Pork Slider Recipe with Apple Coleslaw

This Pork Slider Recipe puts an epic twist on classic party burgers. Savory pork sausage and sweet, crisp apple slaw come together in a new and exciting way. These crowd-pleasing summer sliders come together in a snap and are perfectly portable too!

Pork Slider Recipe

Burgers are always a crowd-pleaser during the summer, and pork and apples are one of my favorite combinations.

So it only made sense to combine the two into the most incredible pork slider recipe with apple slaw. Every bite is an explosion of flavor!

If you really want to go over the top, I’ve got a recipe for pulled pork sandwiches with a tangy pineapple BBQ sauce that’s equally delicious.

There’s just something to be said about a dish that can feed a hungry bunch and be put together in about 20 minutes!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Pork Sausage Patties – The ones from Jones Dairy Farm are my absolute favorite because they’re made with simple, real ingredients — no fillers or preservatives.
  
  They have such a bold, fantastic flavor too.
  
• Slider Buns – Choose something a bit sturdy since you’re working with sauce and dressing for each pork slider.
  
  I love the buttery flavor of brioche buns, plus they’re perfectly soft and chewy.
  
• Barbecue Sauce – Use your favorite! I usually reach for my signature recipe, but anything tangy and smoky will balance the sweetness of the slaw nicely.
  
  Or, lean into the sweetness with a honey or brown sugar BBQ sauce!
  
• Apple Slaw – Start with a bag of cole slaw mix (with green cabbage and carrots), then add thinly sliced red cabbage, scallions, and julienned apples.
  
  Or, slice some green cabbage and carrots yourself!
  
  I used half of a red apple and half of a Granny Smith, but you could get the same sweet-tart flavor combo with a whole Honeycrisp or McIntosh.
  
• Dressing – Mix together some mayonnaise, honey, and apple cider vinegar with a little salt and pepper.
  
  There aren’t really any good substitutes, but you could replace the honey with maple syrup or the ACV with red wine vinegar (plus a little sugar) in a pinch. Definitely don’t replace both!

Tips and Tricks to Make Perfect Summer Sliders

• Slice the cabbage, carrots, and apples to about the same size.

Here’s where the mandolin really comes in handy! Set it to the thickness you want, then get to slicing.

You have a little more wiggle room if you slice everything fresh, otherwise use the bagged coleslaw as a guide for thickness.

• Make the apple slaw ahead of time.

You want it to be crisp and crunchy, but letting it chill in the fridge for a few hours might make assembling this pork slider recipe a bit easier.

The veggies will soften just enough and the dressing will help hold everything together so it’s not falling out of the sliders.

• Cook all of the sausage patties at the same time.

And don’t microwave them! You’ll get a much better texture if you use a griddle or your oven.

A skillet works just fine, but you’ll have to cook the patties in batches, and then some sliders will be warmer than others.

Prep Ahead

• Slice cabbage and apples
• Mix together dressing
• Slice slider buns in half

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

• Mandolin Slicer – Get evenly sliced fruits and veggies in no time! I must have bought and returned at least 6 of these, and this one was the keeper.
• Serrated Bread Knife – Perfect for slicing buns and tomatoes alike!
• Large Bowl – This one is my go-to!
• Salad Tongs – These bamboo hands help to toss everything gently and thoroughly.

Serving Suggestions

Since I usually make this pork slider recipe for game days and tailgating, jalapeno poppers or crackers and sin dip are a no-brainer.

But these summer sliders are just as tasty for dinner with your favorite chips or some French fries. I like to add a big bowl of fruit salad too if we’re having people over.

Storing and Reheating Pork Slider Leftovers

Everything will keep the longest if stored separately — about 3 days in the fridge for the sausage and slaw.

Then, all you have to do is microwave the patties real quick before assembling another pork slider.

If you’ve any assembled sliders at the end of the night, wrap them in plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.

Store in the refrigerator and eat within a day, before the buns get soggy. No need to reheat!

BBQ Pork Slider FAQ

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

 Don’t miss a thing! Follow us on
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Originally published May 2019, updated and republished March 2025

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.