Smoked Dr Pepper BBQ Sliders (Print Format)
Tender smoked beef, tangy Dr Pepper glaze, creamy jalapeño spread, and crispy onions unite on fluffy slider rolls.
# Ingredients:
→ Smoked BBQ Beef
01 -
3-4 pounds chuck roast, cut into 2-3 inch cubes
02 -
2 tablespoons BBQ rub (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic-based)
03 -
10 oz Dr Pepper
04 -
6 oz BBQ sauce, sweet and smoky
05 -
1/3 cup brown sugar
06 -
1 stick unsalted butter (1/2 cup), sliced
→ Jalapeño Cream Cheese Spread
07 -
8 oz cream cheese, softened
08 -
1/2 cup sour cream
09 -
2 jalapeños, finely diced, seeds removed for mild
10 -
1 medium onion, caramelized
11 -
1 teaspoon garlic paste or 2 cloves, minced
12 -
Salt to taste
→ Sliders
13 -
12-15 slider rolls (Hawaiian or brioche recommended)
14 -
12-16 slices pepper jack cheese
15 -
Crispy fried onions
16 -
Extra BBQ sauce, optional for brushing
# Steps:
01 -
Pat cubed chuck roast dry and coat evenly with BBQ rub. Let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to enhance smoke absorption.
02 -
Preheat smoker to 275°F. Place cubed chuck roast directly on grates and smoke for 2 to 3 hours until bark forms and internal temperature reaches 160°F. Use hickory, oak, or pecan wood.
03 -
Transfer smoked beef to a foil pan. Add Dr Pepper, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and butter slices. Cover tightly with foil. Return to smoker at 325°F and cook for 1½ to 2 hours until internal temperature reaches 200-205°F. The meat should shred easily.
04 -
Remove from smoker and let rest for 15 minutes. Using forks, shred the beef directly in the pan and mix with the braising liquid. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
05 -
Combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, diced jalapeños, caramelized onions, garlic paste, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes.
06 -
Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice slider rolls in half horizontally. Layer the bottom buns, jalapeño cream cheese spread, pepper jack cheese, shredded BBQ beef, more pepper jack, crispy fried onions, and top buns. Optionally, brush the tops with melted butter or BBQ sauce.
07 -
Cover sliders loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 to 8 minutes until cheese is melted and tops are golden.