Pulled Pork Sliders: Best Cheeses To Melt And Top

There are many types of cheese that go well with pulled pork sliders, including cheddar, provolone, mozzarella, and pepper jack. For example, one recipe for pulled pork sliders includes cheddar cheese, while another recipe includes provolone. Ultimately, the best cheese to use may come down to personal preference.

Cheese options: cheddar, provolone, cojack, havarti, mozzarella, Muenster, or pepper jack

There are several cheese options that go well with pulled pork sliders. Here are some options to consider:

Cheddar

Cheddar is a popular choice for pulled pork sliders. It has a sharp and creamy flavour that pairs well with the smokiness of the pork. Cheddar comes in various colours, including yellow and white, and can be purchased in slices or shredded form.

Provolone

Provolone is a mild, melty cheese that is also a good option for pulled pork sliders. It has a slightly tangier flavour than cheddar and is often used in Hawaiian-style pulled pork sliders.

Cojack

Cojack cheese is a combination of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses. It has a mild, creamy flavour with a hint of tanginess. Cojack melts well and can add a nice touch to pulled pork sliders.

Havarti

Havarti is a mild and buttery cheese that melts particularly well, making it a great option for pulled pork sliders. It has a creamy texture and a subtle flavour that won't overpower the other ingredients.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a classic cheese choice that can also work well with pulled pork sliders. It has a mild flavour and melts easily, adding a stringy, cheesy texture to the sliders.

Muenster

Muenster cheese is a creamy, mild cheese that can be a good choice for pulled pork sliders. It has a slightly tangy flavour and melts well, making it a tasty addition to the sandwiches.

Pepper Jack

Pepper Jack cheese adds a spicy kick to pulled pork sliders. It has a bold flavour with a hint of peppery heat. Pepper Jack melts well and can add a nice touch of spice to the sandwiches.

When choosing a cheese for pulled pork sliders, consider the overall flavour profile you want to achieve. Mild cheeses like Havarti, Provolone, and Muenster will let the flavour of the pork shine through, while sharper cheeses like Cheddar and Pepper Jack will add a bolder, tangier element to the dish. Ultimately, the best cheese for pulled pork sliders is the one that suits your taste preferences and complements the other ingredients in the sandwich.

How to keep sliders from getting soggy

To make pulled pork sliders, you can use pre-made pulled pork, or make your own. One recipe recommends using Curly's Smoked Pulled Pork, which is sauceless, so you can add your own. This also helps to prevent the sliders from getting soggy. If you do use pre-sauced pork, scoop out the shreds of pork with a fork and leave the excess sauce in the bowl.

Another way to prevent sogginess is to add a slice of cheese to the bottom bun. This will stop the bun from getting soggy from the meat before baking.

You can also toast the buns in the oven before adding the toppings. Spread at least one tablespoon of softened butter on both the top and bottom of the slider rolls, and place them in the oven for a few minutes until the bread is slightly browned. This will add flavour and help to prevent the buns from getting soggy.

If you are making the sliders in advance, be aware that the buns can get soggy. One source recommends glazing the sliders just before baking for the best results. Another source says that the sliders can be reheated, but they taste better the first time.

Some other tips for making pulled pork sliders include:

• Browning the sliders isn't required, but it adds flavour and helps to prevent the buns from getting soggy.
• You can use a pastry brush to apply the glaze, or simply spoon it on.
• Double the glaze for super sweet sliders.
• Don't separate the sliders before assembling, as this will save time.
• If you are making your own pulled pork, you can refrigerate the pork plain and add sauce when you're ready to reheat it.

