Slow Cooker Carolina Style Pulled Pork Sliders made with fork tender pulled pork in a tangy broth with with rich spices. Perfectly paired with sweet and crisp coleslaw and soft slider buns.
Within this post you’ll learn how to make easy Carolina Style Pulled Pork in a slow cooker, as well as what makes it Carolina style. You’ll also learn how to make a simple but flavorful homemade coleslaw to create perfect pulled pork sliders.
Well hello there y’all. You’ll have to forgive me, but my knowledge of Southern living ends there. What I do know is these Carolina Style Pulled Pork Sliders are dang good. I’d love to visit the South, and it’s on my wish list of travel locations. Until then, you and I can enjoy this regional inspired dish from our home base.
One of the easiest, and most fail-proof ways, to cook pulled pork is in a slow cooker. It’s also common to roast or use a smoker, but I like the set and forget method of a slow cooker. You can easily make recipes such as these Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Carnitas Bowls.
You can throw all the ingredients together in the morning, set to low, and leave for work. Just try to stay productive. I know the thought of coming home ready-made pulled pork can be distracting. Or if you’re hosting a Summer pool party, do what I did and start it at 6 am (then go back to bed) so it will be just cooked and ready in the early afternoon. Is it weird that I enjoyed waking up to the vibrant tangy smell?
I finally got a slow cooker. To fuel my new-found obsession of slow cooker recipes I made this Carolina Style Slow Cooker Pulled Pork; then added homemade coleslaw and sweet buns to make sliders. This is the easiest and most flavorful pulled pork I’ve been able to create. If you have a favorite method or recipe I’d love to hear about it. If you’re wondering what exactly is Carolina Style Pulled Pork, then read on.
What is Carolina Style Pulled Pork?
There are various ways of making Carolina Style Pulled Pork. North and South have their own styles, then there are regional differences within those. Either the whole hog or just the darker pork shoulder can be used. It’s often rubbed with spices; sometimes just simply cayenne pepper, or a mixture of spices; and vinegar is always added to create a tangy flavor.
The sauce I made for this recipe is based on the “Carolina Gold” sauce of South Carolina (source Wikipedia). Mine consists of brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire, brown mustard, and other spices. I also used a spice mixture to rub into the roast as well. What’s all this mean? Lots of flavor; simple as that.
Products used in this recipe:
Stainless Steel Measuring Cups and Spoons Set
3-Piece Mixing Bowl Set, Blue/Green/Yellow
Victorinox Fibrox 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
Set ‘n Forget Programmable Slow Cooker, 6-Quart
Recipe at-a-glance:
Flavor profiles: Meaty, savory, slightly sweet and delightfully tangy.
Texture: Tender, moist, and pull-apart flaky pork; mixed with crisp coleslaw and soft, fluffy buns.
Dietary Options/Substitutions: Gluten Free: Make sure your Worcestershire sauce and mustard is GF. Substitute GF buns.
Leave a comment below and star rating if you made this recipe or want to share your thoughts.
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Slow Cooker Carolina Pulled Pork Sliders
Ingredients
- 2-3 pounds pork shoulder butt roast
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar, separated
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 2 cups homemade coleslaw, or prepared store-bought
- 10-12 small Hawaiian sweet slider buns
Instructions
- Cook Carolina style pulled pork in slow cooker (view my recipe here for instructions).
- If using a store-bought mix, make coleslaw according to package directions.
- Fill each bun with the desired amount of pulled pork and coleslaw. Serve immediately.
I just gotta say that it’s a mite dangerous to write much about Carolina Pulled Pork if you haven’t experienced the real deal where it’s routinely made best, firstly, Eastern North Carolina, or, secondly, Western North Carolina, or (a distant) thirdly, South Carolina. 😉 Come on down!
Good point Neal. I have no stance besides all pulled pork is great 😉 I happened to go to Charleston last year for a fish cook-off not long after I write that post. Funny how things work. Loved it out there!
Oh yeah!!! I could probably eat 4 or 5 of these. I like to top my pulled pork sliders with pickled onions 🙂
I’d eat at least that many too. Ooh that’s a good idea! I bet the extra tang compliments well. Thanks Brandon!
I made South Carolina pulled pork sliders a few weeks ago…There are so many delicious sauces just in the Carolinas alone! Looks good!
I was surprised there were so many variation too! I’m only familiar with this vinegar and mustard based one. Thanks Cynthia!
Gotta have the coleslaw with BBQ – cool and crunch!
I agree Steph! It’s not the same without it. Perfect pairing of texture and flavor.
Pulling out my slow cooker! Luv pork roast and its always a treat to make sliders – they’re so versatile (both the pork roast and sliders!). I can smell it already – delicious!
You totally should Christina! Yep this recipe is easy to modify and sliders are super fun!
That pork roast in the slow cooker looks so perfect! This is making me super hungry!
Thanks Kimberly! It makes plenty!
LOVE pulled pork, but I never make it! I have no idea why I don’t, but I DON’T. This changes today, putting this on my list of to make. Can’t wait to try it, it looks great and easy.
I was the same too. I’ve never made pulled pork till recently, but have made it 4 times since! Thanks and enjoy Fabiola!
Pulled pork on a slider?! Genius!
I have to agree. Thanks Megan!
I usually am not a premade guy. But I kind of look at deli coleslaw more as a condiment than a side dish. I kind of hate eating coleslaw on it’s own but it kicks things up a notch big time in various dishes. I dig this recipe!
I agree Adam! I prefer to make my own coleslaw dressing as well. I also listed the deli one to make it easier. Hope you saw my homemade sriracha honey one on instructions as well. Thanks!
Oh my goodness, these look glorious. When it comes to food, I’m a Southerner at heart!
I’m the same, I love southern food! Thanks Chelsea!
I grew up in Virginia, so recipes like this smack of home to me 🙂 I’ve never thought to try pulled pork on Hawaiian rolls before – sounds amazing!
Ooh I bet you’ve grown up on some amazing food Chrisy! It’s pretty amazing on Hawaiian rolls. They’re slightly softer then regular buns too, so you get the texture of the meat more.
My brother introduced my kids to hawaiian rolls and now the are totally obsessed with them, so I’m going to have to make these sandwiches soon!
Unfortunately I discovered them too and am hooked as well. There’s something fun about small, slightly sweet, buns for burgers and sandwiches. Thanks Sara!
These look delicious! I love pulled pork, but on a slider? YUM!
Yes totally on a slider. It’s one of my favorite ways to enjoy! Thanks Logan!
Yum! We’re going to have to try those! Looks delicious!
I think you should too! Thanks Crysta!
There is nothing better than Carolina bbq! I can’t wait to try out this recipe
I agree Cynthia! I don’t always remake recipes once I finish and post them (I’m always working on new ones!) But I’ve made this since and am a bit hooked.
Pinned this for later, Looks sooo tasty!
Thanks so much Roni!