Introduction
Dive into the comfort food heaven with this creamy and cheesy Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese. This dish is perfect for dinner meals with your family, or whenever you’re hosting a gathering. You’ll be serving 6 people with this recipe, whipping it up within 20 minutes, baking it for 25 minutes and your dish will be ready in 45 minutes.
Why make this recipe
The Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese is a savory dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. The combination of cheesy macaroni with tender shredded pork offers a palate of flavors that is sure to delight anyone.
How to make Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese
Ingredients :
1 lb elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded pulled pork
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup BBQ sauce
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Directions :
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the macaroni and set it aside.
4. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
5. Stir in the flour and cook it for about 1 minute until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
6. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, stir constantly, until the mixture thickens.
7. Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and well combined.
8. Incorporate the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
9. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and pulled pork and mix until thoroughly coated.
10. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
11. Drizzle BBQ sauce over the top;
12. sprinkle with breadcrumbs if desired.
13. Bake this mixture for 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
How to serve Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese
Serve the Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese while it is hot. This dish is heartwarming and perfect when served with a side of coleslaw or a fresh green salad.
How to store Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese
To store Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese, cover it with a tight lid or wrap it in a foil before placing it in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3-4 days. This is a perfect dish to make ahead before the busy week starts.
Tips to make Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese
Always use freshly shredded cheese as they melt better. Do not rush the white sauce and let it cook out slowly for better flavor. Ensure to cook the macaroni until al dente as it will cook further in the oven.
Variations (if any)
For a twist to this dish, you can use different types of cheeses and add extras such as bacon or vegetables. You can also change the macaroni to other pasta like fusilli or penne.
FAQs
What type of pulled pork should I use?
You can use pre-cooked and pre-shredded pork available in local grocery stores. If you want to make your own, you can cook a boneless pork shoulder in a slow cooker.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dish, cover it, and refrigerate it until it’s time to bake.
Will it taste different if I don’t add breadcrumbs?
Breadcrumbs add a crispy texture to the dish. If you don’t have breadcrumbs or don’t want to add, it will still taste great.