Pulled Pork

Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

Name: Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 480 min
Total time: 510 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder; 1/4 cup (60g) barbecue sauce; 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil; 1 tsp (5g) smoked paprika; 1 tsp (5g) garlic powder; 1 tsp (5g) salt; 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper; 4 slices (120g) bread; 2 cups (220g) shredded cheese; 2 tbsp (30g) butter

By Gabriel Holloway · June 19, 2026 · Pulled Pork

Prep30 min

Cook480 min

Total510 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made pulled pork grilled cheese for my family. It was a chilly winter evening, and we all gathered around the dining table, eager to taste the dish I had spent all day preparing. The combination of tender, smoky pork, melted cheese, and crispy bread was an instant hit.

As a home cook, I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are easy to make, delicious, and satisfying. Pulled pork grilled cheese checks all those boxes and more. It's a dish that's perfect for weeknights, weekends, or even special occasions.

In this recipe, I'll guide you through the process of making pulled pork grilled cheese from scratch. We'll start with the basics of cooking pork shoulder, then move on to preparing the grilled cheese, and finally, assembling the dish.

One of the things I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can customize it to your taste by using different types of cheese, adding various toppings, or serving it with your favorite sides.

So, let's get started and make some delicious pulled pork grilled cheese!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a great way to use up leftover pork shoulder or grilled cheese.
The dish is perfect for weeknights, weekends, or special occasions.
You can customize it to your taste by using different types of cheese or adding various toppings.
It's a comforting and satisfying meal that's sure to become a family favorite.
The recipe is versatile and can be made in advance, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great pulled pork grilled cheese is in the preparation of the pork shoulder. By cooking it low and slow, we break down the connective tissues and create tender, juicy meat that's easy to shred.

Another important factor is the type of cheese we use. I recommend using a combination of cheddar and mozzarella for a rich, creamy flavor.

Finally, the grilled cheese component is crucial. By using a panini press or a skillet, we can achieve a crispy, golden-brown crust that complements the pork and cheese perfectly.

By following these steps and using the right ingredients, you'll be able to create a pulled pork grilled cheese that's sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few basic ingredients, including pork shoulder, cheese, bread, and some pantry staples. Be sure to choose a good-quality pork shoulder and cheese for the best flavor.

When shopping for the ingredients, look for a pork shoulder with a thick layer of fat, as this will help keep the meat moist and flavorful. For the cheese, you can use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella for a rich, creamy flavor.

2 lbs (900g) pork shoulderChoose a pork shoulder with a thick layer of fat for the best flavor and texture. You can also use a boneless pork shoulder if you prefer.
1/4 cup (60g) barbecue sauceUse your favorite barbecue sauce for this recipe. You can also make your own by combining ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices.
2 tbsp (30g) olive oilUse a good-quality olive oil for the best flavor. You can also use other oils like avocado or grapeseed if you prefer.
1 tsp (5g) smoked paprikaSmoked paprika adds a deep, smoky flavor to the pork. You can also use regular paprika if you don't have smoked paprika.
1 tsp (5g) garlic powderGarlic powder adds a savory flavor to the pork. You can also use fresh garlic if you prefer.
1 tsp (5g) saltUse a good-quality salt for the best flavor. You can also use other seasonings like pepper or herbs if you prefer.
1/2 tsp (2g) black pepperBlack pepper adds a sharp, peppery flavor to the pork. You can also use other seasonings like cumin or coriander if you prefer.
4 slices (120g) breadUse a good-quality bread for the best flavor and texture. You can also use other types of bread like sourdough or ciabatta if you prefer.
2 cups (220g) shredded cheeseUse a combination of cheddar and mozzarella for a rich, creamy flavor. You can also use other types of cheese like provolone or gouda if you prefer.
2 tbsp (30g) butterUse a good-quality butter for the best flavor. You can also use other spreads like mayonnaise or mustard if you prefer.

