Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food mashup with our mouthwatering Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Mac! This dish combines the smoky, tangy flavors of barbecue pulled pork with the rich, creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese. It’s a match made in culinary heaven that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Imagine tender, shredded pork smothered in a robust BBQ sauce, nestled between layers of tender macaroni and a gooey, cheesy sauce. The combination of the savory pulled pork, the comforting pasta, and the melted cheese creates a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. This dish is the perfect blend of Southern-inspired barbecue and classic mac and cheese, making it the ultimate comfort food indulgence.
Table of Contents
Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Mac: The Ultimate Comfort Food Fusion
- Total Time: 10 hours 30 minutes (slow cooker) or 2 hours (Instant Pot)
- Yield: 6-8 servings
Description
This Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Mac is a delicious fusion of barbecue pulled pork and creamy macaroni and cheese, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Pulled Pork: Homemade or high-quality store-bought
Pasta: Elbow macaroni or any short tubular pasta
BBQ Sauce: Your favorite smoky, tangy BBQ sauce
Cheese Blend: Sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese
Seasonings: Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder
Optional Add-ins: Jalapeños, green onions, breadcrumbs
Instructions
1. Season pork shoulder with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder. Slow cook 8–10 hrs or pressure cook 60–90 min. Shred.
2. Cook pasta until al dente.
3. Make cheese sauce: melt butter, whisk in flour, add milk, stir until thick. Mix in cheeses and seasonings.
4. In a baking dish, layer pasta, pulled pork, and cheese sauce. Mix if desired.
5. Top with breadcrumbs or cheese. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 min until bubbly.
Notes
Leftover mac can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 hours (slow cooker) or 90 minutes (Instant Pot)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Ingredients for Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Mac
To create this delectable Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Mac, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- Pulled Pork: The star of the show! You can use homemade slow-cooked or Instant Pot pulled pork, or opt for a high-quality store-bought version.
- Pasta: Elbow macaroni is the classic choice, but you can use any short, tubular pasta that will hold the cheese sauce and pulled pork.
- BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite smoky, tangy BBQ sauce to coat the pulled pork and add depth of flavor.
- Cheese Blend: A combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese creates the perfect creamy, melty cheese sauce.
- Seasonings: Smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder enhance the savory, smoky notes of the dish.
- Optional Add-ins: Jalapeños for a spicy kick, green onions for freshness, or breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
You’ll also need a few pieces of equipment, such as a slow cooker or Instant Pot for the pulled pork, a large pot for cooking the pasta, and a baking dish for assembling and baking the Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Mac.
How to Make the Pulled Pork
The foundation of this Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Mac is the delicious, slow-cooked pulled pork. While you can certainly use store-bought pulled pork, making it at home is easy and worth the extra effort.
Start by choosing the right cut of pork – either a pork shoulder or pork butt. These cuts have the perfect balance of fat and connective tissue that will result in tender, shredable pork after slow cooking. Season the pork generously with a blend of salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
For the cooking method, you have two options: slow cooker or Instant Pot. In the slow cooker, simply add the seasoned pork, pour in your favorite BBQ sauce, and let it cook on low for 8-10 hours until the meat is fall-apart tender. In the Instant Pot, the pork will be ready in about 60-90 minutes under high pressure.
Once the pork is cooked, use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces, making sure to incorporate all the delicious, saucy bits. This shredded pulled pork is now ready to be the star of your Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Mac.
Preparing the Macaroni and Cheese Base
While the pulled pork is cooking, you can start on the macaroni and cheese portion of the dish. Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions, making sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.
For the cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in flour to create a roux. Slowly pour in milk or cream, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Then, gradually add in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season the cheese sauce with a pinch of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to enhance the flavors.
Combining the Pulled Pork and Macaroni
Now, it’s time to bring the Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Mac together. Start by layering the cooked macaroni in a baking dish, followed by a generous helping of the shredded BBQ pulled pork. Pour the cheesy sauce over the top, making sure to evenly distribute it.
For an extra creamy and flavorful result, you can even mix the pulled pork and macaroni together before transferring to the baking dish. This ensures that every bite is bursting with the savory, smoky, and cheesy goodness.
Baking the Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’d like to add a crispy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or extra shredded cheese over the top of the Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Mac.
Bake the dish for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden. Keep an eye on it to prevent the cheese from burning.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
The Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Mac is a true crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with a variety of sides and beverages. Consider serving it with a fresh, crunchy coleslaw or a warm, crusty cornbread for a classic Southern-inspired meal.
As for drinks, a cold beer or a refreshing sweet tea would be the perfect accompaniment to this comforting dish. For a visually appealing presentation, garnish the Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Mac with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers
- Cheesy BBQ Bacon Tornado Fries
- BBQ Pulled Pork Stuffed Cheesy Biscuit Bombs
- BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Fry Casserole
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I substitute for pulled pork in this recipe?
If you’re not a fan of pulled pork, you can substitute shredded chicken or even beef brisket for a different flavor profile. The key is to choose a protein that can stand up to the smoky, tangy BBQ sauce.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version of Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Mac, you can replace the pulled pork with your favorite plant-based meat alternative, such as sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or jackfruit.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Leftover Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Mac can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the desired portion in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until hot.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While the classic cheddar and mozzarella blend works wonderfully, you can experiment with other cheese varieties as well. Try using a combination of Gouda, Gruyère, or even a spicy pepper jack cheese for a unique twist on the cheese sauce.
Conclusion
Get ready to dive into the ultimate comfort food fusion with this Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Mac. The combination of tender, savory pulled pork, tangy BBQ sauce, and a creamy, cheesy macaroni base is simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or craving a cozy, indulgent meal, this dish is sure to become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to experience the ultimate in comfort food bliss!
Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.