The Creamiest Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Recipe Ever

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible pulled pork mac and cheese that combines smoky, tender meat with creamy, cheesy pasta.

The classic mac and cheese recipe gets a delicious upgrade with succulent pulled pork mixed throughout every bite.

Layers of sharp cheddar and melted cheese create a rich, indulgent base for the meat.

Tender pulled pork adds a robust, savory dimension that takes this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of creamy pasta and juicy, seasoned meat.

The combination delivers a hearty meal that will satisfy even the most discerning comfort food enthusiasts.

Prepare to be transported to a world of pure culinary bliss with this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Pulled Pork Mac And Cheese: Comfort Bowl Perfection

• Transform traditional mac and cheese into a hearty, satisfying meal by adding tender pulled pork for an incredible flavor boost.
• Combine pre-cooked pulled pork with easy-to-make cheese sauce and macaroni for a quick, delicious dinner that requires minimal preparation.
• Blend two beloved dishes – mac and cheese and pulled pork – into one mouthwatering casserole that will impress family and friends at potlucks, gatherings, or casual dinners.
• Top with french fried onions or fresh parsley to add extra crunch and freshness, making the dish adaptable to personal taste preferences.

Cheesy, Porky Ingredients For Mac And Cheese Magic

• Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that provides the base for this comforting mac and cheese dish.
• Pulled Pork: Tender, slow-cooked meat that adds rich flavor and protein to the recipe.
• Barbecue Sauce: A tangy and sweet sauce that enhances the pulled pork's taste.

• Velveeta Cheese, Cottage Cheese, Sour Cream, Cheddar Cheese: A creamy blend of cheeses that creates a smooth and indulgent sauce with multiple layers of flavor.

• Butter, Flour, Salt, Sugar, Milk: These ingredients form the base of the classic roux that helps thicken the cheese sauce.
• French Fried Onions, Parsley: Optional toppings that provide extra crunch and fresh garnish to the dish.

Tools To Make Mac And Cheese Easy

• Large Baking Dish: 9×13 or slightly larger, perfect for creating a hearty mac and cheese casserole.
• Medium Saucepan: Essential for making a smooth, creamy cheese sauce from scratch.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending flour, milk, and creating a lump-free roux.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients for the perfect cheese sauce.
• Colander: Needed to drain cooked macaroni quickly and effectively.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring cheese sauce and combining ingredients smoothly.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: Used for mixing pulled pork with barbecue sauce before adding to the dish.
• Oven Mitts: Protect hands when handling hot baking dishes and moving them in and out of the oven.

Steps To Gooey, Cheesy Pulled Pork Mac

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F, getting ready for some serious comfort food magic.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Boil the macaroni following package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente.

Drain thoroughly and spread into a generously greased 9×13 baking dish.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Base

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

• Flour
• Salt
• Sugar

Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and dreamy.

Step 4: Create Liquid Gold

Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps.

Bring to a boil and stir for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens beautifully.

Lower the heat.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese Goodness

Stir in Velveeta until it transforms into a silky, golden sauce.

Step 6: Build the Cheese Symphony

• Cottage cheese
• Sour cream
• Cheddar cheese

Mix until everything melts into creamy perfection.

Step 7: Unite Pasta and Cheese

Pour the luscious cheese mixture over the waiting macaroni, coating every single noodle.

Step 8: Introduce Pulled Pork

In a separate bowl, mix pulled pork with barbecue sauce.

Spread this saucy meat evenly across the cheesy canvas.

Step 9: Add Final Cheese Layer

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top for extra indulgence.

Step 10: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Cover and bake for 20 minutes.

Uncover and continue baking for another 20 minutes until everything is heated through and looking irresistible.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Top with crispy french fried onions or freshly chopped parsley for that final touch of deliciousness.

