These 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Summer Sliders are the kind of easy, dependable dish that earns its place at every picnic table and potluck from June through Labor Day. Brisket has long been a thrifty, patient-cook’s cut, and when you let it go low and slow in the crock, it turns into tender shreds perfect for piling onto soft little buns. This is the sort of no-fuss recipe busy home cooks come back to again and again, especially when they need something hearty that can feed a crowd without keeping them tied to the kitchen.
Serve these sliders with a bowl of coleslaw, baked beans, sweet corn, potato salad, or a platter of pickle spears for that classic summer spread. They also go mighty well with kettle chips, fresh watermelon, and cold lemonade, and if you are setting out a topping tray, a few sliced onions, extra barbecue sauce, and crisp dill pickles let folks dress their sliders just the way they like them.
3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Summer Sliders using Shredded Beef Brisket
Servings: 12 sliders
Ingredients
3 to 4 pounds beef brisket
1 bottle (about 18 ounces) barbecue sauce
12 slider buns
Directions
1. Place the brisket in the slow cooker and pour the barbecue sauce evenly over the top, turning the meat once if needed so it gets coated well.
2. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or until the brisket is very tender and easy to pull apart with a fork.
3. Transfer the brisket to a large bowl or cutting board and shred it well with two forks. Spoon some of the cooking juices back over the meat to keep it moist.
4. Pile the shredded brisket onto the slider buns and serve warm.
Variations & Tips
For extra flavor: If you have a few more minutes, brown the brisket in a hot skillet before putting it in the slow cooker. It is not necessary, but it adds a deeper, richer taste that reminds me of old Sunday roasts.
For a little tang: Tuck dill pickle slices right into the sliders before serving. That cool crunch against the rich meat gives each bite a nice balance, especially on a hot day.
For feeding a crowd: Keep the shredded brisket warm in the slow cooker on the warm setting and let guests build their own sliders. That way the buns stay soft, the meat stays juicy, and folks can come back for seconds without a fuss.
For storing leftovers: Refrigerate the shredded brisket with a little of its sauce and juices so it does not dry out. It reheats beautifully the next day and makes a fine sandwich all over again.