Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders

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There are certain recipes that come out of those moments when the house is loud the fridge is half full and you are trying to make something that feels special without making life harder than it already is. This is one of those meals. The kind that starts with tossing a couple things into the slow cooker in the morning and ends with everyone standing around the kitchen island grabbing seconds before you even sit down.

Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders

I first made these Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders on a Sunday when the game was on and nobody could agree on what they wanted to eat. One kid wanted mac and cheese. Another wanted sliders. I wanted something hands off that did not require me babysitting the stove all afternoon. So I did what dads do best and combined everything into one over the top situation.

The pork cooks low and slow all day filling the house with that sweet smoky smell that makes people wander into the kitchen asking when dinner will be ready. The mac and cheese comes together right at the end rich creamy and unapologetically cheesy. Then it all gets piled onto soft slider buns and suddenly you are the hero of the day without breaking a sweat.

These are messy in the best way. Napkin required. Shirt stains likely. Smiles guaranteed. They are perfect for game day parties family movie nights or any time you want comfort food that feels fun and a little indulgent.

What Is Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders?

Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders are a hearty comfort food mash up made with tender pulled pork simmered in a sweet and tangy Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce then layered onto slider buns and topped with creamy homemade mac and cheese. They combine sweet smoky savory and cheesy all in one handheld bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Big bold flavor: The Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce gives the pork a sweet tangy depth that pairs perfectly with rich mac and cheese.
  • Slow cooker friendly: The pork cooks low and slow with almost no effort which makes this great for busy days.
  • Crowd pleasing comfort food: Kids adults and picky eaters all seem to agree on this one.
  • Perfect for gatherings: These sliders are made for parties game days and casual get togethers.
  • Customizable: You can switch up the cheese buns or even the soda to make it your own.
A close-up of a slider sandwich filled with pulled pork and macaroni and cheese on a pretzel bun, held up on a spatula.

When to Serve This Recipe

  • Game day spreads: These sliders disappear fast during football basketball or any excuse to gather around the TV.
  • Casual family dinners: When you want something fun that feels special without extra stress.
  • Parties and potlucks: Easy to serve and guaranteed to stand out on the table.
  • Weekend comfort meals: Ideal for Saturdays and Sundays when slow cooking just makes sense.

Ingredients

Various ingredients are arranged on a counter, including raw pork tenderloin, shredded cheese, milk, flour, butter, barbecue sauce, macaroni, Dr Pepper, pretzel buns, and seasonings.
  • 2 pounds pork tenderloins: Tender and lean and perfect for shredding after slow cooking
  • 1 cup bbq sauce: Use your favorite brand since this sets the flavor foundation
  • 1 cup Dr. Pepper: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce that makes this pork special
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Boosts the caramelized sweetness of the sauce
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds savory balance without overpowering
  • 16 ounces elbow macaroni: Classic shape that holds onto the cheese sauce beautifully
  • 1⁄4 cup butter: Forms the base of the creamy cheese sauce
  • 1⁄4 cup all purpose flour: Thickens the sauce and keeps it smooth
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the mac and cheese
  • 2 cups milk warmed: Helps create a silky cheese sauce without lumps
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Bold cheesy flavor for the mac and cheese
  • 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese: Melts right onto the pork for extra richness
  • 18 pretzel slider buns: Soft sturdy and perfect for holding all that goodness
A close-up of a sandwich with pulled pork and macaroni and cheese on a pretzel bun, being served on a spatula with a can of Dr Pepper in the background.

How to Make Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders

Step 1: Add the pork to the slow cooker

Place the pork tenderloins directly into the slow cooker spreading them out so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Make the sauce

In a small bowl whisk together the bbq sauce Dr. Pepper brown sugar and onion powder until smooth.

Two raw pork tenderloins in a slow cooker, with a can of Dr Pepper and a bowl of dark marinade with a spoon on a white surface.

Step 3: Pour and cook

Pour the sauce over the pork making sure it is well coated. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours until the pork is tender and easy to shred.

Two raw pork tenderloins sit in marinade inside a black slow cooker on a white countertop.

