Pulled Pork And Cheese: The Perfect Match

Pulled pork sandwiches are a beloved comfort food worldwide, and for good reason. The tender, juicy, slow-cooked meat is mouthwatering, and there are endless ways to make them. One of the most notable variations is the Cubano, which originated in Cuba and typically includes roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. While cheese might not be the first thing you think of to put on a pulled pork sandwich, it is a totally acceptable option and can add a rich, creamy element. Popular cheese options include cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, provolone, and Swiss.

Monterey Jack cheese: mild, melty, and creamy

Monterey Jack cheese is an excellent choice for a pulled pork sandwich. It has a mild flavour and is known for its meltiness and creaminess, which can add a delicious texture to your sandwich without overwhelming the other flavours.

If you're looking for a more adult, stuffed version of a grilled cheese sandwich, then Monterey Jack is a great option. Its mild flavour and meltiness make it perfect for combining with the pulled pork and other ingredients to create a cohesive and tasty sandwich.

For example, you could try a combination of pulled pork, barbecue sauce, and Monterey Jack cheese on sourdough bread. This would result in a delicious, melty, and cohesive sandwich with a range of textures and flavours.

You could also experiment with different variations of Monterey Jack, such as Pepper Jack, which adds a kick of spice to your sandwich.

Monterey Jack is a versatile cheese that can be used in various dishes, and its mild flavour makes it a great choice for those who want a creamy and tasty addition to their pulled pork sandwich without being too overpowering.

Cheddar: tangy and full-flavoured

Cheddar is a popular choice for pulled pork sandwiches, offering a tangy and full-flavoured experience. Its sharpness and tanginess complement the smoky, sweet taste of barbecue sauce, creating a delightful combination.

When selecting cheddar for your pulled pork sandwich, consider opting for an extra sharp variety that can stand up to the robust flavour of the pork. The sharpness of the cheddar will also help to offset the sweetness of the pulled pork, creating a well-rounded flavour profile.

For an adult, stuffed version of a grilled cheese sandwich, try using a combination of pulled pork and cheddar cheese. The tanginess of the cheddar pairs exceptionally well with the balsamic and honey flavours in the pulled pork. This sandwich is best served on buttered sourdough bread, grilled to a golden brown, crispy perfection.

If you're feeling creative, you can even make a quesadilla with pulled pork and cheddar. This combination offers a unique twist on the traditional quesadilla, providing a tasty and satisfying meal.

Additionally, cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be used in various serving styles for pulled pork. You can pile it onto buns, stuff it into baked potatoes, or use it as a topping for nachos. Its ability to blend seamlessly with other ingredients makes it a popular choice for those seeking a cheesy element in their pulled pork creations.

Mozzarella: melty and stringy

Mozzarella is a great cheese option for a pulled pork sandwich. It is a soft cheese that melts beautifully, adding a stringy, gooey, and delicious texture and flavour.

Mozzarella is a mild cheese with a slightly tangy taste, so it won't overpower the rich, smoky flavours of the pulled pork. It has a semi-soft texture, which allows it to melt easily when warmed, creating a creamy, velvety layer that envelops the tender, saucy pulled pork.

The characteristic holes in Swiss cheese can also trap some of the barbecue sauce or other toppings, making each bite a delightful combination of flavours and textures.

Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, and it pairs particularly well with pulled pork. It adds a creamy, cheesy element that complements the tangy sauce and tender meat of a pulled pork sandwich.

When using mozzarella in a pulled pork sandwich, try spreading some mayonnaise on the outside of the bread before grilling the sandwich. This will help the bread turn a golden brown and crispy, while the inside remains soft and cheesy.

For an extra kick of flavour, you can also add some sliced pickles, pickled jalapeños, or banana peppers to your sandwich. These ingredients will cut through the richness of the cheese and pork, adding a tangy crunch.

Mozzarella is a crowd-pleasing cheese that is perfect for feeding a hungry group, and it can be easily adapted to suit different taste preferences. Whether you're making sandwiches for a party or a casual meal, mozzarella is an excellent choice that will leave your guests wanting more.

Swiss: semi-soft, mild, and nutty

Swiss cheese is a popular choice for adding to pulled pork sandwiches due to its distinct flavour and texture. It is semi-soft, with a mild, slightly nutty and tangy taste that complements the rich, smoky flavours of the pulled pork without overpowering them. Its semi-soft texture allows it to melt easily when warmed, creating a creamy, velvety layer that envelops the tender, saucy pulled pork. The characteristic holes in Swiss cheese can also trap some of the barbecue sauce or other toppings, making each bite a delightful combination of flavours and textures.

Swiss cheese is a key ingredient in the Cubano, a type of pulled pork sandwich that originated in Cuba. The Cubano is traditionally made with a long, flat bread such as a baguette, ciabatta or focaccia, and filled with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. It is then pressed or toasted to create a warm, melty sandwich with a crispy exterior.

When making a pulled pork sandwich, the type of bread you use can also make a big difference. While a traditional hamburger bun, sliced loaf bread, or brioche bun are common choices, you can also try a pretzel bun, Hawaiian roll, seeded bun, or sourdough bread for a unique twist.

Provolone: mild and slightly smoky

Provolone is a popular Italian cheese that is often smoked to add depth and complexity to its flavour. The smoking process involves exposing the cheese to smoke from burning wood chips or other smoking agents, resulting in a distinct smoky flavour. Smoked Provolone has a rich, nutty and salty taste that pairs well with a variety of dishes, both cold and melted. Its mild, smoky flavour can also add interest to fruits like tart apples or green grapes.

When used in a pulled pork sandwich, Provolone adds a creamy element to the dish. Its mild and slightly smoky flavour complements the rich, tangy and sweet taste of the barbecue sauce and pulled pork. The smokiness of the cheese also enhances the flavours of the other ingredients in the sandwich.

To make a delicious pulled pork sandwich with Provolone, start by slow-cooking the pork to ensure it is tender and flavourful. You can use a slow cooker, oven, stovetop, Instant Pot or smoker to cook the meat. Once the pork is cooked and shredded, toss it with barbecue sauce, then pile it onto a toasted bun. Add your desired toppings, such as coleslaw, pickles or jalapeños, and finish with a few slices of Provolone cheese. If you prefer your cheese melted, place it on top of the pork and let it melt before serving.

Provolone is a versatile cheese that can be used in both hot and cold dishes. It is commonly used as a topping for pizzas, sandwiches and burgers, adding a unique twist to classic dishes. Its mild, smoky flavour makes it a great choice for those who want to add a subtle smokiness to their pulled pork sandwich without overpowering the other ingredients.

Frequently asked questions