Name: Pulled Pork Pretzel Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup honey; 2½ tbsp red raspberry jam; ½ cup spicy brown mustard; 1 tbsp mustard seeds; 1 tsp apple cider vinegar; 6 pretzel hoagie rolls; 1 Smithfield boneless pork shoulder roast

Pull up a chair and get ready to enjoy a recipe that takes comfort food to a whole new level. This pulled pork pretzel sliders recipe combines savory, slow-cooked pork with a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce. The unique twist? They are served on pretzel rolls, adding an unexpected, yet delightful, touch to this crowd-pleaser of a dish.

Photos of Pulled Pork Pretzel Sliders Recipe

The Smithfield boneless pork shoulder roast is the star ingredient in this recipe, and while it may not be a staple in every household, it's worth seeking out for the rich, robust flavor it brings to the dish. You may also need to make a trip to the supermarket for the pretzel hoagie rolls, unless you're an avid home baker who's up for the challenge of making them yourself. The spicy brown mustard used in the honey mustard sauce is another ingredient to keep an eye out for; it adds a kick that balances out the sweetness and complements the pork beautifully.

Ingredients for Pulled Pork Pretzel Sliders

Honey : Adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce, balancing out the spicy and tangy components.

Red raspberry jam : Works with the honey to sweeten the sauce, while also contributing a subtle fruitiness.

Spicy brown mustard: Lends a kick to the sauce, enhancing the flavor of the pork.

Mustard seeds : They add a bit of texture and a burst of flavor to the honey mustard sauce.

Apple cider vinegar : Its acidity brightens up the sauce and cuts through the richness of the pork.

Pretzel hoagie rolls : They serve as the vessel for the pulled pork, their slightly salty, malty flavor pairs well with the filling.

Smithfield boneless pork shoulder roast: Slow-roasted to perfection, it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful, making it the perfect base for the sliders.

One reader, Fergus Shane says:

This pulled pork pretzel sliders recipe is a game-changer! The combination of tender, flavorful pork and soft, salty pretzel buns is a match made in heaven. The honey mustard sauce adds a perfect touch of sweetness and tang. It's a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any gathering. Highly recommend trying it out!

Fergus Shane

Techniques Required for Making Pulled Pork Pretzel Sliders

How to brown the pork: In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork shoulder roast and brown it on all sides to develop flavor and texture.

How to make the honey mustard sauce: In a bowl, combine the honey, red raspberry jam, spicy brown mustard, mustard seeds, and apple cider vinegar. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated, creating a sweet and tangy sauce to complement the pulled pork.

How to pull apart the pork: Once the pork is cooked and slightly cooled, use two forks to pull the meat apart, shredding it into bite-sized pieces. This technique helps to create the classic pulled pork texture, perfect for sliders.

How to assemble the sliders: Slice the pretzel hoagie rolls in half and fill each with a generous portion of the pulled pork. Drizzle additional honey mustard sauce over the pork before topping with the other half of the pretzel roll. Serve and enjoy these delicious pulled pork pretzel sliders.

How To Make Pulled Pork Pretzel Sliders

Tender and flavorful pulled pork, topped with raspberry jam and honey mustard sauce, encased in a tender pretzel hoagie rolls make tasty pretzel sliders!

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 4 hours

Cool Time: 5 minutes

Total: 4 hours 10 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

½cuphoney
2½tbspred raspberry jam
½cupspicy brown mustard
1tbspmustard seeds
1tspapple cider vinegar
6pretzel hoagie rolls,cut into thirds
1Smithfield boneless pork shoulder roast

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
Cut the pork out of the netting.
Put into a heavy bottomed pot, and brown on all sides.
Put in the oven for 4 hours.
Add the honey, raspberry jam, mustard seeds and apple cider vinegar to a bowl and mix to combine.
Remove from oven, pour half of the honey mustard over the pork and put back in the oven uncovered for 5 minutes.
Let cool for 5 minutes and pull apart with forks.
Serve in pretzel rolls and top with more honey mustard sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 160.77kcal
Fat: 4.32g
Saturated Fat: 1.26g
Trans Fat: 0.03g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1.97g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.68g
Carbohydrates: 24.80g
Fiber: 1.16g
Sugar: 13.81g
Protein: 6.40g
Cholesterol: 14.88mg
Sodium: 240.23mg
Calcium: 30.77mg
Potassium: 128.48mg
Iron: 1.08mg
Vitamin A: 1.01µg
Vitamin C: 0.51mg

