If you’re looking for a savory and satisfying dish, these Sweet & Smoky Pulled Pork Cornbread Waffle Sliders are a must-try! With tender, smoky pulled pork, crispy cornbread waffles, and creamy coleslaw, this dish perfectly balances sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a hearty meal, these sliders are a BBQ lover’s dream!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Pulled Pork:
- 1 Smithfield Sweet & Smoky Pork Roast
- 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce
Cornbread Waffles:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup canola oil
Coleslaw:
- 3 cups bagged coleslaw mix
- ½ cup coleslaw dressing

Directions

Prepare the Pulled Pork:
- Place the pork roast in a 3 to 4-quart slow cooker.
- Cook on High for 4-5 hours or on Low for 8-10 hours.
- Remove the roast from the slow cooker, discard the juices, and shred the pork using tongs or forks.
- Stir in the BBQ sauce and set aside.
Make the Cornbread Waffles:
- In a large bowl, mix together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cheddar cheese.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and canola oil.
- Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir until just combined (do not overmix).
- Cook the batter in a hot, greased waffle iron until golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, cut the waffles into quarters.
Prepare the Coleslaw:
- In a large bowl, toss together the coleslaw mix and coleslaw dressing until well coated.
Assemble the Sliders:
- Take a waffle quarter and top it with a generous portion of pulled pork.
- Add a heaping spoonful of coleslaw on top.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: ~400-500 kcal
Protein: ~20g
Carbohydrates: ~45g
Fat: ~20g
Fiber: ~3g
Sugar: ~12g

Enjoy your Sweet & Smoky Pulled Pork Cornbread Waffle Sliders as a delicious appetizer or a satisfying meal! 🍽🔥

The Inspiration Behind the Recipe

Pulled pork is a staple in Southern barbecue culture, known for its rich, smoky flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Traditionally served with buns or alongside cornbread, this recipe takes things up a notch by using cornbread waffles instead of regular bread. The waffles offer a crispy, slightly sweet contrast to the bold, saucy pork, making each bite an explosion of textures and flavors.

Adding coleslaw on top brings in a cool, creamy element that balances the warmth of the waffles and the smokiness of the pork. The combination of all three layers creates a dish that is as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is the perfect blend of comfort food and gourmet flavors, making it a versatile option for any occasion. Here’s why it stands out:

Sweet & Smoky Flavor – The pulled pork, slow-cooked to perfection, is infused with a deep, smoky flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of BBQ sauce and cornbread waffles.
Crispy and Cheesy Waffles – The cornbread waffles offer a satisfying crunch while incorporating cheddar cheese for extra richness.
Creamy & Tangy Coleslaw – A refreshing contrast to the warm elements, the coleslaw adds a zesty, crunchy bite.
Easy to Prepare – While it may look fancy, this dish is incredibly simple to make, with most of the cooking time dedicated to slow-cooking the pork.
Great for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a casual dinner, a party appetizer, or a potluck contribution, these sliders are guaranteed to be a hit.

Tips for Perfect Pulled Pork

The key to making delicious pulled pork lies in the slow cooking process. Here are some tips to ensure that your pork turns out juicy, flavorful, and tender every time:

Choose the Right Cut: A pork shoulder or pork butt works best, as they have enough fat to keep the meat moist during slow cooking.
Low and Slow is Best: Cooking on low for 8-10 hours helps break down the tough fibers in the meat, making it more tender and easy to shred.
Don’t Skip the BBQ Sauce: Mixing the shredded pork with BBQ sauce adds extra flavor and keeps the meat from drying out.
Shred While Warm: Use two forks or tongs to pull the meat apart as soon as it’s cool enough to handle. This ensures the perfect texture for sliders.

The Secret to Crispy, Golden Cornbread Waffles

Cornbread waffles are the unexpected hero of this dish, bringing in a delightful crispness that holds up well to the saucy pork. Here’s how to ensure they turn out light, crispy, and full of flavor:

Use a Mix of Cornmeal and Flour: This gives the waffles the perfect balance of texture—crunchy on the outside while remaining fluffy inside.
Add Cheese for Extra Flavor: Shredded cheddar cheese in the batter enhances the savory depth of the waffles.
Preheat Your Waffle Iron: A hot waffle iron ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir the ingredients just until combined—overmixing can result in dense, tough waffles.

Why Coleslaw is the Ultimate Topping

Coleslaw isn’t just a garnish in this recipe; it’s an essential component that ties everything together. The cool, creamy texture and slightly tangy taste cut through the richness of the pork and waffles, preventing the dish from feeling too heavy.

If you prefer homemade coleslaw, try mixing shredded cabbage and carrots with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, a pinch of sugar, and a dash of salt and pepper for a fresh, zesty topping. You can also add a bit of dijon mustard or honey for extra flavor.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with These Sliders

These sliders are incredibly satisfying on their own, but if you’re looking to round out your meal, consider these delicious side dishes:

Sweet Potato Fries – A slightly sweet and crispy side that complements the smoky pork.
Baked Beans – A classic BBQ side dish that adds a rich, hearty element.
Grilled Corn on the Cob – A fresh and buttery addition to balance out the meal.
Pickles or Pickled Onions – Their acidity helps cut through the richness of the dish.

Customizing Your Sliders

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are a few ways to customize it based on your preferences:

Spice It Up: Add hot sauce or chipotle powder to the BBQ sauce for an extra kick.
Try a Different Cheese: Swap cheddar for pepper jack or smoked gouda for a unique twist.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cornbread mix and ensure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free.
Go Low-Carb: Instead of cornbread waffles, serve the pulled pork in lettuce wraps or over a bed of greens.

Storage & Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (which isn’t likely!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

Pulled Pork: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of BBQ sauce if needed.
Cornbread Waffles: Keep in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster or oven for crispiness.
Coleslaw: Best eaten fresh, but it can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Conclusion: A Must-Try Recipe for BBQ Lovers

These Sweet & Smoky Pulled Pork Cornbread Waffle Sliders are a true celebration of bold flavors, irresistible textures, and classic Southern comfort food. The combination of tender, smoky pulled pork, crispy golden waffles, and tangy coleslaw makes for an unforgettable bite every time.

Whether you’re cooking for a party, a cozy family dinner, or just treating yourself to something delicious, these sliders are guaranteed to be a hit. Try them today, and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory goodness in every bite!

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