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Ultimate Build-Your-Own Bourbon BBQ Sliders Bar

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A flexible and flavorful bourbon BBQ sliders bar perfect for casual gatherings, featuring tender pulled pork or chicken with a boozy-sweet sauce and customizable toppings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup bourbon
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 pounds pork shoulder or chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
  • Salt and pepper, for seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 24 mini slider buns (potato buns recommended)
  • Coleslaw (homemade or store-bought)
  • Pickles, sliced (dill or bread-and-butter style)
  • Cheese slices (sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or pepper jack)
  • Fresh red onions, thinly sliced
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
  • Optional: Jalapeños, sliced (fresh or pickled)
  • Optional: Barbecue sauce variations like spicy chipotle mix or honey mustard drizzle

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bourbon BBQ Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Stir occasionally and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 15–20 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring often to prevent sticking. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Cook the Meat: Season pork shoulder or chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear meat on all sides until browned, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to slow cooker or keep in Dutch oven, pour half the bourbon BBQ sauce over meat, cover, and cook low and slow until tender (1.5 to 2 hours in oven at 300°F/150°C, or 6-8 hours on low in slow cooker). For Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 45 minutes, then natural release.
  3. Shred the Meat: Remove cooked meat and shred with two forks. Toss shredded meat with remaining bourbon BBQ sauce. Keep warm.
  4. Prep Toppings and Buns: While meat cooks, prepare coleslaw or use store-bought, slice pickles, onions, and cheese. Lightly toast slider buns on a griddle or pan.
  5. Set Up Slider Bar: Arrange shredded meat, buns, and toppings in separate serving dishes or platters with spoons or tongs for easy assembling.
  6. Assemble and Serve: Let guests customize their sliders with preferred toppings and enjoy.

Notes

If sauce thickens too much when cooling, stir in a splash of water to loosen. Let meat rest after cooking to retain juices. Toast buns before serving to prevent sogginess. Sauce tastes better after resting overnight. Use pre-cooked pulled pork to save time. Adjust bourbon quantity to taste or omit for alcohol-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: bourbon BBQ sliders, build-your-own sliders, pulled pork sliders, BBQ sauce, party food, slider bar, easy BBQ recipe

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/ultimate-build-your-own-bourbon-bbq-sliders-bar-recipe-easy-step-by-step-guide/