Barbecue Pulled Pork Mac Cheese (Print version)

Rich macaroni blended with smoky pulled pork and melted cheese, finished with a crunchy topping.

# What You Need:

→ Pulled Pork

01 - 2 cups cooked pulled pork with barbecue sauce

→ Pasta

02 - 14 oz elbow macaroni

→ Cheese Sauce

03 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter
04 - 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
05 - 2 cups whole milk
06 - 1 cup heavy cream
07 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
08 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
09 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
11 - 1/2 tsp salt
12 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Topping

13 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
14 - 2 tbsp melted butter
15 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
16 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

# How to Make:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 - Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
04 - Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream. Simmer until thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
05 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar, Monterey Jack, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
06 - Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce thoroughly in a large bowl.
07 - Spread half of the macaroni and cheese in the baking dish. Top evenly with pulled pork. Cover with remaining macaroni and cheese.
08 - Combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the top.
09 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until topping is golden brown and sauce is bubbling.
10 - Allow to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • Combination of classic comfort food with barbecue flavors
  • Perfect main dish for gatherings or family dinners
02 -
  • Contains: Milk (dairy), Wheat (gluten), Pork
  • May contain: Soy (in barbecue sauce, always check product labels for hidden allergens)
03 -
  • Swap in smoked cheddar cheese for deeper flavor
  • Pulled chicken works well as a substitute if desired
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