Game Day – Cranberry BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
- Total Time: 9 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Description
These Cranberry BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are a deliciously tangy and sweet addition to your game day spread, featuring tender pork and a homemade cranberry BBQ sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 (3-4 lb / 1.4-1.8 kg) pork loin roast
- 4 cups (960 ml) beef broth, divided
- 2 (6-oz / 170 g) cans tomato paste
- 1/2 cup (100 g) packed dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
- 1 1/2 tbsp (22 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 cup (100 g) fresh cranberries
- Slider buns
- Coleslaw (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Place the pork loin roast in a slow cooker. Add 3 1/2 cups of beef broth to the slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for about 6-8 hours or until the pork is tender and falling apart.
- Meanwhile, prepare the cranberry BBQ sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the tomato paste, dark brown sugar, fresh orange juice, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and fresh cranberries.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Discard any excess fat.
- Mix the shredded pork with the cranberry BBQ sauce until well combined.
- Serve the pulled pork on slider buns, topped with coleslaw if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper.
- The sliders can be served with coleslaw for added crunch.
- Leftover pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 75
If You Liked This Recipe, You’ll Love These
- Italian Pulled Pork with Creamy Parmesan Polenta
- Char Siu: Perfect Cantonese BBQ Pork Belly
- Grilled Red Wine BBQ Pork Ribs
- Instant Pot or Slow Cooker Recipe: BBQ Pulled Chicken
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the cranberry BBQ sauce use fresh orange juice?
The sauce combines 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges) with 1 cup of fresh cranberries, dark brown sugar, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. The orange juice balances the tartness of the cranberries with natural sweetness and adds a bright citrus note that keeps the sauce from being heavy.
How do I make the sliders spicier?
The notes say to simply increase the amount of cayenne pepper — the recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon by default, and you can add more to taste.
Can I make the pork ahead of time for a game day party?
Yes — the notes say leftover pulled pork keeps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheats well on the stove or in the microwave. Given that the slow cooker step takes 6–8 hours on low, making it a day ahead is a practical approach. 
i have celiac disease and alot of these i can use….looks like really good recipes…thanks….keep up the good work..
ada