Teresa's Recipes
BBQ Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese
Dive into a plate of pure comfort with this BBQ Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese! Creamy, rich cheese envelops al dente macaroni and is married perfectly with tender, smoky pulled pork. Topped with a drizzle of tangy BBQ sauce, this dish is a mouthwatering homage to Southern cuisine. Ideal for gatherings or cozy home dinners, this recipe showcases the love for hearty, flavorful comfort food that defines the American South. Prepare to savor each bite as the flavors meld together, creating a uniquely satisfying experience.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Macaroni
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Milk
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 cups Pulled pork, cooked
- 1/2 cup, plus more for drizzling BBQ sauce
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 6
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 30g
- Carbs: 55g
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 8g
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the macaroni and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour, whisking continuously for about 1-2 minutes until smooth and bubbly.
- Gradually pour in the milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking the mixture until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
- Fold in the cooked macaroni and pulled pork, stirring until everything is well combined and coated in the cheese sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Drizzle additional BBQ sauce over the top for added flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips
- For a kick of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce into the cheese sauce.
- For a smokier flavor, use smoked cheddar or mix in some crumbled bacon.
- Feel free to substitute the pulled pork with shredded chicken or beef for a different twist.