Pepsi Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe

Score big on flavor for your next gathering or game day party with my cheesy Pepsi pulled pork sliders. They’re a guaranteed hit and the ultimate crowd-pleaser! 

Each bite of my pulled pork sliders served in Hawaiian rolls is an explosion of meaty barbecue goodness. They’re moist, cheesy, and fun to share with friends and family! 

Cooking pork in Pepsi tenderizes the meat while adding a touch of acidity and sweetness. Combined with the flavorful dry spice rub, my homemade BBQ sauce, and ooey gooey mozzarella cheese in between pillowy soft Hawaiian dinner rolls, and finally brushed on top with garlic butter, these sliders are a showstopper treat. Whether as an easy dinner to feed a crowd or just for myself, I love serving my Pepsi pulled pork sliders with my pineapple guacamole, coleslaw, fries, dill pickles, and of course, a glass of ice-cold beer or Pepsi.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Pulled pork, a close relative of sloppy joe, is a classic game day appetizer that pairs well with dinner rolls, sandwich bread, pasta, salad, and even rice, making it incredibly versatile. That said, you can make a big batch of this recipe in advance and easily use up the leftover pulled pork in different ways. 

Another reason why I love Pepsi pull pork is that it’s great for meal prep. You can whip up a batch of pulled pork sliders, wrap them individually, keep them in the fridge or freezer, and then reheat them in the microwave to serve. You’ll have super delicious pork sandwiches for a midnight snack or when you need a delicious meal on the go. 

To be honest, this slider recipe is quite easy to make – all you need to do is combine all the ingredients into one pot then set it and forget it! Since the Instant Pot or pressure cooker does all the work, it’ll free up your time for stress-free preparation. 

Pepsi Pulled Pork Sliders Ingredients and Substitutions

Pork butt: Also known as Boston butt or pork shoulder, this cut of meat has a good amount of fat marbling, which results in a juicy and more flavorful pulled pork. The fat marbling means that the pork will be shredded easily later on, and it also imparts loads of flavor! 

Pepsi: Add sweet and tangy flavors, and also helps tenderize it. Pepsi can be substituted with Coke, Dr. Pepper, or Beer.

Neutral oil: For searing the pork. I like using a with a high smoke point such as avocado oil, but any neutral-tasting oil like corn, canola, vegetable, sunflower seed, or grapeseed oil would work too. 

Melted butter: Used to brush on top of the Hawaiian rolls to give it a glossy finish and more flavor. 

Garlic cloves: Always go well with butter for dinner rolls! If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can substitute it with garlic powder. Use only one-fourth the amount needed as garlic powder is more packed with flavor.

Fresh parsley: For added color and freshness

Hawaiian slider buns: What’s special about Hawaiian dinner rolls is their sweetness, and that makes them a good pair for savory food like pulled pork.

Mozzarella cheese: For extra richness and creaminess. I like Mozzarella for its stringy texture, but it can be substituted with pepper jack, Monterey jack, Swiss, Fontina, or any kind of cheese you like!

Spice Rub Ingredients and Substitutions

Light brown sugar: Helps to brown the meat and also provides moisture. The sugar also balances out the savoriness and tenderizes the pork. It can be substituted with white sugar or dark brown sugar. 

Salt: Aside from seasoning, salt also draws out moisture from the meat so that it achieves a beautiful brown crust when seared.

Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky flavor. This can be substituted with chipotle powder. 

Garlic powder: Adds a deep garlic flavor without being too pungent

Onion powder: Adds the sweet onion flavor

Ground cumin: Adds an earthy, warm, and nutty taste notes and aroma to the pork

Cayenne pepper: Adds some heat as well as added smokiness

Ground black pepper: It has a pungent kick that cuts the richness of the pork for a more balanced flavor combination

Homemade BBQ Sauce Ingredients and Substitutions

Ketchup: The basic building block of BBQ sauce. A rich tomato flavor is important for a good BBQ, and tomato ketchup is an easy way to incorporate it.

Dijon mustard: For tanginess to cut and balance the sweetness of the sauce

Apple cider vinegar: Adds another layer of tanginess and acidity, and is also a natural preservative. This can be substituted with white vinegar.

Soy sauce: For added umami and color 

Light brown sugar: Contributes to the sweetness, caramelization, and moisture retention

Honey: Adds another layer of sweetness and tanginess

Worcestershire sauce: Packs the sauce with umami! I recommend using Lea & Perrins. Take note that a little goes a long way. 

Paprika: For added smokey flavor

Cayenne pepper: For added heat 

How do I make Pepsi Pulled Pork?

Step 1: Make the spice rub

Prepare the spice rub by combining packed light brown sugar, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and ground black pepper. Mix the spices until well combined.

Step 2: Season the pork

Cut the pork butt into 4 to 6 equal pieces. Then season with the spice rub, making sure to press the spices into the pork until well coated.

Step 3: Sear the pork

Set the Instant Pot to ‘saute’ mode. Once heated, add neutral oil then sear the pork on all sides until browned, about 1 minute per side. If making this in a slow cooker, sear the pork in a pot then transfer to the slow cooker. If making this in the oven, preheat to 300F (150C). Sear the pork in a heavy-duty oven-safe pot.

Step 4: Add Pepsi and cook

Pour in the Pepsi then cover with the lid. Cook on high pressure for 1 hour, making sure the vent is set to sealing. After 1 hour, allow for natural release, which should take about 20 minutes. For the slow cooker method, cook on low for 8 hours. For the oven, cover with a lid and bake for 4 hours, or until fork tender.

