Smoky Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Recipe: Comforting Flavor Magic

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible smoky pulled pork mac and cheese that promises to satisfy every craving.

Tender, slow-cooked pork melds perfectly with creamy pasta and sharp cheese, creating a mouthwatering blend of textures and flavors.

The rich smokiness infuses each bite with depth and warmth, making this dish a standout at any gathering.

Melted cheese creates a luscious blanket over perfectly cooked macaroni, while succulent pulled pork adds a hearty protein punch.

Each forkful delivers a symphony of smoky, cheesy goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Forget bland pasta dishes – this recipe elevates mac and cheese to an extraordinary culinary experience.

Prepare to be amazed by how these simple ingredients can transform into an unforgettable meal that’ll have you coming back for more.

Tips to Customize Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese

• Flavor Boost: Add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick that'll make taste buds dance.
• Healthier Twist: Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing creamy deliciousness.
• Slow Cooker Magic: Transform the pulled pork by using a slow cooker for extra tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat that's packed with smoky flavor.
• Veggie Power-Up: Mix in roasted vegetables like bell peppers, caramelized onions, or crispy bacon bits to add extra texture and nutrition to the mac and cheese.
• Make-Ahead Hero: Prepare the dish completely, then cover and refrigerate. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes when ready to serve, making meal prep a breeze for busy nights.

Serving Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Hot

• Comfort Food Feast: Perfect for a cozy dinner that brings everyone together with its hearty and indulgent flavors.
• Picnic and Potluck Star: Transport this mac and cheese in a covered dish to become the highlight of any outdoor gathering or community event.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve in individual ramekins or a large casserole dish as the ultimate sports-watching companion that keeps fans happy and satisfied.
• Balanced Side Dish Companion: Pair with a crisp green salad or tangy coleslaw to cut through the richness and add a fresh, lighter element to the meal.

Save Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese the Smart Way

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Separate pulled pork and cheese sauce to maintain best texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Freeze individual portions in sealed containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently to prevent sauce separation.
• Reheating Magic: Warm in microwave with splash of milk to restore creamy consistency. Alternatively, reheat in oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying.
• Quick Meal Prep Trick: Prepare pulled pork and cheese sauce separately earlier in week. Combine and bake when ready to serve, saving time during busy weeknights.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 869 kcal

Servings: 6

What Goes Into Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese

• Pulled Pork: Tender, smoky meat that adds rich protein and hearty flavor to the dish.
• BBQ Sauce: Tangy condiment that enhances meat's moisture and provides sweet-spicy undertone.

• Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that captures creamy cheese sauce perfectly.

• Butter: Creates silky smooth base and adds luxurious richness.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens sauce and provides velvety texture.
• Milk: Provides creamy liquid foundation for sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Adds decadent, luxurious thickness to cheese sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that delivers classic mac and cheese flavor.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Mild, super melty cheese that creates smooth texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, complex depth to cheese blend.

• Dijon Mustard: Adds subtle tangy complexity to cheese sauce.
• Garlic Powder: Provides aromatic background warmth.
• Onion Powder: Delivers gentle savory undertone.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces subtle smoky essence.
• Salt: Balances and heightens overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle spicy kick.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates irresistible crispy golden layer.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers bright, fresh garnish with vibrant color.

• Extra BBQ Sauce: Allows personalized flavor boosting.
• Crispy Fried Onions: Provides del.

Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Gear Guide

• Large saucepan: Essential for creating the creamy cheese sauce from scratch.
• Whisk: Perfect for smoothly blending flour, milk, and seasonings without lumps.
• Baking dish: Helps assemble and bake the mac and cheese with a beautiful golden topping.
• Pasta pot: Needed to boil macaroni until perfectly al dente.
• Skillet: Great for warming and mixing pulled pork with BBQ sauce.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for the perfect recipe.

Cooking Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese at Home

• Create Flavor-Packed Pulled Pork

Warm pulled pork in a skillet with tangy BBQ sauce until heated through and saucy.

• Craft Creamy Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a large pan, whisk in flour until golden. Slowly pour milk and cream, adding zesty seasonings. Simmer until sauce thickens beautifully.

• Blend Cheesy Goodness

Stir in a trio of melty cheeses until silky smooth. Fold cooked pasta into the velvety sauce, ensuring every noodle gets coated.

• Build Delicious Layers

Transfer mac and cheese to a baking dish. Spread BBQ pulled pork across the top. Sprinkle buttery breadcrumbs and extra cheese for a crispy, golden crust.

• Bake to Perfection

Pop into a hot oven and bake until bubbly and bronzed. Crisp edges and melted cheese signal it’s ready to devour.

• Serve with Flair

Garnish with fresh herbs or crunchy fried onions. Dive into this ultimate comfort food that combines smoky, creamy, and crispy textures in every heavenly bite.

Smoky Pulled Pork Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets culinary excellence with pulled pork mac and cheese, a hearty dish blending smoky shredded meat and creamy pasta. Cheese lovers will savor the rich flavors and comforting textures that make this recipe a true crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (340 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (113 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups (473 ml) cooked pulled pork (leftovers or store-bought)
• 16 ounces (454 g) elbow macaroni
• 3 cups (710 ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (237 ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (120 ml) BBQ sauce
• 4 tablespoons (57 g) butter
• ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter, melted
• ¼ cup (28 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Flavor Infusion: Warm pulled pork with BBQ sauce in a skillet over medium heat, ensuring even coating and setting aside for later integration.
2. Pasta Preparation: Cook macaroni until perfectly tender, drain, and reserve as the creamy mac and cheese base.
3. Sauce Foundation: Melt butter and create a golden roux with flour, whisking continuously to develop a rich, complex flavor without burning.
4. Cream Blend: Incorporate milk and heavy cream into the roux, adding Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer until the mixture thickens elegantly.
5. Cheese Fusion: Reduce heat and blend cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until a velvety, smooth sauce forms.
6. Pasta Integration: Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring complete and generous coating.
7. Oven Preparation: Preheat to 375°F, setting the stage for a transformative baking process.
8. Assembly: Transfer mac and cheese to a baking dish, creating an even base for the pulled pork layer.
9. Meat Distribution: Spread BBQ-infused pulled pork uniformly across the surface, blending creamy and savory elements.
10. Crispy Topping: Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, sprinkle over the dish, and add an extra layer of shredded cheddar for enhanced texture and flavor.
11. Baking Finale: Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the top achieves a golden-brown crispness and the interior becomes bubbling and irresistible.
12. Garnish and Serve: Finish with fresh parsley, optional BBQ sauce drizzle, or crispy fried onions for a delightful textural contrast.

Notes

• Manage Meat Moisture: Warm pulled pork gently to prevent drying out, ensuring tender and succulent meat integration into the mac and cheese.
• Control Cheese Melting: Reduce heat when adding cheeses and stir consistently to create a smooth, lump-free sauce without scorching or separating.
• Customize Breadcrumb Crunch: Toast panko breadcrumbs separately before topping for extra golden-brown crispiness and enhanced nutty flavor profile.
• Dietary Adaptation Strategy: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free options, use lactose-free cheese blends, and replace dairy milk with almond or oat milk for alternative dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 658
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 888 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 127 mg