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Savory BBQ Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese

BBQ pulled pork mac and cheese - featured image
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A comforting and hearty mac and cheese recipe featuring smoky BBQ pulled pork folded into a creamy cheese sauce, baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
  • 2 cups (about 300 grams) pulled pork, pre-cooked and smoky
  • 2 cups (8 ounces/225 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup (4 ounces/115 grams) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 4 tablespoons (about 56 grams) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk, warmed
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup (about 60 grams) panko breadcrumbs
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour and stir constantly for about 2 minutes until light golden.
  3. Gradually pour in warmed whole milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes until sauce thickens.
  4. Remove sauce from heat and stir in sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and smooth. Stir in yellow mustard and BBQ sauce.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and pulled pork. Fold gently to combine.
  6. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter.
  7. Pour mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly on top.
  8. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until top is golden brown and cheese is bubbling.
  9. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

If sauce is too thick before adding cheese, whisk in a splash more milk. Watch breadcrumbs closely during baking to prevent burning. For dairy-free or gluten-free versions, substitute ingredients accordingly. Leftover pulled pork works well. Can prepare ahead and refrigerate before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ pulled pork, mac and cheese, comfort food, baked mac and cheese, smoky, cheesy, easy dinner

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/savory-bbq-pulled-pork-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-comfort-meal/