Step 4: Prepare the BBQ sauce

While the pork is cooking, prepare the BBQ sauce by mixing ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, light brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and cayenne pepper. You can also use pre-made bottled BBQ sauce, about 3/4 cup or to taste.

Step 5: Shred the pork

Remove the pork from the Instant Pot and set aside to cool. When the pork is cool to the touch, shred it with your hands or two forks.

Step 6: Add sauces to pulled pork

Ladle 1/4 cup of the juices from the Instant Pot over the shredded pork. Add the BBQ sauce and mix well.

Step 7: Arrange the pulled pork sliders

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).

Slice the slider buns in half, making sure not to tear apart each individual slider. Remove the top half of the slider buns then arrange the pulled pork on the bottom half. Add a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese then place the top half of the slider buns on top.

Step 8: Brush sliders with garlic butter

In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped fresh parsley. Brush the top of the slider buns with the garlic butter.

Step 9: Bake until cheese has melted

Transfer to the oven in the middle rack. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheese has melted. Serve hot & enjoy!

Preparation tips for Pepsi Pulled Pork Sliders

Here are some helpful tips for making the best Pepsi pulled pork sliders so they come out delicious every single time. 

• Use the right cut of meat. Pork butt is great for its beautiful fat marbling. It is flavorful, easy to shred, and can withstand a long cooking time. I do not recommend lean cuts like pork loin as it has very little fat which will easily dry out during cooking.  
• Season the meat well. Start by drying the pork using paper towels. Removing any excess water or moisture will help make sure that the dry rub penetrates into every surface of the meat. Then, be generous with the dry rub. It helps to massage the rub into the meat to make sure that they stick well.
• Don’t forget to sear the pork! Searing the meat causes the browning, also known as the Maillard reaction, which gives the meat a delicious roasted flavor. In order to have a good sear, make sure that the pan is very hot. If using an Instant Pot, you can turn it on the ‘saute’ mode and sear it directly in there. However, if you’re using a regular pressure cooker, you’ll need to sear it in a pan. I recommend using a cast iron pan – it’s great for searing because it conducts heat evenly. When searing, make sure not to overlap the meat – they should be in one layer so they brown evenly. 
• Thinking of other toppings to add to pulled pork sliders? You can top it with coleslaw, jalapeno, baked beans, or even my Asian pickled red onion recipe! Also add Sriracha, tabasco, mayonnaise, and extra cheese. The possibilities are truly endless! If serving a large crowd, you can prepare different toppings and condiments in bowls and let your guests customize their own sliders. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Coke instead of Pepsi for pulled pork?

Yes. You can substitute Pepsi with other types of soda like Coke, Dr. Pepper, Sprite, and or even beer. Some like to add pineapple juice which also tenderizes and sweetens the pork.

Why add soda to pulled pork?

Soda does a great job of tenderizing the pork and keeping it moist. It also imparts a caramel-like sweetness that goes well with the savory pulled pork.

Can pulled pork be overcooked?

Yes, pulled pork can be overcooked if left on the heat for too long. From having a fork-tender texture, overcooked pork turns mushy. So, you want to keep an eye on it or set your alarm when making pulled pork, just to be sure!

Can I make Pepsi pulled pork sliders ahead of time?

Yes, one of the great things about this recipe is that you can prepare Pepsi-pulled pork sliders ahead of time. There are two ways to do this. First, assemble the sliders but don’t bake them yet. Cover the assembled sliders in a freezer and oven-safe dish and seal the freshness by covering the top with plastic wrap. Brush them with the garlic butter then bake them only right before serving. I recommend doing this only up to a day in advance before serving so that the bread won’t get too soggy.

The second method is to prepare only the pulled pork ahead of time. Make a big batch, portion them in Ziploc bags, then you can keep them either in the fridge for two days or in the freezer for up to a month. If storing in the freezer, transfer it to the fridge the night before to thaw. Easily assemble onto the slider buns and bake them before serving. Either way, the pulled pork sliders will come out hot and fresh out of the oven! 

How can I store leftover Pepsi pulled pork sliders?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. 

How should I reheat Pepsi pulled pork sliders?

Reheat the leftover sliders in the microwave (about 2 minutes on high), air fryer at 350F/175C (4-6 minutes, depending on your unit’s settings), or oven at 350F/175C (4-6 minutes, depending on your unit’s settings). You can also reheat the sliders on the stovetop! First, preheat the pan. Place the sliders directly on the pan for 2-3 minutes, then flip and reheat the other side for another 2-3 minutes.

Looking for more easy and delicious game day recipes?

1. Kimchi Hot Dogs — I gave the classic American hotdogs a Korean makeover by adding Kimchi chili! It’s jam-packed with flavors and perfect for a gathering!
2. Crispy Fried Rangoons — One of my favorite finger foods. These crispy little wonton packets are filled with a mixture of delectable cream cheese, kani (imitation crab sticks), and scallions filling and then dipped in sweet chili sauce. 
3. Pepsi Chicken Wings — These delicious sweet and sticky Pepsi-glazed wings are finger-licking good! Best of all, you will only need 5 common pantry ingredients, and the recipe comes together in only 20 minutes.
4. Kimchi Nachos — Flavorful Doritos are layered with refried beans, shredded cheese, guacamole, pickled jalapenos, cilantro, and kimchi! The secret ingredient is kimchi, which adds a nice sour punch to every bite.
5. Hot Honey Chicken Bites — Imagine bite-sized juicy chicken thighs with a crushed tortilla crust, sauced up with homemade hot honey. It’s got the right amount of heat and sweet, and a quick disclaimer – it’s super addicting! Great way to use up leftover tortilla chips that have gone stale.