Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! There are some sandwiches that are so good, they’re practically an event. This Smoky Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese Melt is one of them. It’s a genius mashup that takes all the best flavors of a barbecue feast—tender, smoky pulled pork and tangy BBQ sauce—and combines them with a gooey, classic grilled cheese sandwich. This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s a flavor explosion that’s perfect for a quick lunch, a fun dinner, or anytime you need a seriously satisfying, cheesy treat.
Why I Love This Recipe
What I love most about this recipe is how it takes a simple concept and elevates it to a whole new level. The combination of the rich, smoky pulled pork with a tangy BBQ sauce is a perfect contrast to the creamy, melted cheddar cheese. The bread is grilled to a beautiful golden brown, providing a fantastic crispy texture that holds up to all the delicious fillings. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, especially if you have leftover pulled pork on hand, and it’s perfect for a quick lunch, a fun dinner, or a special snack.
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bread
- 2 cups cooked pulled pork
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 8 slices of cheddar cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
Swaps and Notes
- Bread: A good quality, thick-cut white bread or sourdough works best here.
- Pulled Pork: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover pulled pork. If you don’t have any, you can also use shredded chicken or a store-bought pulled pork from the grocery store.
- BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand of BBQ sauce. A smoky, tangy sauce works great here.
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a classic for a grilled cheese, but you can also use Monterey Jack, Colby, or a mix of cheeses.
- Toppings (Optional): You can also add some diced red onion or a few pickles for a little extra crunch and acidity.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Pulled Pork: In a bowl, mix the pulled pork with the BBQ sauce until well combined.
- Butter the Bread: Spread the softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place four slices of bread, butter-side down, on a skillet or griddle preheated to medium heat. Place two slices of cheddar cheese on each slice of bread. Top with the BBQ pulled pork mixture and another two slices of cheddar cheese.
- Finish the Sandwich: Place the remaining slices of bread on top, butter-side up.
- Grill to Perfection: Cook the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes on each side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is completely melted and gooey. You may need to press it down gently with a spatula to help it cook evenly.
- Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, slice them in half, and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Use Thick-Cut Bread: Thick bread is crucial here. It needs to be sturdy enough to hold all the delicious fillings without falling apart.
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to add too much filling, as it can make it hard to grill the sandwich evenly.
- Low and Slow: Cook the grilled cheese over medium heat. This ensures the bread gets a beautiful golden crust without burning, and it gives the cheese enough time to melt completely.
- Serve Immediately: Grilled cheese is always best eaten fresh, right off the skillet.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Smoky Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese is a meal in itself. It’s rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying. You can serve it with a simple side of potato chips, a fresh green salad, or a side of coleslaw. For a fun, party spread, it would go perfectly with other crowd-pleasing foods like a crockpot nacho dip or a platter of easy cheesy chicken sliders.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 700 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 10g
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This sandwich is best enjoyed immediately. It doesn’t store well, as the pulled pork and cheese will make the bread soggy. If you have leftover pulled pork, you can store it separately and make a fresh sandwich later.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy easy, cheesy, and satisfying comfort foods, you might also like these other recipes:
- This Dorito Casserole is my favorite weeknight dinner shortcut
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas are my favorite way to feed a crowd fast
- This Walking Taco Bar is my favorite no-fuss way to feed a crowd
- These Totchos are my favorite party food hack: tater tot nachos for the win
Final Thoughts
This Smoky Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese is a perfect example of a new classic. It’s a simple, clever mashup that delivers on big, comforting flavor every single time. It’s a fun and easy way to get a fantastic meal on the table, and it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite in your home.
What’s your favorite way to upgrade a classic grilled cheese? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below! Be sure to follow me for more recipes that are as simple as they are irresistible.
Smoky Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese Melt
Ingredients
- 2 cups BBQ sauce
- 1 pound pulled pork
- 8 slices of bread
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- Layer pulled pork, BBQ sauce, and cheddar cheese between two slices of bread, buttered sides out.
- Place the sandwich in the skillet and grill until golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 4-5 minutes on each side.
- Remove from heat, slice in half, and serve hot.
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