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Pulled Pork Sliders Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

Pulled Pork Sliders Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

This Pulled Pork Sliders Hawaiian Rolls Recipe is the ultimate comfort food for your next big gathering. It combines tender, smoky pork with tangy barbecue sauce and soft, sweet rolls.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Dish / Appetizer
Cuisine American BBQ
Servings 12
Calories 260 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pack 12 count King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
  • 3 cups cooked pulled pork homemade or store-bought
  • 1 cup of your favorite sweet and smoky barbecue sauce
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or Provolone cheese
  • 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños or bread and butter pickles
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds or sesame seeds for the crust

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven

  • Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. This step ensures that the sweet rolls do not stick to the bottom while they bake.

Slice the Rolls

  • Keep the Hawaiian rolls connected in one large block and slice them horizontally through the center. Place the bottom half of the rolls into your prepared baking dish, cut side facing up.

Prepare the Pork

  • In your large mixing bowl, combine the shredded pulled pork with the barbecue sauce. Stir until every strand of meat is fully coated in the thick, tangy, and savory sauce.

Create the Cheese Base

  • Spread half of the shredded cheese evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. This melted cheese layer prevents the bread from getting too soggy from the juicy barbecue pork.

Layer the Meat

  • Pile the barbecue-coated pulled pork onto the cheese layer and spread it out to the edges. Make sure the meat is distributed evenly so every slider gets a generous and tasty portion.

Add the Toppings

  • Place your pickled jalapeños or pickles over the pork layer for a fresh and tangy crunch. This adds a beautiful contrast to the sweet bread and the rich, smoky meat inside.

Add More Cheese

  • Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the pork and pickles for extra gooey goodness. Cover the entire dish with the top half of the Hawaiian rolls, pressing down very gently.

Whisk the Glaze

  • In your small bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, mustard, garlic, and onion powder together. This savory glaze is what gives the sliders their professional, bakery-style finish and deep flavor.

Brush the Tops

  • Use your pastry brush to generously coat the tops of the rolls with the butter mixture. Sprinkle the poppy seeds over the butter for a classic look and a tiny bit of texture.

Bake and Serve

  • Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes, then remove foil and bake 10 more minutes. Slice between the rolls with your knife and serve them hot while the cheese is still stretchy.

Notes

  • Use a slow cooker to prepare your pork the day before for the best flavor.
  • Add a thin layer of creamy coleslaw inside the sliders right before serving for extra crunch.
  • Swap the Monterey Jack cheese for sharp cheddar if you prefer a bolder and saltier taste.
  • Use spicy barbecue sauce and extra jalapeños if your guests love a lot of heat.
  • Ensure the butter glaze is brushed into the cracks between the rolls for maximum flavor.
  • Make these ahead of time and keep them in the fridge until you are ready to bake.
Keyword Pulled Pork Sliders Hawaiian Rolls Recipe