Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese Melt
This pulled pork grilled cheese melt is the perfect way to use leftover pulled pork with gooey melted cheese, crispy golden bread, and an easy stovetop method. An optional honey mustard sriracha sauce adds a sweet and spicy kick that takes it to the next level.
Leftover pulled pork was exactly what inspired this sandwich. We had some sitting in the fridge and wanted an easy lunch idea, and this ended up being one of those meals that immediately felt like something we’d make again.
I had heard of pulled pork grilled cheese sandwiches before and had thought about trying one for a while, but this was the first time we actually made it ourselves. Honestly, I already knew it was going to be good because it combines so many things I already love. Crispy grilled bread, gooey melted cheese, tender pulled pork, and that little bit of sweet heat from the optional sauce all work so well together.
And of course, I still make my grilled cheese the same way I always prefer to by using mayo instead of butter. It gives the bread a crispier, more evenly golden texture and keeps it from feeling too greasy or heavy.
I hope you enjoy this recipe! ❤️ If you give it a try, please let me know how it turned out for you in the comments section at the bottom of the page or share a pic of your om noms on Instagram and tag @dishesanddustbunnies! ❤️
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pulled pork grilled cheese melt is crispy, cheesy, rich, and incredibly satisfying while still being really simple to make. It’s a great way to use up leftover pulled pork without feeling like leftovers at all.
The combination of melty cheese, tender pulled pork, and crispy grilled bread just works, especially with the optional honey mustard sriracha sauce added in. And using mayo instead of butter gives the sandwich a perfectly golden texture every time.
What Is This Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese Melt Like?
This sandwich is rich, cheesy, crispy, and packed with smoky pulled pork in every bite. The outside gets perfectly golden and crisp while the inside stays melty and soft with plenty of gooey cheese holding everything together.
The pulled pork adds a savory, smoky flavor that works really well with the creamy cheese and crispy bread. And if you add the optional honey mustard sriracha sauce, it gives the sandwich a sweet, tangy heat that cuts through the richness really nicely.
Be sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of the post for full ingredients & instructions!
How to Make Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese Melt – Overview
You can find the full recipe details, including ingredient amounts and the full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post, but first, here's a quick overview of how to make pulled pork grilled cheese melt!
Start by spreading mayo or butter on the outside of your bread, then layer cheese, pulled pork, and a little of the optional honey mustard sriracha sauce into the sandwich. Cooking it low and slow helps the bread turn perfectly golden and crispy while giving the cheese enough time to fully melt around the pulled pork. The result is a rich, cheesy sandwich with plenty of smoky flavor and crispy texture in every bite.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
This sandwich is already pretty rich and flavorful, so I like to keep it fairly simple, but there are still a few easy ways to change it up depending on what you have on hand.
Processed cheese melts the smoothest, but sharp cheddar works really well if you want a stronger cheese flavor. You can also mix cheeses if you like a little extra depth.
The optional honey mustard sriracha sauce adds a sweet and spicy kick that pairs really well with the smoky pulled pork, but the sandwich is still delicious without it if you want to keep things simple.
Sourdough, Texas toast, or thicker bakery-style bread all work nicely here, especially if you want an extra crispy sandwich. And while I always prefer mayo for grilling the bread, butter can still be used if that’s what you normally use for grilled cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this technically a grilled cheese or a melt?
Technically, once meat is added, it becomes a melt rather than a classic grilled cheese. But since it’s made the same way and has all those same crispy, cheesy comfort food vibes, a lot of people still casually call it grilled cheese.
What cheese works best for this sandwich?
Processed cheese melts the smoothest and gives that classic creamy texture, but sharp cheddar works really well with the smoky pulled pork too.
Can I use leftover pulled pork?
Absolutely. This recipe is perfect for leftover pulled pork and is honestly one of my favorite ways to use it up. I also have a really popular pulled pork recipe on the site that makes plenty of leftovers, which works perfectly for sandwiches like this.
Why use mayo instead of butter?
I prefer mayo because it spreads more evenly and gives the bread a crispier, more evenly golden texture without making it feel greasy. Butter still works if that’s your preference though.
Storage, Reheating & Freezing
Storage:
This sandwich is definitely best fresh while the bread is still crisp and the cheese is perfectly melted, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the air fryer to help crisp the bread back up. The microwave works in a pinch, but the bread will be softer.
Freezing:
I don’t really recommend freezing assembled grilled cheese sandwiches since the texture changes quite a bit once thawed and reheated.
What Can I Serve This With?
A pickle on the side is basically mandatory for me with any grilled cheese or melt. That crunchy, tangy bite cuts through the richness perfectly and just makes the whole meal feel complete.
Tomato soup is another classic pairing that works really well here, especially if you want something extra cozy and comforting. The smoky pulled pork and melty cheese go surprisingly well with a simple bowl of soup.
If you want something a little heartier, chips, fries, or a simple side salad all work nicely alongside this sandwich too.
Other Recipes You'll Enjoy
If you enjoy meals like this, simple comfort food recipes with lots of flavor and minimal fuss tend to fit right into the same kind of cozy meal rotation. Things like homemade soups, easy pasta dishes, slow cooker meals, and other hearty sandwich recipes all have that same satisfying comfort food feel that makes lunches and dinners a little easier and a lot more enjoyable.
Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese Melt
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
Description
This pulled pork grilled cheese melt is the perfect way to use leftover pulled pork with melty cheese, crispy golden bread, and an optional honey mustard sriracha sauce that takes it over the top.
Ingredients
- 2 slices bread
- 2 slices processed cheese or aged cheddar
- 1/3 cup prepared pulled pork – This is a great way to use up leftover pulled pork!
- 1–2 tbsp mayonnaise or 1 tbsp butter
- Honey mustard sriracha sauce, for dipping or drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- If making the optional sauce, stir together the honey, mustard, and sriracha until combined. Adjust the sriracha depending on how spicy you like it.
- Spread mayonnaise or butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
- Place one slice of bread, coated side down, into a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add one slice of cheese, then the pulled pork.
- If using the sauce, drizzle a little over the pulled pork, then top with the second slice of cheese.
- Place the second slice of bread on top, coated side facing up.
- Cook until the bottom is golden brown, about 3–4 minutes.
- Flip carefully and cook the other side until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted, another 3–4 minutes.
- Remove from the pan, let sit briefly, then slice and serve with a pickle on the side.
Notes
My preference is always to use mayo instead of butter because it gives the bread a crisp, evenly golden texture without making it feel greasy.
The optional honey mustard sriracha sauce adds a sweet, tangy heat that works really well with the pulled pork.
Layering the pulled pork between the cheese slices helps hold everything together and keeps the sandwich from getting messy.
This recipe works especially well with leftover pulled pork. Get my recipe for pulled pork here.
Processed cheese melts smooth and creamy, while aged cheddar gives a sharper flavor.
Technically, adding meat makes this a melt rather than a classic grilled cheese, but it still has all the same cozy comfort food vibes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
