Ultimate Allergy-Friendly Slow Cooker Italian Pulled Pork Sliders: Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Delights
Discover the secret to incredibly tender, flavor-packed pulled pork sliders that are both gluten-free and dairy-free! Bursting with tangy pepperoncinis and rich Italian dressing, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, or a casual lunch, these sliders are so simple to make, yet deliver an explosion of taste that will have everyone asking for more. With just five core ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without this beloved recipe in your repertoire.
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Why You’ll Love These Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Italian Pork Sliders
Who can resist a perfectly crafted sandwich, especially when it’s as adorable and satisfying as a slider? These Italian Pulled Pork Sliders may be small, but they deliver an enormous punch of flavor. We achieve this mouthwatering taste by slow-cooking pork for hours with zesty pepperoncinis and aromatic Italian seasoning packets. The result is unbelievably tender, shredded Italian pork dripping with savory juices. Finish them off with a dollop of safe vegan mayo, and you’ve got a culinary masterpiece that will impress even the pickiest eaters.
These Italian pork sliders are a staple in our home for dinner, offering a delightful and effortless meal solution. Pair them with a side of crispy potato chips, some fresh veggies, or golden sweet potato fries (as pictured) for a fun, finger-food feast. Not only are they incredibly delicious and family-friendly, but the easy cleanup means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying happy tummies. With minimal ingredients, hardly any prep time, and maximum flavor, this is one slow cooker recipe you’ll want to keep on rotation.
Making These Italian Pork Sliders Gluten-Free
The key to keeping these delicious sliders entirely gluten-free lies in your choice of buns. While the pulled pork itself is naturally gluten-free, selecting the right bun ensures a truly inclusive meal for everyone with dietary restrictions. Fortunately, the market now offers a fantastic array of gluten-free bun options that are soft, delicious, and perfect for holding our flavorful pulled pork. Here are some top-rated gluten-free bun brands to consider for your sliders:
- Schar Ciabatta Rolls (These are pictured in our recipe and are a personal favorite for their texture and taste, but do contain soy. Schar also offers hamburger buns, though they can sometimes be harder to find depending on your location.)
- Canyon Bakehouse Buns (A popular choice that uses eggs, known for its soft texture and wide availability.)
- Little Northern Bakehouse Buns (An excellent option if you need both gluten-free and vegan buns, making them suitable for a broader range of dietary needs.)
- BFree Rolls (Another fantastic choice for those seeking both gluten-free and vegan alternatives, offering a great chew.)
- Udi’s Buns (Contains egg whites and is a widely recognized brand for its gluten-free bakery products.)
I’ve personally had success finding brands like Schar, Canyon Bakehouse, and Udi’s at larger grocery stores like Walmart. For Little Northern Bakehouse and BFree, you might have better luck at specialty health food stores or larger organic supermarkets. If you have a go-to gluten-free bun that you absolutely love and I haven’t listed, please share your recommendations! Your input helps our community find even more great options.
Ensuring These Italian Pork Sliders Are Dairy-Free
Crafting these Italian pork sliders to be completely dairy-free presented a unique challenge, primarily when it came to finding an Italian Dressing packet free from hidden dairy ingredients. Many seasoning mixes contain milk derivatives or cheese powders to enhance flavor, making careful label reading essential for those with dairy allergies. After extensive searching and scrutinizing countless brands, I finally discovered a fantastic option that consists purely of spices and contains no form of milk or cheese.
The specific packet that I confidently use and recommend is the Walmart brand, Great Value. Its official name is the Italian Salad Dressing & Recipe Mix. To help you easily identify it, I’ve included a picture below showing both the front and back of the packaging. It’s worth noting that availability can vary by location; I often have to visit a Walmart across town as my closest store doesn’t always stock it. This extra effort is well worth it for a truly dairy-free and flavorful result.
For those who can tolerate dairy, you have the flexibility to use any brand of Italian seasoning packet you prefer. My husband, who doesn’t have dairy restrictions, particularly enjoys adding a slice of melted pepper jack cheese to his slider for an extra layer of flavor and a delightful kick. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to different dietary needs and preferences, making it a versatile addition to any menu.
Are These Italian Pork Sliders Allergy Friendly for Everyone?
Absolutely! Based on a thorough review of ingredient labels for the main components, these Italian Pork Sliders are designed to be free from the top 8 major allergens. This recipe consciously avoids gluten, dairy, eggs, fish, shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts, making it a fantastic and safe option for many individuals navigating common food allergies. It’s always empowering to find a recipe that can be enjoyed by a wider audience without compromising on flavor or quality.
However, it’s crucial to remember that individual allergies can be complex and vary significantly. If your specific allergies are particularly severe or require you to delve deeper into the manufacturing processes and potential for cross-contamination of ingredients, I highly recommend reaching out directly to the companies. Conducting your own detailed research tailored to your unique needs is always the most responsible approach to ensure complete safety and peace of mind.
