Southern Pulled Pork Sliders

3 lbs pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for serving)
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup chicken broth
16 slider buns
Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles

1. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

2. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, ensuring it is well-coated.

3. Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a slow cooker. Add the apple cider vinegar and chicken broth around the pork.

4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork.

5. Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Discard any excess fat.

6. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir in 1 cup of barbecue sauce. Allow it to cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

7. Serve the pulled pork on slider buns, adding extra barbecue sauce and your optional toppings like coleslaw or pickles.

For a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the spice rub. If you’re cooking for picky eaters, you can place toppings like cheese, crispy fried onions, or even a slice of fresh tomato on the side so everyone can customize their own sliders. For a healthier twist, try using whole wheat slider buns or serving the pulled pork over a bed of mixed greens instead of buns. To save time, you can also prepare the pork a day in advance and reheat it in the slow cooker on the day of serving.