Oh boy, do I have a treat for you today! If you’re looking for pure, unadulterated comfort food, then you absolutely HAVE to try this Irresistible BBQ Pulled Pork Macaroni And Cheese. Seriously, it’s the ultimate hug in a bowl! Imagine that ridiculously creamy, cheesy macaroni we all adore, but then BAM! It’s loaded up with smoky, tender BBQ pulled pork. My family devours this dish, especially on those chilly evenings or after a long week when we just need something soul-warming. It’s become our go-to weekend dinner, and I’m so excited to share it with you!

Why This Irresistible BBQ Pulled Pork Macaroni And Cheese is a Must-Try

Okay, so what makes this mac and cheese so darn special? Well, for starters, it’s ridiculously easy to whip up. Even on a busy weeknight, you can have this amazing dish on the table without breaking a sweat. Plus, who doesn’t love a flavor explosion? We’re talking about that perfect sweet, smoky, tangy BBQ flavor mingling with rich, gooey cheese. It’s a combo that just can’t be beat!

Super Easy to Make: Seriously, the steps are straightforward and don’t require fancy techniques.
Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s that warm, cheesy, hearty goodness that just makes everything better.
Crowd Pleaser: Whether it’s for family dinner, a potluck, or game night, everyone *loves* this dish.
Incredible Flavor Combo: The smoky BBQ pork and creamy mac are a match made in heaven!

Trust me, this isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that has people asking for seconds (and thirds!).

Gather Your Ingredients for Irresistible BBQ Pulled Pork Macaroni And Cheese

Alright, let’s get down to business! To make this amazing Irresistible BBQ Pulled Pork Macaroni And Cheese, you’ll need to gather a few things. Don’t worry, most of it is probably already in your pantry or fridge! Here’s what you’ll need to grab:

1 pound elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape that holds sauce well!)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk (whole milk is best for creaminess!)
1 cup heavy cream
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for that classic tang!)
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (for extra melty goodness)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika (just a little pinch for color and flavor!)
2 cups cooked BBQ pulled pork (use your favorite store-bought or homemade!)
1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for drizzling!)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for that pop of green and freshness at the end

Having everything prepped and ready to go makes the whole process so much smoother. Seriously, it’s a game-changer!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Irresistible BBQ Pulled Pork Macaroni And Cheese

Making this amazing dish is straightforward, and honestly, it’s where all the magic happens! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a bubbling, cheesy, pork-filled masterpiece in no time. It’s all about building those layers of flavor and texture. If you’re looking for more pasta inspiration, you can check out these other delicious pasta dishes too!

Preparing the Macaroni

First things first, let’s get that pasta ready. Cook your elbow macaroni according to the package directions – you want it nice and al dente, just slightly firm. Give it a good drain so you don’t end up with watery mac and cheese. Set that aside for now; it’s going to be the cozy bed for all that deliciousness.

Crafting the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Now for the heart of any good mac: the sauce! In a big saucepan, melt your butter over medium heat. Honestly, butter just makes everything better, right? Whisk in the flour and let it cook for about a minute, just stirring it around. This little step helps get rid of that raw flour taste. Then, slowly pour in your milk and cream, whisking like crazy so there are no lumps. Keep stirring until it starts to bubble and thicken up – think luscious, gravy-like consistency. Take it off the heat, and stir in both kinds of cheese until everything is melty and smooth. Add in your salt, pepper, and that pinch of paprika. Taste it! Does it need anything? Adjust seasonings as you like!

Combining and Baking Your Irresistible BBQ Pulled Pork Macaroni And Cheese

This is where it all comes together! Gently stir your drained macaroni and that glorious BBQ pulled pork into your cheesy sauce. Mix it all up until every noodle and piece of pork is coated. Pour this glorious mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Now, for that extra BBQ kick, drizzle your BBQ sauce all over the top – don’t be shy! You could even try a smoky BBQ sauce like the one you’d find in this amazing BBQ chicken recipe! Pop it into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake it for about 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for it to get all bubbly around the edges and maybe get a little bit browned on top. It’s going to smell absolutely amazing while it bakes!