Top Tips For Rich, Creamy Mac And Cheese

• Use room temperature milk and cheese for smoother, more even melting without lumps.
• Choose tender, well-seasoned pulled pork with minimal liquid to prevent mac and cheese from becoming watery.
• Cover the baking dish tightly with foil during initial baking to retain moisture and prevent crispy, hard edges.
• Mix different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar and mild monterey jack for a more complex, rich taste profile.
• Whisk roux continuously while adding milk to create a silky, lump-free cheese sauce that coats pasta evenly.

Pulled Pork Mac Twists For Every Craving

• Vegetarian Mac and Cheese: Replace pulled pork with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms, sautéed until tender and caramelized for a hearty plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux to make the dish celiac-friendly.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Mix pulled pork with chipotle barbecue sauce, add diced green chiles, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Lighter Cheese Blend: Swap heavy cheeses with Greek yogurt, low-fat cheddar, and part-skim mozzarella to create a healthier version of the classic comfort dish.

Serving Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese With Flair

• Southern Backyard BBQ Feast: Serve this mac and cheese alongside grilled corn on the cob, tangy coleslaw, and crispy cornbread for a complete summer meal.
• Hearty Comfort Plate: Top each serving with extra crispy bacon bits, green onions, and a drizzle of additional barbecue sauce to enhance the smoky pulled pork flavor.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Present in individual ramekins for easy serving at sports gatherings, garnishing with extra french fried onions for added crunch and visual appeal.
• Potluck Presentation: Pack in a portable casserole dish, keeping it warm in a slow cooker for maximum flavor preservation during community gatherings or family reunions.

Storing Mac And Cheese So It Stays Creamy

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

• What cheeses are used in this recipe?

The recipe uses Velveeta, cottage cheese, sour cream, and cheddar cheese, creating a rich and creamy mac and cheese base with multiple cheese flavors.

• Can I use different types of pulled pork?

Yes, you can use homemade or store-bought pulled pork. The key is to mix it with barbecue sauce for added flavor and moisture in the dish.

• Is this recipe good for a potluck or family gathering?

Absolutely! This pulled pork mac and cheese is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines comfort food favorites and works great for casual gatherings and potlucks.

• How can I make this dish more spicy?

Add some diced jalapeños to the pulled pork mixture or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking to give the mac and cheese an extra kick of heat.

Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Succulent pulled pork mac and cheese blends Southern comfort with creamy pasta perfection. Hearty layers of smoky meat and rich cheese sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll savor to the last bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 cups pulled pork
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 1/3 cups cottage cheese

Pasta and Base:

• 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 2 cups milk
• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup sour cream

Seasonings and Sauce:

• 1 1/4 cups barbecue sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, ensuring the rack is positioned in the center.
2. Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until perfectly al dente, following package instructions. Drain thoroughly and transfer to a generously greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Create a smooth roux in a medium saucepan by melting butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour, salt, and sugar until the mixture becomes uniform and free of lumps.
4. Slowly stream milk into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent clumping. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly for 2 minutes until it thickens to a velvety consistency. Reduce heat to low.
5. Incorporate Velveeta cheese, stirring until completely melted and creating a creamy sauce.
6. Blend in cottage cheese, sour cream, and one cup of cheddar cheese, mixing until smooth and fully integrated.
7. Pour the rich cheese mixture evenly over the prepared macaroni, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Combine pulled pork with barbecue sauce in a separate bowl, mixing thoroughly. Distribute the sauced pulled pork uniformly across the mac and cheese surface.
9. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top, creating a generous cheese layer.
10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes until the dish is heated through and cheese is bubbly.
11. Optional: Garnish with crispy french fried onions or freshly chopped parsley for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Customize Protein Options swap pulled pork with shredded chicken, crispy bacon bits, or plant-based pulled jackfruit for diverse dietary preferences.
• Cheese Flexibility experiment with different cheese combinations like smoked gouda, pepper jack, or sharp cheddar to enhance flavor complexity.
• Make-Ahead Magic prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, refrigerate for 24 hours, then bake when ready for convenient meal planning.
• Texture Enhancement toast breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top before final baking for extra crunch and golden-brown finish.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 584
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 1092 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 97 mg