Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese is a comforting and indulgent dish that combines creamy macaroni and cheese with tender, flavorful pulled pork. This hearty meal is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Pulled Pork:
- 2 pounds pork shoulder (or pork butt)
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional for cooking)
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
Timing
Making Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 2-3 hours for cooking the pork (if using a slow cooker), plus 30 minutes for preparing the mac and cheese.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pulled Pork
- Season the Pork: In a small bowl, mix paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the pork shoulder.
- Cook the Pork:
- Slow Cooker Method: Place the seasoned pork in a slow cooker. Add the chicken broth if using. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
- Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the pork in a roasting pan, cover it with foil, and bake for about 3-4 hours until tender.
- Shred the Pork: Once cooked, remove the pork from the cooker or oven and shred it with two forks. Mix in the barbecue sauce to coat the pulled pork evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Mac and Cheese
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and bubbles (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Combine: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Combine Pulled Pork and Mac and Cheese: Gently fold the pulled pork into the mac and cheese mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top for a crunchy texture.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 4: Serve
- Cool and Serve: Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is great on its own or served with a side salad or coleslaw.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese (per serving, based on 8 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 600 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Fat | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 60g |
| Sugar | 6g |
Tips for Customization
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix different cheeses, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a smoky flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate cooked broccoli or spinach for added nutrition.
- Spice it Up: Add hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the pulled pork for extra heat.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the best of comfort food in one bowl. It’s sure to be a hit with family and friends!
FAQs
Can I make the pulled pork ahead of time?
Yes, the pulled pork can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I use store-bought pulled pork?
Absolutely! You can use store-bought pulled pork to save time.
Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
3 hours
Total Time:
3 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
- For the Pulled Pork:
- • 2 pounds pork shoulder (or pork butt)
- • 1 tablespoon paprika
- • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- • 1 teaspoon onion powder
- • 1 teaspoon salt
- • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- • 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- • 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional for cooking)
- For the Mac and Cheese:
- • 1 pound elbow macaroni
- • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- • 4 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- • Salt and pepper, to taste
- • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
Instructions
Prepare the Pulled Pork
- Season the pork by mixing paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, then rubbing the mixture all over the pork shoulder.
- Cook the pork in a slow cooker on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, or cook it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3–4 hours covered with foil.
- Shred the pork with two forks once tender and mix it with barbecue sauce.
Prepare the Mac and Cheese
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- Melt butter in a pot, stir in flour to form a roux, and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in milk and cook until thickened.
- Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well.
Assemble and Bake
- Fold the pulled pork into the mac and cheese mixture.
- Transfer everything into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Serve
- Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve.