Tips for the Ultimate BBQ Pulled Pork Macaroni And Cheese

Okay, so you’ve got the basic recipe down, but what if you want to take this Irresistible BBQ Pulled Pork Macaroni And Cheese to the *next* level? I’ve got a few little tricks up my sleeve that make all the difference. First off, don’t skimp on the cheese! While the recipe calls for cheddar and Monterey Jack, feel free to play around. A little smoked gouda mixed in? Amazing! Or even some pepper jack if you like a tiny bit of heat. Also, the quality of your BBQ pulled pork really matters. If you can, use a pork that has a good smoky flavor – it makes the whole dish sing. If you’re feeling fancy, you could even try adding a sprinkle more of your favorite BBQ rub before baking, or maybe some crispy fried onions on top right before serving. For a truly decadent sauce, you’ve got to try making your pasta with a sauce similar to this amazing smoked cream cheese pasta – it adds a whole new layer of creaminess!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Alright, let’s talk about tweaking this glorious BBQ Pulled Pork Macaroni And Cheese to fit exactly what you have or what you love! The cheese blend is pretty flexible. If you’re not a fan of Monterey Jack, sharp provolone or even a creamy Colby would work beautifully. Just make sure it’s good quality cheese that melts well – it makes a HUGE difference! And for the pulled pork, if pork isn’t your thing, you could totally swap it out for shredded BBQ chicken or even some smoky jackfruit for a vegetarian twist. Remember to adjust the BBQ sauce a bit if your pork is already super saucy. The goal is deliciousness, people!

Frequently Asked Questions about BBQ Pulled Pork Macaroni And Cheese

Got questions about our favorite cheesy, porky creation? You’re in the right place! We get asked a bunch about this Irresistible BBQ Pulled Pork Macaroni And Cheese, so here are some of the most common ones answered for you!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Oh yeah, you totally can! You can assemble the whole dish, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge for up to a day before you want to bake it. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready, but you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be starting out cold. It’s perfect for meal prepping!

What kind of BBQ sauce is best?

Honestly, use your favorite! Whether it’s a sweet Kansas City style, a tangy Carolina vinegar-based sauce, or a smoky Texas variety, it all works. The key is to pick one you love the taste of, because it really shines through. If your BBQ pulled pork is already super saucy, you might want to go a little lighter on the drizzle on top, or vice-versa!

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers? Yes, please! Store any remaining BBQ Pulled Pork Macaroni And Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can do it gently in the microwave or oven. Sometimes adding a little splash of milk or cream when reheating helps bring back that creamy goodness, kind of like how you might refresh other pasta dishes. This pasta dish is also great reheated!

Can I use different kinds of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar and Monterey Jack are fantastic, feel free to get creative. Smoked gouda adds a lovely depth, pepper jack gives it a little kick, and even some Gruyère can add a nutty complexity. Just make sure your cheese melts well for that gooey, irresistible factor we all love!

Nutritional Information

Just a heads-up, the nutrition info for this Irresistible BBQ Pulled Pork Macaroni And Cheese is an estimate, of course! Things can change based on the exact brands and ingredients you use. But generally, you’re looking at around 750 calories per serving, with about 45g of fat (don’t worry, that’s mostly good stuff!), 30g of protein, and 55g of carbs. Enjoy every cheesy, smoky bite!

Share Your Irresistible BBQ Pulled Pork Macaroni And Cheese Creations!

Did you make this amazing Irresistible BBQ Pulled Pork Macaroni And Cheese? I would absolutely LOVE to hear how it turned out for you! Drop a comment below, tell me what you thought, or even share a picture of your delicious creation. You can also reach out via our contact page. Happy cooking!

Irresistible BBQ Pulled Pork Macaroni And Cheese

Author: faironplay.com
Total Time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and flavorful dish combining creamy macaroni and cheese with tender BBQ pulled pork.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound elbow macaroni
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
2 cups cooked BBQ pulled pork
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Stir in the cooked macaroni and the BBQ pulled pork.
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Drizzle the BBQ sauce over the top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly browned.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

You can use your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ pulled pork.
Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to your preference.
For a crispier topping, you can add a layer of breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 30 min
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 750
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 45g
Saturated Fat: 25g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: BBQ pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, comfort food, baked mac and cheese, cheesy pasta, pork