How to make pulled pork sliders with Hawaiian rolls

Pulled pork sliders are a delicious, easy-to-make meal that's perfect for game days, parties, or a quick weeknight bite. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make mouth-watering pulled pork sliders with Hawaiian rolls:

Ingredients:

• Hawaiian rolls (12-pack)
• Pulled pork (16 oz)
• Crushed pineapple (8 oz)
• Cheese (5 slices of Provolone, Muenster, Havarti, or Cheddar)
• BBQ sauce (1/2 to 2/3 cup)
• Butter (3 tbsp)
• Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp)
• Dijon mustard (1 tbsp)
• Brown sugar (1 to 2 tbsp)
• Italian seasoning (1 tsp)
• Minced garlic (1 tsp)

Optional Ingredients:

• Red onions or bell peppers for crunch
• Poppy seeds for topping

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half, keeping them attached.
• Spray a rectangular baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
• Place the bottom buns in the prepared dish.
• Spread the shredded pulled pork over the buns.
• If desired, mix the drained pineapple juice with your BBQ sauce to make it sweeter.
• Spread the drained pineapple over the pulled pork.
• If you want extra sauce, pour additional BBQ sauce over the pineapple.
• Layer your chosen cheese on top of the pineapple.
• In a small bowl, mix the butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Microwave this mixture until melted.
• Add the tops of the buns to the sandwiches.
• Baste the tops of the rolls with the glaze.
• Sprinkle poppy seeds over the rolls (optional).
• Bake the sliders for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are lightly browned.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips:

• To prevent sogginess, use sauceless pulled pork and add sauce separately.
• For a crowd, assume 2-3 sliders per person.
• For extra flavor, try adding French fried onions, coleslaw, or ranch to your sliders.

What to serve with pulled pork sliders

There are several options for what to serve with pulled pork sliders, and it depends on the type of meal you are preparing. If you are serving the sliders as a main dish, consider pairing them with a side like broccoli salad with cranberries, coleslaw, creamy potato salad, or fries. If you are serving the sliders as an appetizer or part of a larger meal, some options include spicy avocado fries, deep-fried deviled eggs, or a copycat Olive Garden salad.

Additionally, the type of cheese you choose for your pulled pork sliders can also impact your side dish options. For example, if you choose a sharper cheese like cheddar, you may want to balance it out with a milder side. Here are some specific side dish ideas to consider:

• Broccoli salad with cranberries
• Coleslaw
• Creamy potato salad
• Fries
• Spicy avocado fries
• Deep-fried deviled eggs
• Copycat Olive Garden salad

How to make BBQ pulled pork

Ingredients:

• Pork shoulder roast
• BBQ dry rub
• Light beer
• Soy sauce
• Apple cider vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Liquid smoke
• BBQ sauce
• Hamburger buns
• Butter
• Coleslaw (optional)

Method:

Step 1: Prepare the pork shoulder

Use a sharp paring knife to cut a few deep slits into a boneless pork shoulder (also known as Boston butt or pork butt) . Insert sliced garlic into each pocket. This helps to flavour the pork from the inside out.

Step 2: Season the pork

Dust the pork with a BBQ dry rub. A simple dry rub can be made with staple spices like chilli powder, cumin, garlic powder, mustard powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and brown sugar. Massage the rub into the meat with your hands.

Step 3: Mix the braising liquid

For the braising liquid, you can use a combination of light beer, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and liquid smoke. Many recipes also use sodas like Coca-Cola and Dr. Pepper for their flavour, sweetness, and tenderizing effects. Pour the liquid ingredients over the seasoned pork shoulder in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven.

Step 4: Braise the pork

Bring the pork and braising liquid to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 3-4 hours until the pork is tender and infused with flavour. This can also be done in an oven, slow cooker, or Instant Pot.

Step 5: Shred the pulled pork

Use tongs or two forks to pull the meat into shredded bite-sized pieces. This should be easy, as the meat will be fall-apart tender after braising.

Step 6: Assemble the sliders

Slice Hawaiian rolls or brioche buns in half and spread butter on both the top and bottom halves. Place the bottom halves in a baking dish and spread the shredded BBQ pork over them. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce, if desired. Add slices of cheese, such as cheddar, provolone, or Muenster, and top with the other half of the buns.

Step 7: Make the glaze

Create a glaze by mixing butter, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. You can also add ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, onion flakes, and poppy seeds. Microwave the glaze until completely melted, then pour it over the top of the buns.

Step 8: Bake the sliders

Bake the sliders in the oven for 5-10 minutes at 350°F until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden brown.

Serving Suggestions:

BBQ pulled pork sliders are perfect for parties, tailgating, appetizers, or an easy family meal. They can be served with sides like coleslaw, potato salad, macaroni salad, or baked beans.

Frequently asked questions