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Pulled pork sandwiches with melty cheddar cheese are a weeknight dinner that brings the flavor without the fuss. This recipe showcases tender, shredded pork smothered in rich barbecue sauce, topped with gooey cheddar cheese, all nestled in a soft sesame seed bun. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pulled pork sandwich is packed with bold flavors and is incredibly satisfying. It’s easy to make and even easier to customize. Whether you’re a barbecue lover or just looking for a quick meal, this dish delivers.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of savory pulled pork and melted cheddar is irresistible.
- Easy to Make: Perfect for weeknight dinners with minimal prep time.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings to personalize each sandwich.
- Feeding a Crowd: Easily scales up for parties or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 4 sesame seed burger buns
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced pickles (optional)
- 1/4 cup coleslaw (optional)
How to Make Pulled Pork Sandwich with Cheddar
- Begin by seasoning the pork shoulder. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the pork.
- Place the seasoned pork in a slow cooker. Pour the barbecue sauce over the top, ensuring it’s well-coated. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the remaining barbecue sauce.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Split the sesame seed buns and place them on a baking sheet.
- Evenly distribute the pulled pork onto the bottom halves of the buns. Top each with a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, add pickles and coleslaw if desired, and place the top halves of the buns on each sandwich. Serve hot.
Tips for the Best Results
- For extra flavor, marinate the pork shoulder in the spice rub overnight.
- Use a high-quality barbecue sauce that you love for the best flavor.
- If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make this recipe in a Dutch oven, cooking the pork in the oven at 300°F for about 3-4 hours.
Easy Variations
- Swap out the cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
- Add some sautéed onions and peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- For a healthier twist, use whole grain buns and top with a fresh avocado slice.
What to Serve With It
- Crispy sweet potato fries
- Classic potato salad
- Grilled corn on the cob
- A refreshing green salad
- Baked beans for an extra barbecue touch
Storage and Reheating
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Store any leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. The pulled pork can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours (slow cooker) or 4 hours (high)
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield/Servings: 4 sandwiches
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 4 sesame seed burger buns
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced pickles (optional)
- 1/4 cup coleslaw (optional)
Instructions:
- Season the pork shoulder with the spice rub.
- Place in a slow cooker, cover with barbecue sauce, and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Shred the pork and mix it back with the sauce.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare buns on a baking sheet.
- Top buns with pulled pork and cheddar, then bake until cheese is melted.
- Add optional toppings and serve hot.
Notes: Marinate pork overnight for more flavor; can be made in a Dutch oven at 300°F for 3-4 hours.





















