Description
These irresistible Smoky Maple Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese Bombs combine tender pulled pork coated in sweet-smoky maple bourbon BBQ sauce with creamy mac and cheese, all wrapped in a crispy fried shell. The perfect bite-sized appetizer for game day, parties, or whenever you’re craving the ultimate comfort food fusion!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb pulled pork
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (pure, not pancake syrup)
- 2 tbsp bourbon
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, plus extra for coating
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions, reducing cooking time by 1-2 minutes for firmer pasta. Drain and cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, thoroughly combine pulled pork, BBQ sauce, maple syrup, and bourbon. Set aside.
- In another bowl, mix cooked macaroni, shredded cheese, milk, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Refrigerate both mixtures for at least 30 minutes to make handling easier.
- Take approximately 1/4 cup of mac and cheese mixture and flatten in your palm. Place 1 tablespoon of pulled pork mixture in the center.
- Fold the mac and cheese mixture around the pork filling, sealing completely and shaping into a ball.
- Place formed bombs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Working in batches of 4-5, carefully fry the bombs for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, turning occasionally.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For make-ahead convenience, form the bombs up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to fry.
- These bombs can be frozen before or after cooking. If frozen before cooking, thaw in refrigerator before frying.
- For a less messy alternative, these can be baked instead of fried. Coat with cooking spray or brush with melted butter, roll in additional breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
- Serve with additional warm BBQ sauce for dipping.
- The perfect cheese pull happens when these are served warm but not piping hot – let them rest for 3-5 minutes after frying.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bomb
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 65mg