Helpful Technique for Perfecting Pulled Pork Pretzel Sliders

When pulling apart the pork, it's best to use two forks. Insert the forks into the meat and pull in opposite directions. This will create thin, tender strands of meat that are perfect for sliders. Additionally, allowing the meat to rest for a few minutes after cooking will make it easier to pull apart and will also help to redistribute the juices, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe

Prep ahead: Prepare the honey mustard sauce and marinate the pork the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

Use a slow cooker: Consider using a slow cooker instead of the oven for the pork shoulder roast to save time and effort.

Buy pre-made pretzel rolls: Save time by purchasing pre-made pretzel rolls from a bakery or grocery store instead of making them from scratch.

Invest in a pressure cooker: Use a pressure cooker to significantly reduce the cooking time for the pork shoulder roast, allowing you to enjoy the sliders sooner.

Delegate tasks: Enlist the help of family or friends to assist with the preparation and assembly of the sliders, making the process more efficient.

Substitute Ingredients For Pulled Pork Pretzel Sliders Recipe

honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup has a similar sweetness and viscosity to honey, and it will add a rich, caramel-like flavor to the dish.
red raspberry jam - Substitute with strawberry jam: Both jams have a sweet and fruity flavor, and the substitution will not significantly alter the overall taste of the dish.
spicy brown mustard - Substitute with Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard has a similar tangy and slightly spicy flavor, making it a suitable replacement for spicy brown mustard.
mustard seeds - Substitute with ground mustard: Ground mustard can provide a similar flavor and texture to mustard seeds when used in the recipe.
apple cider vinegar - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar offers a mild acidity and fruity flavor, which can replace the tanginess of apple cider vinegar in the recipe.
pretzel hoagie rolls - Substitute with brioche buns: Brioche buns have a soft and slightly sweet texture, which can complement the pulled pork filling in a similar way to pretzel hoagie rolls.
smithfield boneless pork shoulder roast - Substitute with boneless beef chuck roast: Beef chuck roast can be used as a flavorful alternative to pork shoulder, providing a rich and tender meat base for the sliders.

Best Way to Present Pulled Pork Pretzel Sliders

Elevate the pretzel rolls: Brush the pretzel hoagie rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with sea salt for a glossy finish and enhanced flavor.
Create a visually appealing plating: Arrange the pulled pork sliders on a rustic wooden board or a slate platter to create a visually stunning presentation that complements the hearty nature of the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of vibrancy by garnishing the sliders with freshly chopped parsley or chives to bring a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Accompany with gourmet condiments: Serve the sliders with a side of whole grain mustard and a tangy raspberry compote to provide a balance of flavors and elevate the overall dining experience.
Incorporate a touch of elegance with edible flowers: Add a touch of sophistication by delicately placing edible flowers such as nasturtiums or pansies on the platter for a visually stunning and refined touch.
Consider the use of thematic serving ware: Opt for unique serving ware such as mini cast iron skillets or slate boards to add a touch of creativity and enhance the overall dining experience.
Enhance the visual appeal with a drizzle: Drizzle a small amount of the honey mustard sauce over the sliders and use a culinary brush to create an artistic and appetizing presentation.
Offer a variety of textures: Consider serving the sliders with a side of pickled vegetables or a crisp slaw to provide a contrast in textures and elevate the overall dining experience.

Essential Tools for Making Pulled Pork Pretzel Sliders

Oven: You will need an oven to roast the pork shoulder at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 hours.
Heavy bottomed pot: Use a heavy bottomed pot to brown the pork shoulder on all sides before roasting it in the oven.
Bowl: A bowl will be used to mix the honey, raspberry jam, mustard seeds, and apple cider vinegar to create the honey mustard sauce.
Forks: You will need forks to pull apart the cooked pork shoulder into tender, flavorful strands for the sliders.
Pretzel hoagie rolls: These rolls will serve as the base for the pulled pork sliders, adding a delicious twist with their pretzel flavor and texture.

