Irresistible Cranberry Chipotle BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

Name: Cranberry Chipotle BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 lbs pork shoulder; 1 cup cranberry sauce; 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped; 1 large sweet onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 8 soft slider buns; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Published: November 7, 2025

by Mia Hanry

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Cranberry Chipotle BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests
The flavor profile is a delicious blend of sweet and smoky that will impress anyone who tries them. <a href="https://recipeswemade.com/comforting-ground-beef-and-cabbage-soup-recipe-delight/">Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup</a> Visually appealing with their vibrant colors, they look stunning on any platter. <a href="https://recipeswemade.com/cozy-chicken-tortilla-soup-recipe-for-chilly-nights/">Chicken Tortilla Soup for cozy nights</a> These sliders are versatile enough to be served at casual gatherings or fancy parties

My friends couldn’t stop raving about how these sliders made our last game night unforgettable; I think they might have even fought over the last few bites!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Pork Shoulder: This cut is perfect for slow cooking as it becomes meltingly tender and full of flavor.
Cranberry Sauce: Use homemade or store-bought; just ensure it’s not too chunky for smooth spreading.
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: These peppers add that smoky kick; adjust according to your heat preference.
Onion: A sweet onion works best here; it caramelizes beautifully when cooked. For more inspiration, check out this caramel coconut cookies recipe.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will add depth to the sauce; avoid the pre-minced stuff if possible.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a tangy brightness that balances the sweetness of the cranberry sauce.
Buns: Soft slider buns work well; consider brioche for extra richness.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste throughout the cooking process.
Olive Oil: Use this for browning the pork shoulder and sautéing the vegetables to enhance flavor. For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Cranberry Chipotle BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

Let’s Make it Together

First things first, season your pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear each side of the pork until golden brown—this should take about 4-5 minutes per side.
Once your pork is beautifully browned, remove it from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, toss in chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and translucent—about 3-4 minutes—this step builds amazing flavor.
In a mixing bowl, combine cranberry sauce, chopped chipotle peppers (don’t forget to include some adobo sauce), and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until smooth and well-blended; taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
Place your seared pork back into your slow cooker. Pour that delicious cranberry chipotle mixture over it. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until tender enough to pull apart easily with forks.
Once cooked, remove the pork from your slow cooker and shred it using two forks—it’s going to fall apart like magic! Mix it back into those flavorful juices so every bite is heavenly moist.
Grab those soft buns you’ve been eyeing! Spoon generous amounts of pulled pork onto each bun, adding more sauce if desired. Peppermint Cheesecake Cannoli Top with coleslaw or pickles for an extra crunch if you like!

These Cranberry Chipotle BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are ready to be devoured! Serve them up at your next gathering or keep them all for yourself (I won’t tell). Enjoy!

You Must Know

A slow cooker works wonders for this recipe, creating tender pulled pork
The sweet and spicy sauce balances beautifully, making it a crowd-pleaser
Don’t skip toasting the slider buns; it adds delightful crunch and warmth to each bite

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by seasoning your pork shoulder with spices and browning it in a hot pan. Then, transfer to the slow cooker with the cranberry chipotle BBQ sauce for hours of flavorful cooking.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out pork for chicken or even jackfruit for a vegetarian option. You can add extra spices or fresh herbs for a unique twist that suits your taste buds.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To achieve perfect pulled pork, allow enough time for slow cooking
Letting it rest before shredding enhances flavor absorption
Always taste your BBQ sauce before serving; adjust sweetness or heat as desired

Sometimes I whip up these sliders for game day, and they vanish faster than my New Year’s resolutions! Friends rave about the flavor combo and always ask for the recipe.