Skip to Content

The 10 Best Cheeses for Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Are you looking to take your pulled pork sandwich to the next level?

Adding the perfect cheese can do just that!

But with so many different types of cheese, it can be a bit overwhelming when deciding what is the best cheese for pulled pork sandwiches.

Never fear, I’m here to help!

In this blog post, I’m sharing 10 of the best cheeses for pulled pork sandwiches.

Whether you prefer mild or sharp, creamy or crumbly, there’s sure to be something on this list that will make your pulled pork sandwich even more delicious.

Read Also: What Salad Goes With Pulled Pork? (15 Best Salads)

Pulled Pork Sandwich

The 10 Best Kinds of Cheese for Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Pulled pork sandwiches are a classic and delicious meal, but it can be hard to know which cheese to top them with.

Here are ten of the best cheeses for pulled pork sandwiches.

Each one brings its own unique flavor, texture and aroma that will take your sandwich to the next level:

1. Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar

When you need a cheese to top your pulled pork sandwich, don’t look any further than cheddar. While there are plenty of cheeses that work well with pulled pork sandwiches, cheddar stands out from the crowd by adding an extra level of flavor and creaminess.

Cheddar is an aged semi-hard cheese that starts off mild in flavor and develops a sharper, salty taste as it ages. It hails from England where it has been a staple for centuries!

When added to pulled pork sandwiches, cheddar adds depth to the sweet and smoky flavors already present in the dish. The texture of cheddar adds creaminess while its sharpness complements the richness perfecting balancing each bite.

Whether you opt for mild or sharp, this cheese will make your sandwich even better. Try topping your next BBQ creation with garlic mayonnaise and slices of creamy cheddar over freshly chopped coleslaw – perfection!

2. Pepper Jack Cheese

Pepper Jack

Pepper Jack cheese is a great choice for topping pulled pork sandwiches. Its creamy texture and spicy flavor will add just the right kick of heat to offset any sweetness from the pulled pork.

Pepper Jack cheese has a mild flavor with a bit of crunch that comes from the Monterey Jack base with added jalapenos, poblano peppers, and habanero peppers. It’s creamy but not too greasy, so it won’t overpower your sandwich while still adding some extra zing.

The best way to use Pepper Jack is in thin slices directly on top of warm pulled pork between two thick slices of fresh-baked bread. The slightly melted consistency makes it perfect for pulling apart between layers of softness–perfect for when you want an easy-to-eat meal that still packs extreme flavor.

It can also be diced up into smaller pieces and mixed into the pulled pork itself before being placed onto your favorite roll or bun–mix it in at the last minute to get those chiles fully integrated without losing their kick!

No matter how you choose to use it, placing pepper jack cheese on top of your next stackable sandwich will really take things up another notch!

3. Smoked Gouda Cheese

Smoked Gouda

Smoked Gouda cheese is a great addition to pulled pork sandwiches because of its smoky flavor and creamy texture. It adds that extra boost of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.

Smoked Gouda cheese can be used as an ingredient in your sandwich filling, melted into the bread just before serving, or thinly sliced on top for added texture and visual appeal.

For optimal enjoyment, use thick slices of Smoked Gouda when putting together your pulled pork sandwiches. Thinner slices will melt faster and you won’t get as much taste out of them. Adding butter on top helps it to melt faster and makes it easier to spread over the entire sandwich when heated up!

Finally, don’t forget to add some crunchy toppings such as pickles or jalapenos for a complete experience with each bite!

4. Provolone Cheese

Provolone

If you love pulled pork, then you threw out heard of Provolone Cheese. This Italian cheese is a great choice for barbecue lovers, as it brings its own unique flavor to the already delicious and savory pulled pork sandwich.

Provolone comes in two variations – Piccante (aged 5-6 months) or Dolce (aged 2-3 months). The former has a sharper and tangier taste than the latter, with both variations having a mild nutty semi-firm texture that works perfectly with the juicy tenderness of slow-cooked pork.

When adding Provolone to your pulled pork sandwiches, try grilling it first! This will add wonderful smoky char marks to the cheese and melt it just enough to stick together without falling off.

Alternatively, keep it cold and serve your sandwich open face by momentarily removing the top slices of the bun so that everyone can appreciate how stunningly gooey melted Provolone looks on their Pulled Pork Sandwich.

For extra oomph add some caramelized onions or roasted peppers too!

Whatever type of provolone you choose, you can rest assured knowing that your Pulled Pork Sandwiches are going to be even more flavorsome than usual when topped with this delicious dairy delight!

5. Blue Cheese

Blue cheese

When it comes to pulled pork sandwiches, blue cheese is the way to go. The creamy texture and sharp, salty flavor of blue cheese adds a unique taste element that complements the pulled pork and brings together all the flavors.

Blue cheese has an edible rind that is slightly nutty in flavor plus a creamy paste-like interior with pockets of blue or green mold. Some varieties are creamier and milder while others can be crumbly and quite pungent.

The best way to include blue cheese in your pulled pork sandwich recipe is by crumbling it over the top at the end of cooking.

This way some of its pungent flavor stands out but doesn’t overpower other components like pickles or mustard. You could also opt for stirring it through BBQ sauce before tossing it with your cooked pulled pork instead!

Just remember, less is more when using this boldly flavored cheese as too much will dominate other flavors such as hoisin sauce or smoked paprika used elsewhere in your dish!