Storing and Freezing Pulled Pork Pretzel Sliders

To store leftover pulled pork, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
If you have leftover honey mustard sauce, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
To freeze pulled pork:
- Divide the cooled pork into portion-sized freezer bags or airtight containers.
- Remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the bags with the date and amount of pork inside.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat frozen pulled pork:
- Thaw the pork overnight in the refrigerator.
- Place the thawed pork in a baking dish, adding a little water or chicken broth to maintain moisture.
- Cover the dish with foil and reheat in a preheated 325°F (165°C) oven until the pork is heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
- Alternatively, reheat the pork in a microwave-safe dish, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
To freeze pretzel rolls:
- Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped rolls in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat frozen pretzel rolls:
- Remove the rolls from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the rolls on a baking sheet and heat for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy on the outside.

How To Reheat Leftover Pulled Pork Pretzel Sliders

To reheat leftover pulled pork pretzel sliders, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each slider individually in aluminum foil, ensuring a tight seal to prevent the buns from drying out. Place the wrapped sliders on a baking sheet and heat them in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through.
Alternatively, you can reheat the pulled pork separately in a skillet or microwave. Place the desired amount of pulled pork in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through and slightly crispy on the edges. If using a microwave, place the pulled pork in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it is heated through. Assemble the sliders with the reheated pork and fresh pretzel buns.
For a quicker reheating method, you can use a toaster oven. Place the assembled sliders on the toaster oven tray and heat them at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the buns are crispy and the pork is heated through. Keep an eye on the sliders to prevent the buns from burning.
If you have a steam oven, you can use it to reheat the sliders while keeping them moist. Place the assembled sliders in the steam oven and heat them at 300°F (150°C) with 100% humidity for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through.
For a crispy exterior and a soft interior, you can reheat the sliders on a griddle or in a panini press. Preheat the griddle or panini press to medium heat. Brush the cut sides of the pretzel buns with a little butter or olive oil. Place the assembled sliders on the griddle or in the panini press and cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the buns are crispy and the pork is heated through.

Interesting Trivia About Pulled Pork Pretzel Sliders

Pulled pork pretzel sliders are a popular dish in the southern United States, particularly in the states of North Carolina and South Carolina. They are often served at barbecues and other casual gatherings, and are a favorite among many barbecue enthusiasts.

Is Making Pulled Pork Pretzel Sliders at Home Cost-Effective?

This pulled pork pretzel sliders recipe can be cost-effective for a household. The key is to buy the pork shoulder roast in bulk and utilize the leftovers creatively. The versatile nature of the pork allows for multiple meals, increasing its value. The use of affordable ingredients like honey, mustard, and raspberry jam also contributes to its cost-effectiveness. With an approximate cost of $20, this recipe can yield a satisfying meal for a family of four. Overall Verdict: 8/10

Is This Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?

This pulled pork pretzel sliders recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side. The main culprits are:

High sugar content from the honey and raspberry jam
Saturated fat from the pork shoulder roast
Refined carbohydrates in the pretzel rolls
High sodium levels in the mustard and pretzel rolls

However, the recipe does include some redeeming qualities, such as the use of apple cider vinegar, which has potential health benefits, and the inclusion of mustard seeds, which contain trace amounts of beneficial nutrients.