Ingredients for Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

Equipment You’ll Need

Large Dutch oven or heavy potInstant-read thermometerPanini press or skilletCutting boardKnifeMeasuring cups and spoons

How to Make Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). In a small bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2
Place the pork shoulder in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot and brush the sauce mixture all over the meat, making sure to coat it evenly.
3
Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Braise the pork for 6-8 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C).
4
Remove the pot from the oven and let the pork rest for 30 minutes. Then, use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
5
Butter one side of each bread slice. Place one slice, buttered side down, in a panini press or skillet over medium heat.
6
Top the bread with a slice of cheese, a few pieces of the shredded pork, and another slice of cheese. Place the second slice of bread, buttered side up, on top of the filling.
7
Cook the sandwich for 2-3 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Carefully flip the sandwich over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the other side is also golden brown.
8
Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients to make three more sandwiches.
9
Let the sandwiches rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
10
Serve the pulled pork grilled cheese hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as sliced onions, pickles, or barbecue sauce.

Expert Tips

Use a good-quality pork shoulder for the best flavor and texture.
Let the pork rest for 30 minutes before shredding it to ensure it stays moist and tender.
Use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for a rich, creamy flavor.
Butter the bread slices generously to prevent them from sticking to the panini press or skillet.
Cook the sandwiches over medium heat to prevent the bread from burning before the cheese is melted.
Let the sandwiches rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving to ensure the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
Experiment with different toppings such as sliced onions, pickles, or barbecue sauce to find your favorite combination.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not letting the pork rest for 30 minutes before shredding it, resulting in dry and tough meat.
Not using enough barbecue sauce, resulting in a lack of flavor.
Not buttering the bread slices generously, resulting in them sticking to the panini press or skillet.
Cooking the sandwiches over high heat, resulting in burnt bread and unmelted cheese.
Not letting the sandwiches rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving, resulting in a messy and unappetizing presentation.

Variations and Substitutions

Using different types of cheese such as provolone or gouda for a unique flavor.
Adding sliced onions or pickles to the sandwiches for extra flavor and texture.
Using a panini press with a built-in thermometer to ensure the sandwiches are cooked to the perfect temperature.
Serving the pulled pork grilled cheese with a side of coleslaw or baked beans for a complete meal.
Using leftover pork shoulder or grilled cheese to make the recipe more efficient and cost-effective.
Experimenting with different types of bread such as sourdough or ciabatta for a unique texture and flavor.

What to Serve With Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

Serve the pulled pork grilled cheese hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as sliced onions, pickles, or barbecue sauce.

Consider serving it with a side of coleslaw or baked beans for a complete meal. You can also offer a variety of drinks such as soda, iced tea, or beer to complement the dish.

ColeslawBaked beansSliced onionsPicklesBarbecue sauce

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The pulled pork grilled cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

To store it in the refrigerator, place the sandwiches in an airtight container and keep them at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.

To freeze the sandwiches, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to serve, simply thaw the sandwiches overnight in the refrigerator and reheat them in a panini press or skillet until crispy and hot.

Reheating the sandwiches is easy and can be done in a variety of ways. Simply place them in a panini press or skillet over medium heat and cook until crispy and hot. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for a few minutes, or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pork shoulder should I use for this recipe?

You can use either a boneless or bone-in pork shoulder for this recipe. However, a boneless pork shoulder is recommended for easier shredding and more even cooking.

How long does it take to cook the pork shoulder?

The pork shoulder takes around 6-8 hours to cook in the oven, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C).

Can I use a slow cooker to cook the pork shoulder?

Yes, you can use a slow cooker to cook the pork shoulder. Simply place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker, add the sauce mixture, and cook on low for 8-10 hours.

What type of cheese is best for this recipe?

A combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese is recommended for this recipe, but you can also use other types of cheese such as provolone or gouda.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply cook the pork shoulder and shred it, then assemble the sandwiches and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to serve.

How do I reheat the sandwiches?

You can reheat the sandwiches in a panini press or skillet over medium heat, or in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for a few minutes, or until heated through.

Can I customize this recipe with different toppings?

Yes, you can customize this recipe with different toppings such as sliced onions, pickles, or barbecue sauce. Simply add your desired toppings to the sandwiches before serving.

Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?

Yes, this recipe is suitable for a crowd. Simply multiply the ingredients and cook the pork shoulder in batches if necessary. You can also assemble the sandwiches ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to serve.

The Full Recipe

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