Pulled Pork Sliders with Bacon Jam

Pulled Pork Sliders are always a mouth-watering favorite at a family gathering. 

Add in some TBJ Gourmet Bacon Jam, and you're in for a sweet and savory twist that will give your taste buds a thrill.

Why Pulled Pork?

Pulled pork is a simple dish to make that is both delicious and affordable. 

Pork itself is easy to come by. Pigs for pork are cheap and simple to raise. They do not require much land, and they grow quickly. They are an excellent protein source. 

You can cook large portions of pulled pork at one time, with plenty of leftover goodness for several meals afterwards. 

It is a great dish to make for crowds - both sweet and savory, and delicious when served with many different sides.

Where Did Pulled Pork Come From?

Have you ever wondered where pulled pork came from? 

Pulled pork most likely was brought to the American South by Spanish explorers. These Spanish explorers introduced the States to Barbacoa.

The dictionary describes Barbecoa as: “beef, lamb, or other meat that has been slowly cooked with seasonings, typically shredded as a filling in tacos, burritos, etc.”

Native Southern Americans tried to copy this Spanish style of cooking, and it quickly became a popular Southern institution. 

What Cut of Pork is Best?

Pulled Pork sliders are created with the meat from the shoulder of the pig. There are two popular cuts of pork for slow cooking:

• Boston Butt: This cut is tender and soft. It shreds very well for making the best pulled pork sliders. 
• Picnic Roast: This cut is also great for long cooking. It is often sliced or cut up into pieces. 

TBJ Gourmet explains: 

For the purposes of juicy sliders, we suggest that you get a nice Boston Butt shoulder cut for ease of shredding. 

As always, be sure to purchase your meat from a trusted butcher near you.

The Recipe 

Here is a fantastic slow-cooked pulled pork recipe for you to try, that we adjusted slightly from a wonderful recipe from The Magical Slow Cooker. It will quickly become one of your favorite bacon jam appetizer recipes:

TBJ’s Pulled Pork Sliders with Bacon Jam

Ingredients:

• Pork Shoulder
• 20 oz of root beer
• 1 cup of barbecue sauce
• Hawaiin rolls
• TBJ Classic Bacon Jam
• Sharp cheddar, sliced
• Pinch of Salt and Pepper
• Olive oil

Directions:

1. Rinse and pat dry your pork shoulder.
2. Lightly season with salt and pepper.
3. Drizzle olive oil on your pan
4. Add your pork shoulder to the pan. Brown all sides on the stove top.
5. Add your pork shoulder to the slow cooker.
6. Pour over the barbecue sauce and root beer.
7. Cover and cook on low for 10 hours.
8. Remove the pork from the slow cooker onto a sheet tray or large plate. Shred the meat with two large forks and discard any fat.
9. Add your pork back into the slow cooker into the remaining juices.
10.  Smear the delicious bacon jam on one side of the Hawaiian rolls.
11.  Pile the shredded pork high on the Hawaiian rolls. 
12.  Add a slice of sharp cheddar.
13.  Close your sliders. 
14.  Serve with sides and enjoy!

Slider Sides

Whether you are on a picnic in your yard or sitting at your kitchen table, BBQ pork sliders are a convenient meal or appetizer, finger food style.

If you are wondering what goes best with pulled pork sliders, there are so many choices to choose from. 

Here are some side dishes to add to your sliders:

• Coleslaw
• Baked Beans
• Corn Bread
• Potato casserole
• Green Salads
• Chips or fries

For a twist, try different pulled pork sandwich toppings by creating a pulled pork toppings bar with bacon jam options, apple slices, cheeses, and more. Try placing a slice of apple on your slider, or a small pile of coleslaw right into your slider. 

Experiment with several different cheeses and more to find the best pulled pork sandwich toppings. 

The Last Bite

Be sure to enjoy your gourmet pulled pork sandwiches on sweet Hawaiian rolls. Add several sides to round out your meal in a tasty way.

You can refrigerate your leftover pulled pork for several days. It’s delicious warmed up on sliders, in wraps, in tacos, etc. 

Simply add a smear of sweet TBJ Gourmet Bacon Jam sauce to add that extra needed boost of flavor.

*Try all of TBJ’s bacon jam flavors - classic, 

sweet chili, black pepper or honey habanero, 

and visit their website for even more 

delicious bacon jam serving suggestions 

and ideas!

Serve with iced cold root beer in a cold glass and enjoy a sweet meal on a warm and sunny summer day!

Bon Apétit!