There’s something special about gathering around the tailgate before the big game. Whether it’s a Friday night under the lights at one of Rock Hill’s high schools, a Saturday afternoon rivalry with Clemson or South Carolina, or cheering on the Panthers on Sunday, tailgating is as much about the food and fellowship as it is about football.

The best tailgate recipes have a few things in common. They’re easy to prepare, simple to serve, and hearty enough to feed a crowd. That’s exactly why pulled pork has become a game-day favorite. Make it ahead of time, keep it warm in the slow cooker, and let everyone build their own sliders whenever they’re ready.

For the first installment of our Tailgating Through the Seasons series, we’re giving this classic recipe a flavorful twist with Coca-Cola. As the pork slowly cooks, the Coca-Cola helps create a rich, slightly sweet sauce that complements the savory seasonings and produces tender, fall-apart meat that’s perfect for piling onto soft slider buns.

Complete the spread with chips, baked beans, coleslaw, and plenty of ice-cold Coca-Cola beverages for a winning combination that’s sure to score with family and friends.

No matter who you’re cheering for, great food has a way of bringing everyone together. That’s what tailgating is all about.

Slow Cooker Coca-Cola Pulled Pork Sliders

Ingredients

• 4–5 lb pork shoulder (Boston butt)
• 1 (12-ounce) can Coca-Cola
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 12 slider buns

Optional toppings

• Creamy coleslaw
• Dill pickle chips
• Crispy fried onions
• Sliced jalapeños

Directions

1. Place the sliced onion in the bottom of a slow cooker.
2. Season the pork shoulder with the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
3. Place the pork on top of the onions.
4. Pour in the Coca-Cola.
5. Cover and cook on Low for 8–10 hours or High for 5–6 hours, until the pork shreds easily with a fork.
6. Remove the pork and shred it, discarding excess fat.
7. Stir together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and about ½ cup of the cooking liquid.
8. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix with the sauce. Let it warm for another 20–30 minutes.
9. Serve on slider buns with your favorite toppings.

Tailgating Tips

• Keep the pulled pork warm in the slow cooker throughout the event.
• Toast the slider buns just before serving for extra flavor.
• Set out toppings buffet-style so everyone can customize their sliders.
• Pair with kettle chips, baked beans, fresh fruit, and ice-cold Coca-Cola, Sprite, or DASANI for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal.

Whether you’re heading to the stadium, gathering in the backyard, or watching the game from your living room, these Coca-Cola Pulled Pork Sliders are an easy way to bring everyone together for great food and unforgettable memories. Here’s to another season filled with good friends, good games, and great meals!