6. Swiss Cheese

Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese is a great choice when it comes to adding extra flavor and richness to pulled pork sandwiches. The nutty, wholesome flavor of Swiss cheese complements the rich taste of pulled pork without being overpowering.

In terms of texture, this semi-hard cheese is creamy and has large holes scattered throughout the block, giving it its signature appearance.

The mild taste with hints of sweetness makes it an ideal addition to any dish from tacos to sandwiches (pulled pork in particular).

When using Swiss Cheese for your sandwich you can either chop or shred for a more uniform texture or slices for added visual appeal. You can also cube and add directly into your slow cooker before serving as an additional topping!

You can pair Swiss Cheese with other tasty additions such as pickled onions, spicy jalapenos, sweet BBQ sauces or garlicky mayonnaise – whatever flavors you prefer on your sandwich!

7. Colby Cheese

Colby Jack

Colby cheese is the perfect cheese to use in pulled pork sandwiches because of its mild and creamy flavor and melting ability.

A semi-soft cow’s milk cheese with a natural orange color, Colby has a light, buttery taste that pairs perfectly with pulled pork.

To truly elevate your pulled pork sandwich to the next level you can add some additional flavors for another layer of cheesy deliciousness.

For example, grated Colby cheese mixed with some Dijon mustard gives an extra tangy flavor. Or try mixing it up with some garlic powder and sour cream for a richer bite!

Adding colby cheese also adds extra melty goodness – just make sure to melt it first before adding on top of your sandwich!

To do this quickly, place slices of Colby onto wax paper on a baking sheet and then pop them in a preheated oven until melted (usually about 5 minutes).

Then all you have to do is pile it onto your sandwich or wrap it into something warm like burritos or taquitos.

8. American Cheese

Cheese

American cheese is the perfect pairing for BBQ-style pulled pork sandwiches. The mild, creaminess of this processed cheese perfectly complements the smoky flavors of the slow-cooked meat.

American cheese can be purchased in pre-sliced squares or in larger blocks which can then be shredded or sliced as needed.

To add extra layers of flavor and texture, consider mixing it with other cheeses such as sharp cheddar, Monterrey Jack, Colby jack, or Pepper Jack.

You can also switch things up a bit by choosing an American white cheese like Cheddarwurst that has a slightly tangy taste and smooth meltability – great if you’re looking to give your sandwich some added zip while still maintaining its creamy goodness!

Finally, don’t forget to top it all off with some bacon bits for an extra kick of savory sweetness!

9. Feta Cheese

Feta

A pulled pork sandwich is an undisputed classic and one of the best ways to enjoy pulled pork.

To make it even more delicious, feta cheese is a great option for adding a unique zing to this traditional dish.

Feta cheese has a salty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the tartness of BBQ sauce. The creamy texture melts when cooked in the oven or skillet and complements any bread roll perfectly.

When using feta in your pulled pork sandwiches, be creative! While handmade rolls are always nice, you can also opt for crisp French baguette slices or a thick focaccia slice instead.

For added sweetness, try adding some freshly sliced red onion or grated carrot on top before laying down your favorite BBQ sauce and melted feta cheese slices over hot pulled pork.

You can also add extra seasonings like chili flakes or smoky paprika – whatever works best with your taste buds! And don’t forget about sides: some crunchy coleslaw is sure to take this meal over the top!

10. Brie Cheese

Brie

If you are looking to take your pulled pork sandwiches up a notch, brie cheese is the perfect addition.

The creaminess and delicate flavor of this bloomy rind cheese will go perfectly with smoky notes of grilled or smoked pulled pork.

Brie’s subtle nuttiness complements the sweetness of the barbecue sauce typically used in pulled pork recipes. You can find mild or more pungent varieties depending on how much flavor kick you want in your sandwich!

I recommend adding melted brie onto your warm and gooey sandwich just as you’re about to finish cooking it in order to get all those flavors working together.

To add some texture and balance out all that creamy goodness, why not throw on some crunchy bacon bits too?

This combination creates an irresistible mouthful that’s sure to satisfy even the hungriest of diners!

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, pulled pork sandwiches can be made even tastier with the addition of a flavorful cheese.

The best kinds of cheese for pulled pork sandwiches are cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, smoked gouda cheese, provolone cheese, blue cheese, Swiss cheese, Colby cheese, American cheese, feta cheese, and brie cheese.

Each of these cheeses has its own unique flavor and texture that can really bring out the best in your pulled pork sandwich.

So, the next time you’re looking for something to add to your sandwich, try one of these cheeses and enjoy the delicious results.

Pulled Pork Sandwich

The 10 Best Cheeses for Pulled Pork Sandwiches

The best cheese for pulled pork sandwiches can make or break the dish. That's why I'm sharing my top 10 picks for the best cheeses to use when making pulled pork sandwiches. From cheddar and Monterey Jack to Swiss and blue cheese, this list will help you choose the perfect cheese to enhance the flavor of your sandwich.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Cheese, Sandwich
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 411 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Cheddar Cheese
  • Pepper Jack Cheese
  • Smoked Gouda Cheese
  • Provolone Cheese
  • Blue Cheese
  • Swiss Cheese
  • Colby Cheese
  • American Cheese
  • Feta

Instructions
 

  • Select your favorite cheese.
  • Organize all the required ingredients.
  • Prep a delicious sandwich in 30 minutes or less!
Website | + posts

Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.