Hey there! If you’re looking for an easy, mouth-watering recipe that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds, these Slow Cooker Barbecue Pork Sandwiches with Crunchy Coleslaw are about to become your new best friend! I absolutely love making these because they’re so hands-off—throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do all the work. The result? Super tender, flavor-packed pulled pork that’s perfect for a family dinner, a casual get-together, or even a fun BBQ weekend. Plus, that crunchy, tangy coleslaw? It’s the perfect balance to the rich, smoky pork. Trust me, you’ll be hooked after the first bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Slow-cooked pork is pure magic. The meat becomes so tender it practically falls apart, soaking up all the barbecue sauce flavors, and it takes minimal effort on your part. This dish is a true winner if you need something to feed a crowd but don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen. What I also love about it is how versatile it is—whether you’re serving it for a weekday dinner or a weekend gathering, it fits every occasion.
Nutritional Benefits of Slow Cooker Barbecue Pork
Now, let’s talk about why this recipe isn’t just delicious, but also a great option for your health (without sacrificing taste!):
- Lean Protein: Pork, when you choose lean cuts like tenderloin or shoulder, is a great source of protein which helps build muscles and keep you feeling full longer.
- Coleslaw: This crunchy side isn’t just for texture—cabbage, the base of coleslaw, is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, which support a healthy immune system. Adding carrots boosts the vitamin A, helping with your skin and eye health.
- Less Fat: By using a slow cooker and controlling the ingredients in your coleslaw, you can keep things lighter. For an even healthier version, you can swap out mayo in the slaw for Greek yogurt.
How to Make It Kid-Friendly
If you’re cooking for little ones, this recipe is easily customizable! For a milder, kid-friendly version:
- Less Heat: Reduce the amount of spicy ingredients in your barbecue sauce. Go for a mild or honey-based sauce instead of something with a kick.
- Adjust the Slaw: Some kids aren’t fans of tangy slaw, so you can go easy on the vinegar and maybe add a little honey or a sweet apple to balance out the flavors.
- Make It Interactive: Kids love building their own sandwiches! Serve everything in separate bowls and let the little ones assemble their own pork sandwiches with the crunchy slaw.
Slow Cooker Barbecue Pork Sandwiches with Crunchy Coleslaw
Here’s how to make this super easy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients for the Pork:
- 2-3 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt (this cut is perfect for slow cooking)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Ingredients for the Coleslaw:
- 4 cups shredded cabbage (green and purple for color)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prep the Pork:
- Start by placing the pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Top it with the sliced onions.
- In a small bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour this sauce over the pork.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or high for about 4-5 hours, until the pork is incredibly tender and easy to shred.
- Make the Coleslaw:
- While the pork is cooking, you can whip up the coleslaw. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and chopped red onion.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well until everything is evenly coated. Refrigerate until ready to serve, giving the flavors time to meld together.
- Shred the Pork:
- Once the pork is done cooking, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with all the delicious juices.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Toast your sandwich buns if you like (this step is optional but adds a nice texture!).
- Pile the shredded barbecue pork onto the buns and top it with a generous scoop of the crunchy coleslaw.
- Serve immediately, and enjoy!
Practical Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Barbecue Pork
- Searing the Pork: If you have a little extra time, searing the pork shoulder in a hot pan before placing it in the slow cooker will enhance the flavor and texture. This step is optional but adds a nice depth to the dish.
- Storing Leftovers: This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat the pork with a little extra sauce to keep it moist. The coleslaw can also be stored, but it’s best served fresh to keep the crunch.
- Freezing: Leftover pork freezes beautifully! Just store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Extra Flavor: For a little extra kick, you can drizzle more barbecue sauce on the pork once it’s shredded. Or, add a few pickles on top of your sandwich for some tang!
Call to Action
I hope you give these Slow Cooker Barbecue Pork Sandwiches with Crunchy Coleslaw a try. I’m sure your family will love them as much as mine does! Be sure to let me know how they turn out—drop a comment or tag me on Pinterest if you post a pic of your delicious creations! Looking for more easy and tasty recipes? Follow me for more great meal ideas that will make your weeknights a little bit easier and a lot more delicious!