What is Carolina BBQ Mac with Slaw?

Carolina BBQ Mac with Slaw is a delicious dish that combines creamy macaroni and cheese with traditional Carolina-style barbecue, typically featuring pulled pork or brisket. It's often topped with a tangy slaw made from cabbage and other vegetables, adding a crunchy texture and balancing the richness of the mac and cheese.

How can I make Carolina BBQ Mac with Slaw at home?

To make Carolina BBQ Mac with Slaw, cook your favorite macaroni pasta and mix it with a cheese sauce made from cheddar and other cheeses. Stir in cooked pulled pork or brisket marinated in Carolina BBQ sauce. For the slaw, mix shredded cabbage, carrots, and a dressing made from vinegar, mayonnaise, and spices. Serve the BBQ mac topped with the slaw for a perfect blend of flavors.

Can I make a vegetarian version of Carolina BBQ Mac with Slaw?

Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by substituting the pulled pork or brisket with a plant-based alternative, such as jackfruit or a meat substitute that mimics BBQ flavors. You can also enhance the dish with roasted vegetables or smoked tofu, while keeping the mac and cheese and slaw components the same.

What sides pair well with Carolina BBQ Mac with Slaw?

Carolina BBQ Mac with Slaw pairs well with a variety of sides, including cornbread, baked beans, or collard greens. For a lighter option, you can also serve it with a side salad or pickles to complement the rich flavors of the dish.

Smoky Carolina BBQ Mac with Slaw – Easy Weeknight Dinner

Name: Smoky Carolina BBQ Mac with Slaw – Easy Weeknight Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni; 4 tablespoons butter; 4 tablespoons flour; 2 cups milk; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 cups pulled pork or pulled chicken; 1 cup Carolina BBQ sauce; 4 cups coleslaw mix; ½ cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; Salt and pepper to taste

Description

Get ready to experience the perfect fusion of Southern comfort and bold flavors with Carolina BBQ Mac with Slaw. Creamy macaroni and cheese meets tangy Carolina-style pulled meat and a crisp coleslaw topper—a true taste of the Carolinas!

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups elbow macaroni

4 tablespoons butter

4 tablespoons flour

2 cups milk

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

2 cups pulled pork or pulled chicken

1 cup Carolina BBQ sauce

4 cups coleslaw mix

½ cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cooking the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni 7–9 minutes until al dente; drain and set aside.

2. Making the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux; cook 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and simmer until thickened. Off heat, stir in shredded cheddar until melted.

3. Adding the Meat: Fold pulled pork or chicken into the cheese sauce along with Carolina BBQ sauce.

4. Mixing the Slaw: In a bowl combine coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper; toss to coat.

5. Assembling and Serving: Spoon BBQ mac into bowls or a baking dish. Top each portion with a generous scoop of slaw. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms or crumbled tofu and use a dairy-free cheese sauce.

Experiment with different BBQ sauces or add extra spices for more heat.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 550
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg