The Absolute Best Cheese To Eat With Pulled Pork - Tasting Table

"If you do things right, there's nothing your pulled pork sandwich needs except for the meat and two pillowy buns. Yet, the extra flair gives the sandwich a boost - be it from the tangy pickles, creamy coleslaw, or savory cheese. The latter isn't a common staple in the dish, so it's important to choose one that harmonizes with your sandwich. According to Michelle Wallace, a renowned pitmaster, TV personality, and the founder and owner of B'tween Sandwich Co., the right cheese needs a certain amount of boldness to stand up to the varying components of a classic pulled pork sandwich."

""I love a good sharp cheddar for a pulled pork grilled cheese," she reveals. "You have the richness of the pork and the buttery, toasty bread; you need a cheese that can hold up and cut through the richness of the sandwich." Pork's sweet flavor, coupled with the umami tomatoes and brown sugar found in the barbecue sauce, can be quite dominant. Sharp cheddar's tanginess tempers the headiness of the sandwich while ensuring that the barbecue-infused pork doesn't taste too sweet. There's a slightly bitter edge to sharp cheddar, which grounds the meal without overtaking it."

""We love cheddar because of its melting quality and sharpness or tang," she adds. "So, find a cheese that will give you the same or similar result. Cheeses like Havarti or provolone will work beautifully." Like cheddar, Havarti has an acidic side to it. However, it's somewhat mild, with a buttery, sweet flavor that tastes best with savory sandwiches like a Cuban-style grilled cheese sandwich."

A pulled pork sandwich benefits from simple additions such as pickles, coleslaw, or cheese to enhance flavor and texture. Cheese selected for pulled pork should be bold enough to stand up to rich pork, buttery bread, and sweet, umami barbecue sauce. Sharp cheddar is recommended for its tang, slight bitterness, and melting quality, which cut through richness and pair well with vinegary toppings. Alternatives like Havarti and provolone offer similar melting properties and complementary flavors, with Havarti providing a milder, buttery profile suited to savory grilled sandwiches.

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