Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe

Welcome to a taste of the tropics with these mouthwatering Pulled Pork Hawaiian Sliders! Picture this: juicy, tender pork shoulder slow-cooked to perfection in a tangy sauce, nestled between fluffy Hawaiian rolls and gooey mozzarella cheese. Each bite is a delightful blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that are sure to please any crowd.

I first whipped up this recipe for a family reunion, and it was an instant hit that disappeared within minutes. Since then, it has become a staple whenever we gather for any occasion. One of the highlights of this dish is the finishing touch of brushing the buns with melted butter and a sprinkle of oregano, adding that extra layer of flavor and creating a shiny, irresistible top that my family can’t get enough of.

Whether you’re hosting a party, a simple weeknight dinner, or just craving a taste of summer, these Pulled Pork Hawaiian Sliders are a must-try. With the option to customize with your favorite sides or toppings, these sliders are bound to become a favorite in your home, just like they have in mine. So, gather your loved ones, fire up the oven, and get ready to savor every bite of these delectable sliders!

Quick Benefits

• Versatile: Pork shoulder or butt can be used, and different types of cheese and buns can be substituted to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Make-Ahead: Leftover sliders or pulled pork can be stored in the fridge for days or frozen for months, making it a convenient meal prep option.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd at gatherings or making a regular weeknight dinner feel special.
• Customizable: Serve with classic coleslaw, pickles, or additional sauces to tailor the sliders to your taste preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Profile: The combination of juicy pulled pork simmered in a tangy and slightly sweet sauce, paired with gooey mozzarella, all sandwiched between soft and slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls, creates a burst of comfort and flavor in every bite.
• Versatile Recipe: Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd at a party, a simple weeknight dinner, or a family gathering, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Leftover sliders or just the pulled pork can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days, or frozen for up to three months, offering a convenient meal prep option for busy days.
• Easy Substitutions: You can easily swap ingredients like using pork butt instead of pork shoulder, or Monterey Jack or cheddar instead of mozzarella, making it adaptable to what you have on hand.
• Customizable: Serve with classic coleslaw, tangy pickles, or your favorite sides to personalize the meal. Guests can also add hot sauce or extra BBQ sauce to customize their sliders.
• Nostalgic and Comforting: Pulled pork sliders with a tropical twist of Hawaiian rolls bring a nostalgic and comforting taste, perfect for sparking stories and memories of summer cookouts and family gatherings.
• Perfect for Sharing: Whether at a potluck or home kitchen, these sliders are great for bringing people together over a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients for Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe

For the pork filling

• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, sliced
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 pounds pork shoulder
• 3 cups beef broth
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

For assembling

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 12 Hawaiian rolls

Optional topping

• Dried oregano, for sprinkling
• Melted butter, for brushing

Pro Tips for Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe

For the best flavor, consider marinating the pork shoulder with the seasonings for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This will allow the meat to absorb the flavors and become even more tender and flavorful.

When assembling the sliders, be generous with the pulled pork filling to ensure each slider is packed with delicious meat. Draining some sauce before adding the pork to the buns will prevent them from becoming soggy during baking.

To add an extra layer of flavor, consider adding slices of pineapple or a dollop of coleslaw on top of the pulled pork before closing the sliders. This will enhance the tropical Hawaiian theme and add a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory pork.

How to Make Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Sauté aromatics

In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté sliced onion until translucent, about 5-8 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 2: Season and combine

Coat the pork shoulder with smoked paprika, dried thyme, and salt. Transfer the pork onto the sautéed onions in the saucepan. Pour in the Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, and beef broth. Mix well, cover with a lid, and simmer on low heat.

Step 3: Slow cook and shred

Cook the pork for 1 hour, then flip and cook for an additional 30-45 minutes. Test for tenderness, shred directly in the pan if it shreds easily with forks. Simmer for 10-15 minutes more.

Step 4: Prepare and fill buns

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place Hawaiian rolls on a baking tray. Split open, fill with pulled pork, and top with mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Brush and bake

If desired, brush melted butter on top of the buns and sprinkle with dried oregano for extra shine and flavor. Then cover the tray with foil to avoid over-browning.

Step 6: Melt cheese and serve

Place the sliders in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted. Serve warm.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Pulled Pork Hawaiian Sliders, whether they are leftovers or a batch prepared in advance, it is best to keep them in the refrigerator for three to four days. Place the sliders in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent them from absorbing other odors in the fridge. Alternatively, you can store just the pulled pork separately in airtight containers or freezer bags in the freezer for up to three months. When reheating, warm the sliders gently to keep the pork juicy without overcooking the rolls.

For those looking to make variations to the recipe, you can experiment with using boneless pork butt or chicken thighs as substitutes for pork shoulder. Additionally, Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese can be used instead of mozzarella for a different flavor profile. While Hawaiian rolls complement the dish with their sweetness, soft potato rolls or brioche buns can be used as alternatives. When serving the sliders, consider pairing them with classic coleslaw, tangy pickles, potato salad, baked beans, or a green salad to balance out the richness of the dish. Customize the sliders further by offering hot sauce or extra BBQ sauce for guests to enjoy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have Hawaiian rolls on hand, brioche or soft dinner rolls can be used as a substitute, although the unique sweetness of Hawaiian rolls complements the dish well.

While pork shoulder is the classic choice for pulled pork due to its tenderness and marbling, pork butt can also work well for shredding if that’s what you have available.

To prevent the sliders from becoming too soggy, consider draining some of the sauce before adding the pork to the buns, especially if you are assembling them ahead of time.

Cooking the pork ahead of time and reheating it before assembling and baking the sliders can help maintain the best texture and flavor.

Feel free to customize the sliders by adding coleslaw, pickles, or extra cheese for more variety in flavor and texture. These additions can enhance the overall experience of the sliders and cater to different preferences.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and creative serving suggestion, try turning these Pulled Pork Hawaiian Sliders into a DIY slider bar for your next gathering. Set out bowls of different toppings like crispy coleslaw, tangy pickles, sliced avocado, and extra shredded cheese. Let your guests build their own sliders to suit their tastes, making it a interactive and personalized dining experience.

Another idea is to transform the pulled pork into a delicious topping for loaded fries. Simply pile crispy fries onto a platter, spoon the warm pulled pork over the top, sprinkle with melted cheese, green onions, and a drizzle of barbecue sauce. This hearty and indulgent dish will be a hit at any game day gathering or casual get-together.

FAQs for Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe

Can I substitute Hawaiian rolls with a different type of bread?

Yes, you can substitute Hawaiian rolls with brioche or soft dinner rolls, but Hawaiian rolls add a distinct sweetness.

What is the best cut of meat to use for pulled pork sliders?

Pork shoulder is ideal due to its tenderness and marbling, but pork butt also works well for shredding.

How can I prevent the sliders from becoming too soggy?

Bake the assembled sliders briefly and use a slotted spoon to drain some sauce before adding meat to buns.

Can I prepare the pulled pork ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the pork ahead and reheat before assembling and baking the sliders for best texture.

Conclusion

These Pulled Pork Hawaiian Sliders are a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or even just a cozy weeknight dinner. The combination of tender pulled pork, tangy barbecue sauce, and gooey cheese sandwiched between sweet Hawaiian rolls is a flavor explosion that everyone will love. Don’t be surprised when they disappear in no time!

Remember, you can easily customize these sliders to suit your preferences by trying different buns, cheeses, or adding extra toppings like coleslaw or pickles. Embrace the versatility of this recipe and make it your own! So, gather your loved ones, whip up a batch of these Pulled Pork Hawaiian Sliders, and savor the joy of good food and great company. Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite of these delicious sliders!