Easy BBQ Pulled Ham Sliders: A Flavorful Crowd-Pleaser
There’s something irresistibly comforting about Easy BBQ Pulled Ham Sliders. Perfectly tender ham, slow-cooked and infused with smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors, makes for sandwiches that disappear in seconds at family gatherings, parties, or casual weeknight dinners. These sliders aren’t just delicious—they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is approachable, flavorful, and versatile. You’ll love how the combination of mustard, liquid smoke, brown sugar, cola, and a sweet-spicy barbecue glaze transforms a simple ham into melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic behind Easy BBQ Pulled Ham Sliders lies in the cooking method and flavor layering. Unlike spiral-sliced hams, which can be dry and difficult to work with, a bone-in ham slowly cooked at low temperatures retains its moisture and develops deep, rich flavors. Here’s why this recipe shines:
Low-and-Slow Cooking: Baking the ham at a low temperature allows the connective tissues to break down, making the meat tender enough to shred effortlessly.
Layered Flavors: The combination of mustard, liquid smoke, and brown sugar rub creates a savory-sweet base, while cola in the roasting pan keeps the ham moist and adds subtle caramel notes.
Glaze Finish: The sweet and spicy barbecue sauce mixed with apricot preserves enhances the natural ham flavors and gives it a glossy, sticky finish that’s perfect for sliders.
Versatility: After shredding, the ham can be tossed with its pan juices, extra barbecue sauce, or even a bit of coleslaw, making these sliders adaptable to your personal taste.
This careful balance of tenderness, flavor, and moisture ensures that each bite of your Easy BBQ Pulled Ham Sliders is packed with savory goodness.
What You’ll Need For This Recipe
Before diving in, gather the following ingredients and tools. This will streamline the cooking process and ensure your sliders come out perfectly.
Ingredients:
1 large bone-in ham (6–8 lb / 2.7–3.6 kg, not spiral-sliced)
2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
2 teaspoons liquid smoke
1 tablespoon brown sugar barbecue rub
¾ cup cola or other carbonated drink
1 cup barbecue sauce (sweet & spicy)
½ cup apricot preserves
Tools:
Large oven-safe roasting pan
Aluminum foil for lining and covering
Small mixing bowls
Meat thermometer
Two forks for shredding
Basting brush (optional)
Having everything ready before you start ensures a smoother cooking experience and prevents last-minute scrambling.
How To Make Easy BBQ Pulled Ham Sliders
Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to crafting the ultimate Easy BBQ Pulled Ham Sliders.
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
In a small bowl, combine the mustard and liquid smoke. This mixture will infuse the ham with smoky tanginess.
Rub the mustard-liquid smoke mixture evenly over the ham, making sure to coat every nook and cranny.
Sprinkle the brown sugar barbecue rub over the ham to add a sweet and spicy crust.
Step 2: First Bake
Line your roasting pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place the ham inside.
Pour the cola into the bottom of the pan. The carbonation and sugar help keep the ham moist during the long cooking process.
Cover the ham with foil and bake at 275°F for about 2 hours.
Step 3: Add Glaze & Continue Baking
Remove the pan from the oven and increase the temperature to 300°F (150°C).
In a separate bowl, mix the barbecue sauce and apricot preserves.
Pour this glaze over the ham and spread it evenly with a spoon or basting brush.
Cover the ham again with foil and return it to the oven.
Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender
Continue baking the ham until a meat thermometer reads 205°F (96°C) in the thickest part of the ham. This usually takes 5–6 more hours, depending on the size of your ham.
Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest, still covered, for 10–15 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat even more tender.
Step 5: Shred & Serve
Using two forks, pull the ham apart into bite-sized shreds.
Toss the shredded ham with the pan juices and additional barbecue sauce, if desired.
Serve immediately on slider buns, tacos, over mashed potatoes, or in any creative way you like.
Tips + Tricks & More For Recipe Success
To make sure your Easy BBQ Pulled Ham Sliders are absolutely perfect, follow these tips:
Choose the Right Ham: Avoid spiral-cut hams for this recipe. A bone-in, non-spiral ham holds up better during long, slow cooking.
Monitor Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. 205°F ensures the ham is tender enough to shred easily.
Foil Is Your Friend: Covering the ham tightly with foil prevents moisture loss and keeps the meat juicy.
Flavor Infusion: Don’t skip the mustard and liquid smoke rub—it adds depth that plain ham lacks.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add a little more apricot preserves or a drizzle of honey.
Make Ahead: You can prep the glaze in advance and refrigerate. Pull the ham, toss with the glaze, and reheat for a quick meal.
Leftovers: Freeze any extra shredded ham in airtight containers. It reheats beautifully for sandwiches or casseroles.
Following these tips ensures your sliders are juicy, flavorful, and irresistible.
How to Serve Easy BBQ Pulled Ham Sliders
Serving your Easy BBQ Pulled Ham Sliders is just as important as making them. Here are some ideas:
Slider Buns: Classic soft buns are perfect for hand-held sandwiches.
Toppings: Coleslaw, pickles, or red onion slices add crunch and acidity that balance the sweet glaze.
Sides: Serve with potato salad, baked beans, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Taco Style: Use tortillas instead of buns and add your favorite toppings for a fun twist.
Family Style: Place the shredded ham in a bowl with extra barbecue sauce and let everyone assemble their own sliders.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some creative ways to enjoy Easy BBQ Pulled Ham Sliders:
Classic BBQ Slider: Ham + sweet-spicy glaze + slider bun + pickle.
Southern Style: Add creamy coleslaw on top for crunch and tang.
Loaded Slider: Melt cheese over the ham and top with jalapeños for a kick.
Breakfast Twist: Serve on biscuits with a fried egg for brunch.
BBQ Bowl: Skip the bun—serve ham over mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted veggies.
These serving suggestions make the dish versatile for lunch, dinner, or even a party appetizer.
Time & Cooking Overview
Here’s a breakdown of the time you’ll need to make Easy BBQ Pulled Ham Sliders:
Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
Initial Bake: 2 hours at 275°F
Glaze & Slow Cook: 5–6 hours at 300°F
Resting Time: 10–15 minutes
Shredding & Serving: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 7–8 hours
While it’s a long cooking process, the hands-on time is minimal, making this a perfect recipe to prepare on a weekend or for a special gathering.
Why Everyone Loves Easy BBQ Pulled Ham Sliders
The combination of tender, juicy ham and a sticky, flavorful glaze makes these sliders irresistible. They are:
Perfectly Juicy: Low and slow cooking ensures moist, pull-apart ham.
Full of Flavor: Smoky, sweet, tangy, and a little spicy.
Versatile: Can be served on buns, tortillas, or over rice and potatoes.
Crowd-Pleasing: Great for parties, game days, or family dinners.
No wonder Easy BBQ Pulled Ham Sliders are a favorite among home cooks and guests alike!
Final Thoughts
Making Easy BBQ Pulled Ham Sliders is easier than you think. With minimal prep and the right ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both comforting and impressive. The slow-cooked ham, glazed to perfection, is a showstopper that works for any occasion.
Serve it with your favorite sides, top it with crunchy coleslaw or pickles, and enjoy the endless compliments. This recipe proves that sometimes, simple ingredients combined thoughtfully create extraordinary results.
So, grab a bone-in ham, your favorite barbecue sauce, and get ready to make Easy BBQ Pulled Ham Sliders that everyone will love.