Around the Campfire
BBQ pulled pork melts are a smart camp dinner when you have prepared pork ready to go. The sandwich is warm, cheesy, crisp, and filling without needing a long cook.
Why This Recipe Works
Pulled pork warms quickly, while buttered Texas toast crisps on the Blackstone. Cheese ties the sandwich together and a cover helps it melt before the bread over-browns.
Quick Facts
- Serves: 4
- Heat zone: Medium
- Best for: Leftover pork, hot sandwich nights, quick dinners
- Teaches: Reheating and melting timing
Shopping List
- Pulled pork
- BBQ sauce
- Cheddar
- Texas toast
- Butter
Home Prep
Cook or portion pulled pork before the trip. Pack sauce and cheese separately.
Cooler Packing
Keep pork and cheese cold. Keep bread dry.
Equipment
- Blackstone griddle
- Spatula
- Optional melting dome
Heat Zones
Use medium heat for the bread; move it to a cooler zone if the bread browns too fast.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pulled pork
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 4 slices cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces)
- 8 slices Texas toast
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
Instructions
- Preheat the griddle to medium.
- In a bowl, mix 2 cups pulled pork with 1/2 cup BBQ sauce. Warm on the griddle, stirring, until hot throughout.
- Spread 4 tablespoons butter on one side of each slice of Texas toast.
- Lay 4 slices of Texas toast, buttered side down, on the griddle. Top each with 1/2 cup of the warmed pork and 1 slice cheddar.
- Place another slice of Texas toast on top of each, buttered side up. Cook until the bottoms are golden, then flip and cook the other side until crisp and the cheese melts.
- Transfer melts to a cutting board, slice, and serve hot.
Doneness
Pork should be hot throughout and cheese melted.
Common Mistakes
- Making the sandwich too wet.
- Cooking over high heat.
- Overfilling the bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with slaw, chips, fries, corn, or pickles.
Variations
- Add pickles.
- Add onions.
- Use pepper jack.
Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread and verified sauce.
- Dairy-free: Skip cheese or use an alternative.
Scaling
Warm pork in batches and toast sandwiches as needed.
Weather Notes
Wind slows melting. Use a cover if needed.
Leftovers
Reheat gently on low heat.
Kid Helper Tasks
Kids can layer cheese and set plates away from the griddle.
Dragonfly Tip
Keep the pork layer thin enough that the bread can still crisp.
Dragonfly Challenge
Try one melt with cheddar and one with pepper jack. Pick the camp sandwich winner.