Step 4: Boil the pasta

About 20 minutes before serving cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Make the roux

In a large saucepan over medium heat melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and salt and cook for about one minute until smooth.

Nonstick pan with a pile of flour and several cubes of butter on a white marble surface.

Step 6: Add the milk

Slowly whisk in the warmed milk and bring the mixture to a gentle bubble stirring constantly until thickened.

Step 7: Add the cheese

Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

A pan with milk and shredded cheddar cheese being whisked on a woven placemat, ready to make a cheese sauce.

Step 8: Combine with pasta

Gently stir the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated.

A pan filled with creamy macaroni and cheese sits on a white marble surface.

Step 9: Shred the pork

Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Stir it back into the sauce if desired.

Step 10: Assemble the sliders

Place a generous amount of pulled pork onto each slider bun add a slice of cheddar cheese then top with a scoop of mac and cheese. Serve warm and enjoy.

Slices of cheddar cheese laid on top of halved sandwich rolls arranged in a glass baking dish on a white surface.
A glass baking dish with four slices of bread topped with shredded barbecue chicken and sauce.
A glass baking dish holding two open-faced sandwiches topped with pulled meat, cheddar cheese slices, and macaroni and cheese.
A glass baking dish filled with neatly arranged, golden-brown pretzel buns topped with coarse salt and filled with melted cheese.
Three pulled chicken and macaroni and cheese sliders on pretzel buns are stacked on a white plate, with a can of soda and kitchen items blurred in the background.

Substitutions

  • Pork tenderloin: Pork shoulder works great and becomes incredibly juicy when slow cooked.
  • Dr. Pepper: Coke or root beer can be used for a slightly different sweet flavor.
  • Cheddar cheese: Monterey Jack Colby or pepper jack are all great options.
  • Slider buns: Hawaiian rolls mini brioche buns or dinner rolls all work well.

Variations

  • Spicy version: Add hot sauce or diced jalapenos to the mac and cheese for a little heat.
  • Smoky twist: Use a smoky bbq sauce or add smoked paprika to the pork sauce.
  • Extra cheesy: Mix in mozzarella or gouda for an even creamier mac and cheese.
  • Open faced sliders: Serve on toasted buns with a fork for a less messy option.

Tips and Tricks

  • Toast the buns: Lightly toasting helps them hold up better to the saucy fillings.
  • Make mac and cheese fresh: It stays creamier when made right before serving.
  • Shred pork easily: Let it rest for a few minutes before shredding for best texture.
  • Build your own bar: Set everything out and let guests assemble their own sliders.
A close-up of a slider sandwich filled with pulled pork and macaroni and cheese on a pretzel bun, held on a spatula.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes the pork can be made ahead and reheated easily. The mac and cheese is best fresh but reheats well with a splash of milk.

Can I freeze the pulled pork?

Absolutely. Store it in the sauce and freeze for up to three months.

Do these sliders travel well?

The components travel great but assemble just before serving for best results.

Can I use store bought mac and cheese?

You can but the homemade version really takes these sliders to another level.

A plate of pulled pork and macaroni and cheese sliders on pretzel buns, stacked on a striped napkin with ceramic jars and wooden utensils in the background.

Serving Ideas

  • With a simple salad: A crisp green salad balances the richness perfectly.
  • Alongside fries or chips: Keep things casual and fun.
  • As part of a slider spread: Pair with buffalo chicken sliders or ham and cheese sliders.
  • For parties: Serve buffet style with extra napkins nearby.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

  • Assembling sliders: Always assemble just before serving for best texture.
  • Pulled pork storage: Store in the fridge for up to four days in the sauce to keep it juicy.
  • Freezing pork: Freeze for up to three months in an airtight container.
  • Mac and cheese reheating: Add a splash of milk when reheating to restore creaminess.
Three slider sandwiches filled with pulled pork and macaroni and cheese are stacked on a white plate, with a striped napkin underneath and kitchen decor in the background.

    Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders

    Sweet smoky pulled pork slow cooked in Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce piled onto soft slider buns and finished with creamy homemade mac and cheese. These sliders are pure comfort food and guaranteed to disappear fast.
    Print Recipe
    Three pulled pork and macaroni and cheese sliders on pretzel buns are stacked on a plate with a striped napkin, with white pitchers in the background.
    Start Cooking
    Rate this Recipe
    Prep Time:20 minutes
    Cook Time:6 hours
    Total Time:6 hours 20 minutes

    Ingredients

    • 2 pounds pork tenderloins
    • 1 cup bbq sauce
    • 1 cup Dr. Pepper
    • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 16 ounces elbow macaroni
    • ¼ cup butter
    • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 2 cups milk warmed
    • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
    • 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
    • 18 pretzel slider buns I used hawaiian brand

    Instructions

    • Step 1: Add the pork to the slow cooker – Place the pork tenderloins directly into the slow cooker spreading them out so they cook evenly.
    • Step 2: Make the sauce – In a small bowl whisk together the bbq sauce Dr. Pepper brown sugar and onion powder until smooth.
    • Step 3: Pour and cook – Pour the sauce over the pork making sure it is well coated. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours until the pork is tender and easy to shred.
    • Step 4: Boil the pasta – About 20 minutes before serving cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
    • Step 5: Make the roux – In a large saucepan over medium heat melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and salt and cook for about one minute until smooth.
    • Step 6: Add the milk – Slowly whisk in the warmed milk and bring the mixture to a gentle bubble stirring constantly until thickened.
    • Step 7: Add the cheese – Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
    • Step 8: Combine with pasta – Gently stir the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
    • Step 9: Shred the pork – Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Stir it back into the sauce if desired.
    • Step 10: Assemble the sliders – Place a generous amount of pulled pork onto each slider bun add a slice of cheddar cheese then top with a scoop of mac and cheese. Serve warm and enjoy.

    Notes

    Substitutions

    • Pork tenderloin: Pork shoulder works great and becomes incredibly juicy when slow cooked.
    • Dr. Pepper: Coke or root beer can be used for a slightly different sweet flavor.
    • Cheddar cheese: Monterey Jack Colby or pepper jack are all great options.
    • Slider buns: Hawaiian rolls mini brioche buns or dinner rolls all work well.

    Variations

    • Spicy version: Add hot sauce or diced jalapenos to the mac and cheese for a little heat.
    • Smoky twist: Use a smoky bbq sauce or add smoked paprika to the pork sauce.
    • Extra cheesy: Mix in mozzarella or gouda for an even creamier mac and cheese.
    • Open faced sliders: Serve on toasted buns with a fork for a less messy option.

    Tips and Tricks

    • Toast the buns: Lightly toasting helps them hold up better to the saucy fillings.
    • Make mac and cheese fresh: It stays creamier when made right before serving.
    • Shred pork easily: Let it rest for a few minutes before shredding for best texture.
    • Build your own bar: Set everything out and let guests assemble their own sliders.

    Serving Ideas

    • With a simple salad: A crisp green salad balances the richness perfectly.
    • Alongside fries or chips: Keep things casual and fun.
    • As part of a slider spread: Pair with buffalo chicken sliders or ham and cheese sliders.
    • For parties: Serve buffet style with extra napkins nearby.

    Storage and Make Ahead Tips

    • Pulled pork storage: Store in the fridge for up to four days in the sauce to keep it juicy.
    • Freezing pork: Freeze for up to three months in an airtight container.
    • Mac and cheese reheating: Add a splash of milk when reheating to restore creaminess.
    • Assembling sliders: Always assemble just before serving for best texture.

    Private Notes

    Click here to add your own private notes.
    Servings: 18 sliders

    Final Thoughts

    These Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders are one of those recipes that feels like a win every time you make them. They are fun a little over the top and exactly the kind of comfort food that brings people together. Whether you are feeding a crowd or just your own hungry crew this is the kind of meal that makes everyone linger a little longer at the table.

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    If you give these a try I hope they become one of those go to recipes you pull out when you want something easy comforting and guaranteed to make people happy. From my kitchen to yours enjoy every messy cheesy bite.

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