If you are searching for a comforting, melty, and downright delicious twist on a classic grilled cheese, this Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe is going to change your sandwich game forever. Imagine tender, smoky pulled pork slathered in tangy BBQ sauce, layered with crispy onion straws and gooey American cheese, all hugged by soft, buttery brioche bread. It’s simple, satisfying, and packs a flavor punch that will leave you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds). Whether you’re cooking for a quick lunch or impressing friends at a casual dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors. From the softness of the brioche bread to the crunch of the onion straws, and the rich BBQ pork to the melting American cheese, every component shines.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for sautéing the garlic to infuse the pork with subtle flavor without overpowering it.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Adds a fragrant base and slight pungency that brightens the richness of the pork.
- 1 pound pulled pork: Tender, pre-cooked pork brings all the smoky, savory goodness you want in every bite.
- 1 cup local BBQ sauce: Responsible for tangy, sweet, and smoky depth—choose your favorite like Sugar Fire for an authentic STL flair.
- 8 slices Sara Lee® Artesano™ Brioche Bakery Bread: This bread is soft, buttery, and just hearty enough to hold everything together.
- 8 slices deli American cheese: Melts perfectly, creating that gooey center that ties the sandwich together.
- 1 cup french fried onion straws: Brings a satisfyingly crispy texture and a burst of mild onion flavor.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Adds moisture and helps toast the bread to a golden brown crust with a slight tang.
How to Make Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic. Cook just until fragrant—about 30 seconds—to release its wonderful aroma without letting it burn. This small but crucial step infuses the sandwich’s heart with a subtle, tasty base.
Step 2: Warm and Flavor the Pulled Pork
Next, add the pulled pork into the skillet along with your favorite BBQ sauce. Toss everything together so the sauce coats every shred of pork. Cook just long enough for the mixture to heat through fully and the flavors to meld. Once ready, remove the skillet from heat and prepare for assembly.
Step 3: Assemble Your Sandwich Layers
Lay four slices of Artesano Brioche bread on a clean surface. Begin layering by placing a slice of American cheese on each bread slice, then sprinkle a generous amount of french fried onion straws on top. Pile on the warm pulled pork mixture and top with another slice of American cheese before adding the final bread slice to close the sandwich. This layering strategy ensures every bite offers gooey cheese, crunchy onion, and succulent pork.
Step 4: Prepare the Bread for Grilling
Before cooking, spread mayonnaise evenly on the outside of both slices of bread for each sandwich. This may seem unconventional, but it’s the secret to a beautifully golden, crispy exterior that’s light and flavorful—much better than plain butter.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Heat another large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat and let it warm thoroughly. Place the sandwiches in the skillet carefully and allow them to toast undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Watch for a deep golden brown color before flipping. This slow, careful grilling helps melt the cheese perfectly while creating that irresistible crust.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once all sandwiches are grilled to bubbling, melty perfection, remove them from the pan. Let them rest for a moment to avoid lava-hot cheese escapes. Then slice in half, admire that glorious pull of pork and cheese, and get ready to dive right in.
How to Serve Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few pickles on the side lift this sandwich perfectly. The herbs add a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the richness while pickles offer a sharp, tangy crunch that balances the savory flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs wonderfully with classic comfort sides. Crispy onion rings or golden French fries are a natural match and add extra crunch. For a lighter option, creamy coleslaw adds a cool, crisp counterpoint to the warm, cheesy sandwich, making your meal well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Cut the sandwich into smaller sliders and serve on a wooden board with mini ramekins of BBQ sauce for dipping. Or create a stacked platter with colorful sides arranged artistically. These presentation ideas turn the humble Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe into an eye-catching centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and honestly, who wouldn’t?), place the sandwiches in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Avoid sogginess by wrapping them individually in parchment paper before storing. This keeps the bread from becoming too soft and preserves the layers.
Freezing
You can freeze prepared sandwiches by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Freezing is perfect for batch making—just pop them in the oven later to relive the magic.
Reheating
To reheat, use a skillet over medium-low heat to toast and warm the sandwich slowly, helping maintain that crispy bread and melty cheese combination. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep your sandwich’s original texture intact. A toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes also works great.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pulled pork for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pulled pork works perfectly in this Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe, especially if you don’t have time to make your own. Just be sure to choose a tender, flavorful option and mix it well with your favorite BBQ sauce for the best results.
What type of cheese is best for this sandwich?
Deli American cheese is ideal because it melts smoothly and has a mild flavor that complements the BBQ pork without overpowering it. However, feel free to experiment with cheddar, pepper jack, or smoky gouda for a unique twist.
Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?
While the star of this recipe is the pulled pork, you can try substituting it with jackfruit “pulled pork” or a hearty mushroom ragout for a vegetarian-friendly version. The key is maintaining that saucy, savory element to pair with the cheese and crunchy onions.
How important is using brioche bread?
Brioche bread brings a buttery softness that enhances the sandwich’s richness, but if you don’t have any, a good quality white sandwich bread or sourdough will do just fine. Just make sure the bread is not too thin so it holds up during grilling.
Why do you use mayonnaise on the outside of the bread?
Mayonnaise helps the bread brown beautifully and develop a crisp crust without burning quickly—better than plain butter in some cases. It also adds a subtle tang that contrasts nicely with the sweet and smoky pork filling.
Final Thoughts
This Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe is one of those brilliant, cozy dishes that feels like a hug in sandwich form. From the tender, flavorful pork to the crispy onions and silky cheese embraced by buttery brioche, each bite is pure joy. Whether you’re a sandwich fan or a BBQ lover (or both), this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. So why not treat yourself and give it a try today? You won’t regret it!