To make this recipe healthier without sacrificing too much flavor, consider the following modifications:

Reduce the amount of honey and raspberry jam, or replace them with natural, low-calorie sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit extract
Opt for a leaner cut of pork, such as pork loin, to reduce the saturated fat content
Swap the pretzel rolls for whole wheat buns or lettuce wraps to increase fiber and reduce refined carbohydrates
Use a low-sodium mustard variety and consider reducing the amount of mustard used overall
Incorporate more vegetables into the sliders, such as sliced tomatoes, onions, or pickles, to boost the nutrient content and add freshness
Serve the sliders with a side salad or roasted vegetables to create a more balanced meal

Editor's Thoughts on Pulled Pork Pretzel Sliders

The combination of sweet honey, tangy raspberry jam, and spicy mustard creates a delightful flavor profile for the pulled pork. The use of pretzel hoagie rolls adds a unique twist to the traditional slider, providing a satisfying chewiness and a hint of saltiness. The slow-roasted pork shoulder promises tender, juicy meat that pairs perfectly with the flavorful honey mustard sauce. This recipe offers a delicious and inventive take on pulled pork sliders, making it a standout dish for any occasion.

Enhance Your Pulled Pork Pretzel Sliders Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection and topped with a savory garlic parmesan seasoning.

Mango Avocado Salad: A refreshing and colorful salad featuring ripe mango, creamy avocado, and a zesty lime dressing.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts drizzled with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze for a burst of flavor.

Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with rich, caramelized onions for a decadent side dish.

Berry Spinach Salad: A vibrant salad with fresh berries, baby spinach, and a light vinaigrette dressing for a burst of sweetness and freshness.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Enjoy Pulled Pork Pretzel Sliders

Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers: Use a mixture of ground beef, rice, and seasonings to stuff bell peppers, then bake until tender. Top with melted cheese for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Mango Salsa Chicken Tacos: Marinate chicken in a flavorful mango salsa, then grill until cooked through. Serve in warm tortillas with additional mango salsa and your favorite taco toppings.

Creamy Mushroom Risotto: Sauté mushrooms and onions, then stir in Arborio rice and slowly add warm chicken broth until creamy and tender. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a comforting and indulgent dish.

Berry Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream: Combine fresh berries with sugar and a touch of lemon juice, then top with a buttery biscuit topping. Bake until golden and bubbly, then serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Pulled Pork Pretzel Sliders

Appetizers:

Bacon-Wrapped Dates: Indulge in the perfect combination of sweet and savory with these bacon-wrapped dates. The crispy bacon and tender dates create a mouthwatering appetizer that will leave your guests wanting more.

Caprese Skewers: Impress your guests with these elegant caprese skewers. The combination of fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil drizzled with balsamic glaze is a refreshing and delightful appetizer option.

Desserts:

Decadent Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a velvety smooth and rich chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. This luxurious dessert is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Tangy Lemon Tart: Savor the zesty and refreshing flavor of a tangy lemon tart, with a buttery and flaky crust that perfectly complements the bright citrus filling. This elegant dessert is a delightful way to end any meal.

Why trust this Pulled Pork Pretzel Sliders Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a mouthwatering experience with its succulent pulled pork and the irresistible combination of sweet honey, tangy red raspberry jam, and spicy brown mustard. The slow-cooked pork shoulder roast ensures tender, flavorful meat, while the homemade pretzel hoagie rolls add a delightful twist. The use of mustard seeds and apple cider vinegar elevates the flavors, promising a unique and unforgettable taste. Trust in this recipe to deliver a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion.

Want to share your experience making these Pulled Pork Pretzel Sliders or discuss tips and tricks? Join the conversation in our Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

What is the best cut of pork to use for pulled pork pretzel sliders?

I recommend using a boneless pork shoulder roast for this recipe. It has the perfect amount of marbling and fat to ensure a juicy and flavorful pulled pork.

Can I use a different type of roll for the sliders?

Absolutely! While pretzel hoagie rolls are recommended for their chewy texture and slightly salty flavor, you can also use brioche buns, slider buns, or even regular hamburger buns if that's what you have on hand.

Can I prepare the pork ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pulled pork ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before assembling the sliders.

Is there a substitute for the red raspberry jam in the honey mustard sauce?

If you don't have red raspberry jam, you can substitute it with any other fruit jam or preserves, such as apricot, cherry, or even orange marmalade. The goal is to add a touch of sweetness and fruity flavor to the sauce.

Can I make the honey mustard sauce less spicy?

Of course! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of spicy brown mustard or omit the mustard seeds. You can also add a bit more honey to balance out the spiciness to your taste.