Pulled Pork Bites

These Pulled Pork Bites make a tasty appetizer for any get-together! You’ll top Ritz crackers with shredded pork cooked in a spicy Coca-Cola barbecue sauce, caramelized onions, gooey melted cheese, and just a dash of cilantro. Prepare to have your Game Day taste buds awakened!

Whether you’re gathering to watch your favorite team or to celebrate a loved one, these Pulled Pork bites are the perfect bite-sized snack. You can’t pull me away from the TV on Sundays unless I’m filling up my plate with all the goodies.

I love pulled pork, but I thought it would be fun to use the meat in new ways other than the usual pulled pork sandwiches or tacos. So I decided to spice things up a bit (literally!) and use it as a topping on buttery Ritz crackers.

Ingredients for Pulled Pork Bites

Gather together the following ingredients from the grocery store for this delicious appetizer:

• Pork loin (I used one that was about 1 ½ pounds). I usually use a pork shoulder/pork butt for pulled pork, but since this is for an appetizer, I’m using a smaller cut of pork.
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Old Bay seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Chili paste
• Coca-Cola
• Your favorite BBQ sauce
• Ritz crackers (you’ll need about 50)
• Caramelized onions (instructions below)
• Monterey Jack/ Colby cheese (or you could use cheddar cheese)
• Chopped fresh cilantro

Please check out the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post for a detailed ingredient list!

How to Make Pork Bites

Pulled Pork

• In a small bowl, combine onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, Old Bay Seasoning, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
• Spread the chili paste over the entire pork loin. Then rub the dry ingredients over the pork and make sure it’s completely covered.
• Place the meat into the bottom of your slow cooker, then gently pour in the Coca-Cola and barbecue sauce. Cover and cook on low for 4 – 5 hours, turning and stirring occasionally.
• Once the pork is fork-tender, remove it to a large bowl or rimmed baking sheet and shred with two forks. Return the meat to the slow cooker for an additional 20 minutes.

Caramelize the Onions

You can read this post for detailed instructions, but basically, cook thinly sliced onions in melted butter and olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté the onions for about 35 minutes or longer, until they reach the desired doneness. Finish by deglazing the pan with a tablespoon of chicken broth and sauteing the onions for another minute or so before removing them to cool.

Assemble the Pulled Pork Bites

• Preheat oven broiler to low. Prepare a baking sheet by covering it with parchment.
• Place the Ritz crackers onto the parchment.
• Using a small cookie scoop, place about a tablespoon of the shredded pork on top.
• Add a few of the caramelized onions and sprinkle with a half teaspoon of shredded cheese.
• Place the cookie sheet under the broiler for about 1 – 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted, watching carefully.
• Sprinkle each with chopped cilantro and serve.

There is so much flavor in each bite, and all the notes come together so nicely! I think these new favorite snacks will be a new weekend tradition during football season. I may even make them for a weeknight dinner when I’m feeling lazy.

FAQs

Can I cook the pork on high in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook it on high for about 2 hours, but I think the meat is much more tender when cooked low and slow.

What kind of barbecue sauce is best for these Pulled Pork Bites?

You can use your favorite barbecue sauce, but I recommend using something more tangy vs a sweeter sauce to help offset the sweetness of the soda in the recipe.

How do I store leftover pulled pork?

You can store any leftover meat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze pulled pork in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Make sure it cools completely to room temperature before storing it in the freezer.

Pork Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoy pork as much as I do, then you need to try making a pork recipe like one of these next time:

• Check out this post that talks about the different cuts of pork
• Pork Spare Ribs
• Slow Cooker Spicy Orange Pork Roast
• Easy BBQ Pork Mac n Cheese
• Crockpot Pork Ragu
• Pork Potstickers

If you enjoyed these Pulled Pork Bites, let me know in the comments or leave me a recipe review below!

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