Grilled Cheese Recipe High-Protein with Pulled Pork

Combining the classic comfort of a grilled cheese sandwich with the rich flavors of pulled pork creates a delicious and high-protein meal that’s perfect for any time of day. This recipe guides you through making a high-protein grilled cheese with pulled pork, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Ingredients

To start, gather the necessary ingredients. You will need 1 lb (450g) of pork shoulder or pork loin, 1 cup of barbecue sauce, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. These ingredients will come together to create the savory pulled pork filling for your grilled cheese sandwiches.

Step 1

Prepare the pulled pork by seasoning the pork shoulder or loin with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and sear the pork on all sides until browned, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Once browned, transfer the pork to a slow cooker or Instant Pot.

Step 2

Pour the barbecue sauce over the pork, ensuring it is evenly coated. Cook the pork on low heat for 6-8 hours in a slow cooker, or follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cooking pork in an Instant Pot until it is tender and easily shredded. This slow cooking method allows the pork to absorb the flavors of the barbecue sauce fully.

Step 3

Once the pork is cooked, shred it using two forks. Mix the shredded pork with the remaining barbecue sauce to ensure it is well-coated and flavorful. The pulled pork should be moist and packed with the delicious barbecue taste.

Step 4

Next, assemble the grilled cheese sandwiches. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Butter one side of each slice of bread. This will help achieve a golden, crispy exterior on your sandwiches.

Step 5

Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on the skillet. Layer each slice with shredded cheese, then add a generous portion of the prepared pulled pork. The combination of melted cheese and savory pulled pork makes for an indulgent filling.

Step 6

Top each sandwich with the remaining slices of bread, with the buttered side facing up. This ensures both sides of the sandwich will be toasted to perfection.

Step 7

Cook the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Keep an eye on the sandwiches to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

Step 8

Once cooked, remove the grilled cheese sandwiches from the skillet and let them cool for a minute or two before serving. Slice the sandwiches diagonally for easier handling and a classic presentation. Serve the sandwiches hot and enjoy the delightful combination of crispy bread, melted cheese, and flavorful pulled pork.