There’s something magical about biting into a warm, tender Cranberry Chipotle BBQ Pulled Pork Slider. The rich flavors of smoky chipotle and sweet cranberry sauce dance together on your taste buds, while the juicy pork melts in your mouth. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen, drawing family and friends closer to that tantalizing feast waiting to happen.
I remember the first time I made these sliders for a backyard barbecue. My friends had been skeptical at first, but one bite turned them into instant fans. The combination of savory and sweet was unlike anything they’d ever tasted before. Now, they insist on bringing their appetites whenever I whip up this delicious dish for gatherings or game days.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy-to-make recipe combines smoky chipotle with sweet cranberry for a flavor explosion
- The vibrant colors of the sliders make them visually appealing at any gathering
- Perfect for casual dinners or festive occasions, these sliders are always a hit
- You can customize the spice level based on your preferences for an even more personal touch
Last summer, I served these sliders at a family reunion, and let me tell you, it was like witnessing a culinary miracle as they disappeared in seconds.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pork Shoulder: A well-marbled cut is essential for tender pulled pork; aim for about 3-4 pounds.
- Cranberry Sauce: Use homemade or store-bought; it adds a delightful sweetness that balances the spice.
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: These little wonders pack a flavorful punch; adjust quantity based on your heat tolerance.
- Onions: Sweet onions work best; they caramelize beautifully and enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings aromatic depth; never skimp on this essential ingredient.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds tanginess that cuts through the richness of the pork; use high-quality vinegar for best results.
- Buns: Choose soft slider buns to cradle all that delicious filling without falling apart. pumpkin pie cookies.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. easy cheese ball recipe.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Pork Shoulder: Start by trimming excess fat from the pork shoulder. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavors.
Sear the Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil. Sear the pork on all sides until golden brown, creating a delicious crust. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe.
Cook with Aromatics: In a slow cooker, layer sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom. slow cooker beef bites Place the seared pork atop this aromatic bed to infuse flavor during cooking.
Add Sauces and Spices: Pour in cranberry sauce and chopped chipotle peppers along with adobo sauce over the pork. Drizzle with apple cider vinegar to create balance.
Slow Cook to Perfection: Set your slow cooker on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until the pork shreds easily with a fork; your house will smell divine!
Shred and Serve!: Once cooked, remove pork from cooker and shred it using two forks. Mix it with sauce left in the pot before serving on buns.
Enjoy every bite of those Cranberry Chipotle BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders! Trust me; they’re guaranteed to vanish faster than leftovers can be stored away! savory cranberry tartlets.
You Must Know
- This delightful recipe for Cranberry Chipotle BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders brings together sweet and smoky flavors
- The combination of tender pork and tangy cranberry sauce creates a mouthwatering experience perfect for any gathering
- Your guests will be begging for seconds!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the pork to lock in flavor, then slow-cook it in a mix of cranberry sauce and chipotle until fork-tender. This method ensures every bite is bursting with goodness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the pork for chicken or jackfruit for a vegetarian option. You can also adjust the spice level by using less chipotle or adding more sweet elements.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, microwave or warm on the stove until heated through; add a splash of water if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best results, use a good quality cut of pork like shoulder or butt, as they become incredibly tender when cooked low and slow
- Avoid overcooking; keep an eye on your slow cooker or oven to maintain that juicy texture
- Always let the dish rest before serving to enhance the flavors fully
Cooking pulled pork sliders always reminds me of my first BBQ party. I was nervous, but my friends couldn’t get enough of these sliders; their smiles were worth every ounce of effort put into cooking!
FAQ
Can I use other meats for Cranberry Chipotle BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders?
For more inspiration, check out this Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe.
Yes, chicken or even jackfruit can work wonderfully as alternatives.
How long should I cook the pork?
Cook for 6-8 hours on low in a slow cooker or 4-5 hours on high.
What’s the best way to serve these sliders?
Serve on soft buns, topped with coleslaw and extra cranberry sauce for added flavor.
Cranberry Chipotle BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Cranberry Chipotle BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are a delightful fusion of smoky and sweet flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Juicy, tender pulled pork is slow-cooked in a rich cranberry chipotle sauce, then served on soft buns for an irresistible treat. Perfect for gatherings or game days, these sliders are sure to impress and quickly become a favorite among friends and family.
Ingredients
- 3–4 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2–4 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 large sweet onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 8 soft slider buns
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; sear the pork on all sides until golden brown.
- Layer sliced onions and minced garlic in a slow cooker; place the seared pork on top.
- Pour cranberry sauce and chopped chipotle peppers over the pork; drizzle with apple cider vinegar.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until the pork is fork-tender.
- Shred the pork with two forks, mixing it with the cooking sauce before serving on buns.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider (150g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: For variations, substitute pork with chicken or jackfruit for a vegetarian option. Adjust spice levels by increasing sweet elements or using fewer chipotle peppers.
