These insanely delicious pulled pork grilled cheese sandwiches are made with savory leftover pulled pork and sharp cheddar cheese, all nestled between thick-cut Texas toast. But wait, there’s more! A decadent butter parmesan spread adds another layer of flavor, making these sandwiches a flavor combination that is simply irresistible.
If you love grilled cheese sandwiches but they’re getting a little boring, I have a delicious, meaty way to mix things up! I’ve always loved grilled cheese sandwiches, but you have to start getting creative after so many slices of bread between cheese. Over the years, I’ve made all kinds of grilled cheese variations, but one of my favorites is this recipe for pulled pork grilled cheese. I use leftover pulled pork – BBQ or plain- and both work – cheddar cheese and zesty, garlic parmesan butter on the bread to create 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!
Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
This delicious sandwich starts with BBQ pulled pork that I heat up in just a few minutes in a saucepan. Then, I make a garlic parmesan compound butter and spread it on two slices of Texas toast. I sandwich sharp cheddar cheese, a healthy portion of pulled pork, crispy onion strings, and more cheese between the bread and toast it until it’s hot and melty. It only takes a few minutes, and when I’m done, I have grilled cheese sandwiches that are piled high with delicious fillings that always have everyone coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese Recipe
- They are absolutely delicious and easy to make using leftover pulled pork, creating a whole new meal.
- These grilled cheese sandwiches only take a few simple ingredients, one being leftover pulled pork.
- It’s two favorite classics in one delicious recipe: pulled pork and grilled cheese combined for the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich.
Pulled Pork Gilled 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!
- Leftover pulled pork
- Barbecue sauce
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Texas Toast thick bread
- Butter
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Garlic powder
How to Make Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
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!
Step 1: Heat the Pulled Pork
Add the pulled pork and barbecue sauce to a small saucepan and cook over medium heat until heated through.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter
Beat the butter until creamy in a medium bowl. Then, add the grated parmesan and garlic powder and stir to combine.
Step 3: Layer the Sandwiches
Spread a layer of the butter mixture on one side of each slice of bread. Then, place them butter-side down in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a slice of sharp cheddar cheese, followed by a heaping spoonful, or two, of pulled pork, and another slice of cheese. Then, top the filling with another slice of bread, butter-side up.
Step 4: Cook
Grill the sandwiches until golden brown, then flip and repeat until the outside is golden and the inside is hot and melty. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Medium-low heat is the sweet spot for grilled cheese sandwiches. It allows the center to melt by the time the outside is golden and crispy.
- A hand mixer is the easiest way to make the parmesan garlic butter.
- Spread your pulled pork in an even layer when you add it to the bread for uniform cooking.
Variations
- This recipe works well with BBQ pulled beef and chicken, as well.
- Use your favorite bold cheese for this recipe to create different flavor profiles.
- Add a little red pepper or cayenne to the BBQ sauce for a spicy grilled cheese sandwich.
What to Serve with Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
The flavors in this grilled cheese sandwich lend themselves to both your favorite sandwich and summer BBQ sides like:
- Potato chips
- French fries
- Sweet potato fries
- Tater tots
- Mac and cheese
- Baked beans
- Coleslaw
- Pasta salad
Recipe FAQ
Pulled pork is delicious with a bold cheese like sharp cheddar. The zesty sweetness of the BBQ sauce pairs well with the strong cheese flavor.
Pulled pork sandwiches are delicious with sliced dill pickles on the sandwiches themselves or served alongside a whole dill pickle. The tang of the pickle is the perfect counterpoint to the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
There are several factors that go into a good grilled cheese sandwich, but the major secret to the best grilled cheese sandwich is the heat. Grilled cheese sandwiches should be cooked on medium-low heat. This allows the cheese to melt fully by the time the bread is toasted and golden.
There are a variety of cheeses that are known for how wonderfully melty they get. The cheese varieties that melt the best are:
Mozzarella
Cheddar
Fontina
Provolone
Gruyere
Gouda
Havarti
Taleggio
Colby
American
Mayo is commonly put on pulled pork sandwiches. Its tangy flavor complements the sweetness of the BBQ sauce well.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
Make only as many grilled cheese sandwiches as you think will be eaten, if possible. This allows you to store the ingredients separately and make the sandwiches fresh every time. Refrigerate the pulled pork in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months in an airtight, freezer-safe container. If you have leftover sandwiches, store them for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
To reheat the pulled pork, place it in a saucepan over medium-low heat and cook until heated through. Then, make the sandwiches as directed in the instructions.
To reheat entire pulled pork grilled cheese sandwiches, place them on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake them for 5 minutes per side at 350 degrees.
Try This Delicious Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese Today
These delicious pulled pork grilled cheese sandwiches 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.
Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover pulled pork
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 slices Texas Toast thick bread
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, add pulled pork and barbecue sauce.
- Cook over medium heat until heated through.
- In a medium bowl, beat butter until creamy.
- Add grated Parmesan and garlic powder. Stir to combine.
- Spread a layer of butter mixture on one side of each slice of bread.
- Place each slice of bread, buttered side down, in a skillet over medium low heat.
- Place a slice of sharp cheddar cheese on top of the bread.
- Add a heaping spoonful or two of pulled pork on top of the cheese, another slice of cheese on top of the pork, and the top piece of bread, buttered side up.
- Grill over medium low heat until golden on both sides.
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