Hey there, craving some serious comfort food? Let’s make Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese! This dish is basically a hug in a bowl, combining the creamy goodness of mac and cheese with the smoky, savory flavor of pulled pork. It’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, and the best part is you can easily customize it to your taste.
Here’s what makes it so tasty:
- Rich and Creamy Cheese Sauce: A perfectly cooked roux (that’s just fancy talk for butter and flour cooked together) forms the base for a smooth and decadent cheese sauce. You can use a variety of cheeses, but cheddar is a classic for a reason!
- Smoky Pulled Pork: Tender pulled pork adds a burst of savory flavor and texture. You can use leftover pulled pork from the night before, or whip up a batch specifically for this dish. Bonus points if you use your favorite barbecue sauce for extra tang!
- Gooey, Cheesy Goodness: Baking the whole thing together lets the cheese get all melty and bubbly on top, creating those irresistible golden brown bits we all love.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- For the Mac and Cheese:
- Pasta (elbows are a good choice, but any short pasta will work)
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyere, or a mix are all great options)
- For the Pulled Pork:
- Leftover pulled pork (or you can make your own)
- Barbecue sauce (optional)
Steps:
- Cook the Pasta: Get a pot of water boiling and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. You want it al dente, which means cooked but still a bit firm to the bite.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt some butter in a saucepan while the pasta cooks. Whisk in flour to make a roux, then slowly whisk in milk until you have a thick and creamy sauce. Season it with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like. Finally, stir in your shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
- Assemble and Bake: Drain the pasta and toss it with the cheese sauce. In a baking dish, combine the pasta mixture with your pulled pork. You can add some barbecue sauce here for extra smoky flavor, if you like. Top it off with shredded cheese for that golden brown goodness. Bake it in a preheated oven until heated through and bubbly on top.
Tips:
- Want to add some veggies? Throw in some chopped broccoli or roasted cauliflower with the pasta.
- Feeling fancy? Sprinkle some crispy fried onions on top before baking for an extra textural element.
- This dish is perfect for leftovers! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat it in the oven when you’re ready for another delicious bite.
So there you have it, pulled pork mac and cheese in all its glory! It’s a simple dish that’s sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy!