Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

This mouthwatering Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese is made with tender leftover pulled pork and gooey sharp cheddar, tucked between slices of thick Texas toast. Then it’s finished off with a Parmesan butter spread, which turns this sandwich into the ultimate comfort food.

I’ve always loved grilled cheese sandwiches and over the years, I’ve made all kinds of grilled cheese variations, like this meatloaf grilled cheese! This pork version is one of my favorites of all time.

It’s made with leftover pulled pork – BBQ or plain- both work – cheddar cheese and zesty, garlic parmesan butter on the bread! It’s a grilled cheese that explodes with flavor in every bite and is anything but ordinary. And because it’s made with leftover pork, it’s just as easy as a regular grilled cheese sandwich!

One thing we love about pulled pork is that it makes a large batch, and we can use the leftovers in so many great ways, such as these pulled pork sliders and these leftover pulled pork tacos. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Since we are using leftover pulled pork, this sandwich comes together in under 30 minutes.
• The Ultimate Mashup: It’s two favorite classics, pulled pork + grilled cheese, in one delicious recipe!
• Family-Friendly: Even the picky eaters in your family will be asking for seconds especially when served with these homemade tater tots and some macaroni and cheese!

Ingredients

It only takes a handful of simple ingredients to make this recipe. Some leftover pulled pork, cheese, Texas toast, and spices from your pantry are all you need!

• Pulled Pork: Using leftover pulled pork is the key to this easy and delicious recipe. If you don’t have any leftovers, you can easily make a batch in your slow cooker or Instant Pot, or pick up some at your favorite restaurant or local grocery store.
• Barbecue sauce: Use your favorite brand of barbecue sauce, or you can also make your own sauce.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese gives this sandwich an extra kick of flavor. For even more variety, you can also use a blend of different types of cheese.
• Bread: We recommend Texas toast because the thicker slices hold up better with the pulled pork and cheese, but you can use your favorite type of bread.
• Butter: Salted butter adds a bit of richness to the sandwich, but you can use unsalted if preferred.
• Parmesan cheese: This adds a crispy, cheesy crust to the outside of the grilled pulled pork sandwich. Grated or shredded both work well.
• Garlic powder: We like to use garlic powder in this recipe, but you can also use minced fresh garlic if preferred.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

Variations

Take this pork grilled cheese to the next level with these creative variations:

• Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños to the sandwich or a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat. You can also add a little red pepper or cayenne to the BBQ sauce for some heat.
• Make it a Melt: Add some coleslaw on top of the pulled pork before grilling for added crunch and flavor.
• Different Cheeses: Try smoked Gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a cheesy and flavorful twist.This recipe works well with BBQ pulled beef and chicken, as well.
• Swap the Meat: This sandwich also works with shredded or pulled chicken or brisket instead of pork, like we did in this brisket grilled cheese!

How to Make Grilled Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Cheese

Making this grilled cheese variation is no more difficult than a traditional grilled cheese. The only extra steps are heating up the pulled pork and mixing the butter, garlic, and parmesan. It’s super easy to do, and it comes together so quickly!

1. Step 1: Reheat the pork. Add the pulled pork and BBQ sauce to a saucepan on medium heat and cook until heated through.
2. Step 2: Make the garlic butter. In a medium-sized bowl, cream the butter until it’s light and fluffy. Then add in the parmesan cheese and garlic powder.
3. Step 3: Butter the bread. Spread a thin layer of garlic parmesan butter on one side of each slice of bread. Place in a skillet, butter side down, over medium-low heat.
4. Step 4: Build the sandwich. Place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of the bread slices, and then add a scoop of the pulled pork. Top with another slice of cheese, and the second slice of bread butter side up.
5. Step 5: Grill the sandwich. Cook the sandwich over medium-low heat until golden brown on both sides. Serve with mayonnaise or your favorite sauce, and a side of these sweet potato waffle fries!

Expert Tips

• Use softened butter: Use room-temperature butter for easier spreading and so that it mixes well. A hand mixer is the easiest way to mix it up!
• Keep the temperature low: Keep the heat at medium-low to prevent the bread from burning before the cheese has melted.
• Use the right pan: You don’t want to overcrowd your skillet, so if you make more than one sandwich, you must use a large pan or griddle.Spread your pulled pork in an even layer when you add it to the bread for uniform cooking.

Serving Suggestions

A grilled cheese with pulled pork makes a great meal or snack any time of the day. And when you pair it with the right side dishes, you get a family-friendly meal that will please everyone. Here are a few ideas to get you started: 

• Pair it with a simple salad, like potato salad or Italian bowtie salad. You can’t go wrong with a tangy salad with sandwiches.
• If you are not in the mood for salad, you can also pair it with your favorite potato side dish, like these air fried curly fries or these garlic parmesan potatoes! Yum!
• Don’t forget dessert. It’s an essential part of any meal. These oatmeal chocolate chip pecan cookies go well with sandwiches.

How to Store and Reheat

• Storing: Make only as many grilled cheese sandwiches as you think will be eaten, if possible and store the ingredients separately. This way you can make the sandwiches fresh every time. Refrigerate the pulled pork in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you end up with a leftover sandwiches already prepared, it can be wrapped in foil and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat an already prepared sandwich in a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain crispiness. You can also place them on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake them for 5 minutes per side at 350 degrees F. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.
• Freezing: You can freeze any leftover pulled pork for up to 3 months in an airtight container but I do not recommend freezing prepared sandwiches.

Try This Delicious Pork Grilled Cheese Today

These delicious grilled cheese sandwiches with pulled pork are super-easy and piled to the sky with melty, meaty filling. With garlic parmesan butter on the outside, along with barbecue pulled pork, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy onion strings on the inside, this is a grilled cheese sandwich you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try. I know you’ll love it.

More Delicious Pork Recipes You’ll Enjoy

These Smoked Pig Shots are a delicious appetizer recipe that is loaded with flavor and is a family favorite. Made with smoked sausage, bacon, a cheesy cream cheese mixture, and more. The perfect recipe to serve at your next backyard barbecue, family gathering, or a midday snack.