Tennessee-Style BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe: Perfect for a Taste of Southern Comfort

There’s something magical about Tennessee barbecue—slow-cooked, tender, and dripping with sweet, smoky flavor. This Tennessee-inspired BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders recipe captures all the richness of Southern comfort food but makes it easily accessible for home cooks. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, a game day party, or simply craving a taste of authentic Southern cooking, these sliders will hit the spot. The juicy pulled pork, infused with a homemade Tennessee-style BBQ sauce, pairs perfectly with fluffy slider buns. Top them off with tangy coleslaw, and you've got a bite of pure bliss.

Photo byNick Davies

Tennessee, particularly known for its Memphis-style barbecue, brings together a perfect balance of sweetness, smokiness, and tang. It's famous for using pork as the star of the show, often slow-cooked until fall-apart tender, then drenched in a tomato-based BBQ sauce with a hint of molasses for that signature sweetness. This pulled pork slider recipe draws from those classic Tennessee flavors but adapts them for a faster, more accessible home kitchen method.

Recipe Details:

These BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders begin with slow-cooked pork shoulder that’s easy to shred once perfectly tender. We’ll build layers of flavor by rubbing the meat with a rich blend of Tennessee-inspired spices, then slow-cook it to perfection. Our homemade BBQ sauce, featuring the ideal blend of sweet and smoky, is the key to making this recipe sing.

The Cultural Significance:

Barbecue in Tennessee, particularly Memphis, has deep roots in community and celebration. BBQ pits have been a staple of gatherings, from family reunions to massive festivals like Memphis in May. The sliders, being smaller in size, make a great option for serving at casual get-togethers, making this dish a modern twist on a classic tradition.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs pork shoulder (or Boston butt)
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup tomato-based barbecue sauce (preferably with molasses for sweetness)
• 12 slider buns
• Coleslaw (for topping)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Pork Start by rubbing your pork shoulder with a mix of paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. This spice rub gives the pork its depth of flavor, ensuring every bite bursts with the smoky, savory notes Tennessee barbecue is known for.

Step 2: Slow-Cooking the Pork Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker or oven at 275°F. Add apple cider vinegar to the bottom of the pot—this helps tenderize the meat and adds a tangy element, which is a key characteristic of Tennessee BBQ. Cook for 6-8 hours until the pork is easily shredded with a fork.

Step 3: Shredding and Saucing Once the pork is done cooking, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Toss the shredded pork with your favorite Tennessee-style BBQ sauce. You can make your own sauce or use a store-bought one—just look for one with a hint of molasses for that signature Tennessee sweetness.

Step 4: Assembling the Sliders Lightly toast your slider buns to give them a nice crunch. Pile on a generous portion of pulled pork, then top with tangy coleslaw. The contrast between the smoky pork and the crisp, refreshing slaw is pure perfection.

Pro Tips for Perfect Sliders:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the pulled pork ahead of time. It keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Coleslaw Variation: For an added Southern twist, try making a vinegar-based slaw instead of a creamy one. It cuts through the richness of the pork and complements the sweet BBQ sauce beautifully.
• Side Dish Pairing: Serve these sliders with classic Southern sides like baked beans, mac and cheese, or cornbread for a full Tennessee barbecue experience.

Variations:

• For a spicier version: Add more cayenne pepper or some chili powder to your spice rub. You can also drizzle the sliders with a spicy hot sauce.
• Gluten-Free Option: Serve the pulled pork on gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for a lighter, gluten-free option.
• Healthier Take: Swap out the pork for chicken breast or thighs and use a low-sugar BBQ sauce to make a lighter version of these sliders.

Final Thoughts:

These Tennessee BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are a surefire hit for any occasion. The smoky, tender pork with sweet and tangy BBQ sauce will transport you straight to a Memphis barbecue joint, even if you’re miles away. Plus, they’re easy to make, and with the right preparation, you’ll have an instant crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for game days, parties, or even casual weeknight dinners.

If you tried this recipe, let me know in the comments! Share it with your friends, and don't forget to follow for more Southern-inspired recipes that bring a little bit of Tennessee flavor right to your kitchen.

Sources:

Family Recipe