Sweet Apple Butter BBQ Sliders Juicy, Flavor-Packed Mini Burgers
Sweet Apple Butter BBQ Sliders Recipe | The Next Recipes
These Sweet Apple Butter BBQ Sliders are the perfect combo of smoky, sweet, and savory! Tender pulled pork (or chicken) tossed in apple butter barbecue sauce and piled high on soft slider buns — ideal for parties, game day, or cozy fall nights.
Table of Contents
Introduction
When fall arrives, comfort food cravings follow — and these Sweet Apple Butter BBQ Sliders are pure autumn bliss in every bite. Imagine tender, juicy pulled pork coated in a sweet-tangy apple butter BBQ sauce, nestled inside warm slider buns, and topped with crunchy slaw for the perfect bite.
These mini sandwiches combine smoky barbecue flavor with the cozy sweetness of apple butter — a match made in comfort-food heaven. Whether you’re hosting a weekend party, tailgating with friends, or planning a quick family dinner, these sliders deliver big flavor with minimal effort.
They’re small enough to snack on, but so good you’ll want to eat three.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make Sweet Apple Butter BBQ Sliders (makes about 12 mini sandwiches):
For the Sliders:
- 3 cups cooked pulled pork (or shredded chicken)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)
- ½ cup apple butter
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 12 slider buns or small dinner rolls
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
For the Topping (Optional but Delicious):
- 1 cup coleslaw (classic or apple slaw)
- ½ cup thin apple slices (for extra crunch)
Optional Garnishes:
- Pickles
- Extra BBQ sauce drizzle
- Fresh parsley or green onions for color
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Apple Butter BBQ Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the BBQ sauce, apple butter, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika.
Stir well and simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and smells amazing.
Taste and adjust the flavor — add more vinegar for tang, or more apple butter for sweetness.
Step 2: Mix with the Meat
Add your pulled pork or shredded chicken to the pan and toss it until every strand is coated with the sweet-smoky sauce.
Let it warm through for 3–5 minutes.
Step 3: Toast the Buns
Brush the slider buns lightly with melted butter and toast them on a skillet or in the oven for a minute until golden brown.
This helps them stay sturdy (and adds great flavor).
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
Spoon the warm apple butter BBQ filling onto each bottom bun.
Top with a spoonful of coleslaw or a few apple slices for crunch, then close with the top bun.
Drizzle extra BBQ sauce if you’re feeling bold!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these sliders warm, stacked high on a platter. They’re perfect for parties, game nights, or easy weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🍎 Sweet & smoky perfection: Apple butter and BBQ sauce make an irresistible balance of flavors.
Customizable: Use pork, chicken, or even jackfruit for a vegetarian twist.
Easy to make: Minimal prep, simple ingredients, and done in under 30 minutes.
Party-friendly: The perfect handheld food for gatherings and events.
Seasonal flavor: A cozy, fall-inspired twist on the classic BBQ slider.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Sweet Apple Butter BBQ Sliders with:
- Sweet potato fries or crispy onion rings
- Apple cider or a cold beer for pairing
- Pickles on the side for a tangy contrast
For an extra-festive fall vibe, serve these at your next harvest dinner, tailgate party, or Halloween get-together — they fit right in with the season’s flavors and colors.
Sweet Apple Butter BBQ Sliders
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Make the Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, mix BBQ sauce, apple butter, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until smooth and warmed through.
- Add the Meat
- Stir in pulled pork (or chicken). Simmer for 5–7 minutes until hot and fully coated in sauce.
- Toast the Buns
- Lightly brush slider buns with melted butter and toast on a skillet or in the oven until golden.
- Assemble the Sliders
- Spoon the sweet BBQ filling onto the bottom buns. Add any toppings you like, then place the top bun.
- Serve Warm
- Serve immediately for the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory!
Notes
Make-Ahead Tips
- You can make the apple butter BBQ sauce a day or two ahead — store it in a jar in the fridge.
- Reheat your pulled pork mixture just before serving.
- Toast buns right before assembling to keep them fresh and crisp.
Variations
- Chicken Sliders: Substitute pulled chicken for a lighter version.
- Vegetarian: Use shredded jackfruit or tempeh instead of meat.
- Spicy Twist: Add a dash of hot sauce or chipotle powder to the BBQ mix.
- Cheesy Version: Melt a slice of cheddar or smoked gouda over the filling before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover slider filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave until hot. Toast fresh buns before serving again — they’ll taste just as good as new!
FAQ
Yes! Store-bought apple butter works perfectly, but if you have homemade, even better.
A smoky or hickory BBQ sauce pairs beautifully with the sweetness of apple butter.
Absolutely — combine the meat, BBQ sauce, and apple butter in a slow cooker and heat on low for 2–3 hours for extra-tender flavor.
Yes, freeze the pulled pork mixture in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Conclusion
These Sweet Apple Butter BBQ Sliders are everything you want in a comfort-food bite — sweet, smoky, tender, and totally irresistible. They’re the kind of mini sandwich that makes everyone reach for seconds (and maybe thirds).
Whether it’s a crisp fall evening or a big game day spread, these sliders bring a touch of cozy homemade flavor to your table. So grab those buns, fire up your skillet, and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite BBQ twist.
For more cozy, easy, and flavor-packed recipes, visit The Next Recipes — where creativity meets comfort food.
