Savory Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese

If you’re looking to shake up your classic comfort food routine, look no further! This Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese recipe blends the creamy, gooey nature of traditional mac and cheese with the rich, robust flavors of pulled pork. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a hearty dish for gatherings, this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite.

Ingredients

For the Pulled Pork

• 3 lbs pork shoulder or butt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

For the Mac and Cheese

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Preparation

Preparing the Pulled Pork

1. Season the Pork: Begin by rubbing the pork shoulder with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Ensure it’s evenly coated with the seasoning.

2. Sear the Pork: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until browned, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.

3. Cook the Pork: Transfer the seared pork into a slow cooker. Pour the BBQ sauce over the pork, ensuring it’s well-covered. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender enough to be easily pulled apart with a fork.

4. Shred the Pork: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the pork and mix it well with the sauce.

Preparing the Mac and Cheese

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same pot, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to form a roux, cooking gently for about 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps.

3. Add the Cheese: Cook the sauce, stirring constantly, until it begins to thicken (about 5 minutes). Stir in the Dijon mustard, paprika, and gradually add the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, allowing each addition to melt completely before adding more. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine: Add the cooked macaroni back into the pot and gently stir to coat the pasta evenly with the cheese sauce.

5. Assemble the Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large baking dish, layer the mac and cheese and the pulled pork, stirring slightly to combine.

6. Optional Toppings: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top of the mac and cheese. You could add a dash of parsley for a fresh finish.

7. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Serve

Allow the dish to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting concoction, and watch as it steals the spotlight at your dinner table.

Nutrition Information

• Calories per Serving: Approximately 800 calories
• Servings: 8

Total Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 5-10 hours (for pulled pork) + 20-25 minutes (oven time)

Indulge in this rich and hearty Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese, and experience a delightful twist on an all-time favorite. This dish is a wonderful balance of flavors and textures, sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your taste buds!