)
• 1 cup apple butter (homemade or store-bought)
• ½ cup apple cider or apple juice
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne (optional, for heat)

For Serving:

• Slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
• ½ cup coleslaw (optional but highly recommended)
• Pickle slices for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder and pat it dry with paper towels.
Place it in your slow cooker (or crockpot).

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together apple butter, apple cider, vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and the spices — smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using).
Pour the mixture evenly over the pork.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 8–9 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the pork is tender enough to pull apart easily with a fork.
The apple butter and cider will create a sweet, tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully during cooking.

Step 4: Shred the Pork

Once the pork is fully cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and shred it with two forks.
Skim any excess fat from the sauce left in the slow cooker, then return the shredded pork to the pot.
Toss everything together until the pork is fully coated in the flavorful apple butter sauce.

Step 5: Assemble the Sliders

Warm your slider buns or Hawaiian rolls, then pile on the pulled pork.
Top with coleslaw and pickle slices for crunch and contrast.
Serve immediately while warm — and watch them disappear fast!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Set It and Forget It: The slow cooker does all the work while your home fills with incredible aroma.
• Sweet & Savory Balance: Apple butter and cider bring natural sweetness that complements the smoky pork perfectly.
• Crowd-Friendly: Perfect for game day, holidays, or casual gatherings.
• Freezer-Friendly: Makes great leftovers for sandwiches or tacos.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: It’s a cozy, autumn twist on classic pulled pork.

Serving Suggestions

These Apple Butter Pulled Pork Sliders are the ultimate fall crowd-pleaser. Try pairing them with:

• Cider-Glazed Brussels Sprouts — for a seasonal veggie side.
• Maple-Roasted Carrot Pickle Salad — adds a tangy, crunchy contrast.
• Oktoberfest Beer Cheese Dip — for the perfect party platter.
• Cranberry-Pumpkin Rebel Sangria — the ideal festive drink pairing.

Serve them on mini slider rolls for parties or larger buns for a full meal — either way, they’re guaranteed to impress.

Slow Cooked Apple Butter Pulled Pork Sliders

These Slow Cooked Apple Butter Pulled Pork Sliders are tender, juicy, and packed with cozy fall flavor. The pork slow-cooks in a rich apple butter sauce until it’s melt-in-your-mouth perfect, then piled high on slider buns with tangy coleslaw. Sweet, smoky, and savory — they’re perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, or cozy weekends.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 10 Servings

Course: Dinner, Game Day, main dish, party food

Cuisine: American

Calories: 290

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• For the Pulled Pork
• 2 lbs boneless pork shoulder or pork butt
• 1 cup apple butter
• 1 cup apple cider or apple juice
• 1 onion thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cinnamon optional
• For Serving
• 8 –10 slider buns or brioche rolls
• Coleslaw optional topping
• Extra apple butter or BBQ sauce for drizzle

Equipment

• Slow cooker or crockpot
• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board & knife
• Forks (for shredding)
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Tongs

Method

 

1. Layer Ingredients
2. Add sliced onion to the bottom of your slow cooker, then place the pork on top.
3. Make the Sauce
4. In a bowl, whisk together apple butter, cider, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, paprika, salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Pour over pork.
5. Slow Cook
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until pork is fork-tender.
7. Shred the Pork
8. Remove pork, shred with two forks, then return to the slow cooker and stir into the sauce.
9. Assemble the Sliders
10. Spoon pulled pork onto toasted buns, top with coleslaw and an extra drizzle of apple butter or BBQ sauce.
11. Serve & Enjoy
12. Serve warm — perfect with fries, salad, or cider!

Notes

Sear pork before slow cooking for extra caramelized flavor.

Leftovers taste even better the next day — refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.

Add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce for a spicy version.

Use mini Hawaiian rolls for a sweet touch!

Expert Tips for Perfect Sliders

• Use the Right Cut: Pork shoulder or pork butt are the best for juicy, fall-apart texture.
• Don’t Rush It: Low and slow cooking brings out maximum flavor.
• Add Texture: Top with crunchy coleslaw or crispy onions for the perfect bite.
• Make it Smoky: Add a splash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika for BBQ flair.
• Warm Buns: Lightly toast buns before serving to prevent sogginess.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Make Ahead: Cook the pork a day in advance and reheat in the slow cooker before serving.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
• Freezing: Freeze pulled pork (without buns) for up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of cider or broth to refresh the sauce.

Recipe Variations

• Apple Bourbon BBQ: Stir in 2 tablespoons of bourbon for a smoky-sweet upgrade.
• Spicy Version: Add extra cayenne or a dash of hot sauce for a fiery twist.
• No Pork? Try Chicken! This recipe works perfectly with boneless chicken thighs too.
• BBQ Style: Mix in a bit of BBQ sauce with the apple butter for extra tang.

FAQs

Conclusion

These Slow Cooked Apple Butter Pulled Pork Sliders are everything you love about comfort food — tender, juicy, and layered with cozy fall flavors.
Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner, tailgate, or holiday feast, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.

The best part? You can toss everything in the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a kitchen that smells like autumn bliss.

For more cozy, seasonal, and flavor-packed recipes like this, visit The Next Recipes — your destination for creative comfort food done right.