Choosing Your Vegan Mayo: A Deeper Dive
For me, a sandwich—be it a slider or a full-sized creation—just isn’t complete without the creamy richness of mayonnaise. While it might seem counterintuitive to use a vegan mayo with a meat dish, it’s a critical component for our family due to my son’s severe egg allergy. Vegan mayo provides that essential tangy, smooth texture without introducing any egg products, making the sliders safe and enjoyable for him.
Our go-to choice is Hellman’s Vegan Mayo (also known as Best Food’s in some regions). It offers an incredibly similar taste and texture to traditional mayonnaise, making it an excellent substitute. Here’s a look at its ingredients, which highlight how it achieves its creamy consistency without eggs:
- SUNFLOWER OIL, WATER, MODIFIED FOOD STARCH (POTATO, CORN), DISTILLED VINEGAR, LESS THAN 2 % OF: SUGAR, SALT, LEMON JUICE CONCENTRATE, SORBIC ACID (USED TO PROTECT QUALITY), NATURAL FLAVOR, CALCIUM DISODIUM EDTA (USED TO PROTECT QUALITY), PAPRIKA EXTRACT.
There are many fantastic vegan mayo brands available on the market, so feel free to use whichever one best suits your dietary preferences and is readily accessible to you. You can typically find Hellman’s Vegan Mayo at most major supermarkets like Walmart, and it’s also conveniently available online through retailers like Amazon.
Instant Pot vs. Slow Cooker: Can You Use the Instant Pot to Cook the Roast?
Yes, absolutely! While I personally lean towards the slow cooker for that melt-in-your-mouth, ‘set-it-and-forget-it’ perfection, the Instant Pot is an incredibly valuable tool, especially when time is of the essence. Having an Instant Pot cookbook myself, I’m no stranger to its efficiency. If you’re in a rush and need these Italian pulled pork sliders on the table quicker, the Instant Pot is a fabulous backup that won’t compromise on flavor.
Here’s how I would adapt the recipe for the Instant Pot:
- Prep the Roast: To ensure a faster cooking time and more even results, I recommend cutting your boneless pork roast into at least four substantial pieces.
- Add Ingredients: Place the pork pieces in the Instant Pot. Sprinkle generously with the two packets of Italian dressing mix, garlic salt, black pepper, and salt to taste. Arrange half the pepperoncinis around the pork and pour in half of their brine, along with the 1/2 cup of broth of your choice.
- Cook: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure. Cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Release Pressure: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release. This crucial step helps the pork retain moisture and become incredibly tender.
You’re looking at approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes total cooking time (including the time for the pot to come to pressure and naturally release), which is significantly shorter than the 6-8 hours required by a slow cooker. While both methods yield delicious results, the Instant Pot offers a fantastic solution for those busy days when you crave these flavorful sliders without the long wait.
Roast Questions: Pork vs. Beef & Best Cuts
When it comes to selecting the perfect roast for these Italian sliders, we typically opt for pork due to my son’s anaphylactic allergies to beef – a rare but significant consideration for our family, as he cannot have milk or beef. While you might be tempted to use pork loin, I find it doesn’t shred as well and can result in a drier texture for pulled pork. For the best shredded pork, I usually recommend a “picnic roast” (which is part of the pork shoulder) because they tend to be a more manageable size. Alternatively, a Boston Butt or a full Pork Shoulder are excellent choices, known for their marbling and ability to become incredibly tender and shreddable during slow cooking.
If you don’t have beef allergies, a chuck roast is an absolutely delicious alternative for this recipe! The robust flavor of beef combined with the tangy pepperoncinis and Italian seasoning creates a deeply satisfying and equally irresistible slider. Just ensure you select a cut that benefits from low-and-slow cooking, like chuck, to achieve that perfect shreddable texture.
What Side Dishes Pair Best with Italian Pork Sliders?
These versatile Italian Pulled Pork Sliders are a year-round delight, perfect for cozy winter meals, lively parties, or refreshing summer gatherings. The side dishes I recommend often vary with the season, ensuring a fresh and complementary pairing. Here are some fantastic options to serve alongside your sliders:
- Watermelon: A classic summer choice, its juicy sweetness offers a refreshing contrast to the savory pork.
- Corn on the Cob: Whether grilled in the summer or steamed year-round, corn adds a delightful sweetness and texture.
- Potato Salad: A creamy, cool potato salad is a timeless barbecue and picnic companion that balances the richness of the pork. Our dairy-free ranch potato salad is a perfect match!
- Potato Chips: For a quick and easy side, a bag of your favorite potato chips provides a satisfying crunch.
- Fries: Crispy French fries or homemade wedges are always a crowd-pleaser and a perfect pairing for sliders.
- Sweet Potato Fries: A slightly healthier and sweeter alternative to regular fries, they add beautiful color and a touch of natural sweetness.
- Veggie Tray with Dairy-Free Ranch Dipping Sauce: A fresh and colorful assortment of raw vegetables provides a crisp counterpoint, made even better with a creamy, allergy-friendly ranch dip.
If dairy isn’t a concern for you or your guests, you might also enjoy serving these sliders on Hawaiian Slider Rolls, a suggestion from my fellow blogger, This Vivacious Life. Their slight sweetness and soft texture are a fantastic match for savory pulled pork.
Watch the Magic Happen! Do You Have a Video Showing How to Make Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Italian Pork Sliders?
Yes, I do! For those who love a visual guide, I’ve created a quick and engaging Tiktok video that offers a concise overview of how to bring this delicious recipe to life. It’s a short and sweet demonstration that highlights the simplicity and mouth-watering appeal of these Italian pork sliders. Enjoy watching how easily you can prepare this allergy-friendly meal!
@allergyawesomeness##glutenfree & ##dairyfree Italian Pork Sliders. Easy appetizer or dinner. ##foodallergy ##foodallergies ##glutenanddairyfree♬ original sound – Megan Lavin

Gluten Free Dairy Free Italian Pork Sliders
12-14 sliders
5 minutes
6 minutes
15 minutes
26 minutes
Tangy from the pepperoncini’s & super flavorful from Italian dressing, this tender, Italian pulled pork makes an exceptional slider. Great as an entrée or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 2-3 pound boneless pork roast (see post for cut preferences)
- 1/2 of a 16-oz-jar of pepperoncini’s (Half peppers and half juice)
- 2 packets of Italian Salad Dressing & Recipe Mix (.7 oz each, see post for details)
- garlic salt, black pepper, & salt to taste
- 1/2 cup of broth of choice (chicken or beef)*
- Allergy friendly buns (see post for options)
- Vegan mayo
Instructions
- In a slow cooker/crock pot set to low, place your roast. Sprinkle on the two packets of Italian dressing mix.
- Take your garlic salt and give a generous shake across the top of the roast. Repeat with salt and pepper.
- Add in your 1/2 cup of broth along the bottom.
- Set half the pepperoncini’s along the side of the roast. Pour in half of the pepperoncini’s brine in the bottom.
- Place the lid on top and allow it to cook 6-8 hours, or until fork tender.
- Take the roast out and shred. Return to the pot.
- Serve over buns of your choice. Use mayo if desired.
- Leftovers will keep in an air tight container in the fridge for 3 days.
- (If you’d like to try a different slider, check out my BBQ chicken sliders.)
Notes
Broth Choices: Because our family avoids beef due to allergies, we always use chicken broth in this recipe. However, if you are able to consume beef, using beef broth will impart a richer, deeper flavor to your pulled pork, which is highly recommended for an even more robust taste. If you prefer using bouillon for its intense flavor, I suggest Orrington Farms Broth Base. Simply mix 1 teaspoon of the base with 1/2 cup of water to create the broth needed for the recipe.
Pepperoncini Customization: The pepperoncinis are key to the tangy flavor profile. If you desire a milder roast, you can substitute them with banana peppers, which offer a similar tang without as much heat. Alternatively, for a subtle flavor hint without the spice, you can use the pepperoncinis to flavor the roast during cooking but discard them before shredding the pork. Leaving them in the mixture will result in a spicier, more pronounced heat in your sliders.
Inspiration: This beloved recipe is an adaptation from my good friend Stacey’s take on The Pioneer Woman’s Dripping Beef, transformed into an allergy-friendly and equally delicious pork version.
For More Allergy-Friendly Recipes: If you’re constantly seeking more allergy-friendly dinner ideas, you might find my cookbook incredibly helpful: An Allergy Mom’s Lifesaving Instant Pot Cookbook.
Important Allergy Disclaimer: Please be aware that my family’s allergies, while severe and regularly tested, allow us to strictly adhere to label information. I do not routinely contact companies to inquire about ingredient derivations or potential cross-contact during manufacturing. If your allergies necessitate a deeper investigation into ingredient sourcing or factory practices, it is essential that you conduct your own thorough research. I cannot guarantee the safety of any ingredient for your unique allergy needs; only you can ensure that based on your specific requirements. My intention is simply to share recipes that work safely and deliciously for my own family.
Guidance for Feeding Allergy Sufferers: If you are preparing this meal for someone with food allergies and you yourself do not have allergies, I strongly urge you to involve them in the process. Ask them to verify every single brand and ingredient you plan to use to ensure it meets their specific safety standards. Furthermore, it’s crucial to discuss and implement strategies to prevent cross-contamination in your kitchen, ensuring a safe and enjoyable dining experience for everyone.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 363Total Fat: 26gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 102mgSodium: 261mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 0gSugar: 2gProtein: 27g
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