Craving a delectable, satisfying meal? Look no further than this divine creation: Smoked Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese. This ultimate fusion of creamy, gooey mac and cheese topped with mouthwatering pulled pork will tantalize your taste buds like never before.
Elevating Mac and Cheese to a Complete Meal
Mac and cheese enthusiasts, rejoice! This recipe takes the classic mac and cheese to a whole new level with the addition of tender pulled pork. Assembled in a cast iron skillet, this dish transforms into a hearty, full-fledged meal. Plus, the beauty lies in the simplicity of cooking and serving it all in one skillet, minimizing the need for extra dishes.
Leftover BBQ Magic: Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese
Got some leftover pulled pork sitting in your fridge after a smoky feast? Waste not, for this mac and cheese creation is the perfect solution. Combining the richness of mac and cheese with the succulent pulled pork will leave you marveling at this delightful culinary marriage.
Prepare for an Abundance of Flavorful Delights
The versatility of this pulled pork mac and cheese recipe ensures you can easily make it your own. Embrace your creativity with these simple tips:
Meat Makeover: Beyond pulled pork, you can experiment with other BBQ leftovers like brisket, tri-tip, pulled chicken, or crispy bacon. Allow your taste buds to explore a variety of savory combinations.
Pan Size Matters: The recipe yields a generous portion, so make sure you have a large cast iron skillet, preferably 14-inch. If you lack this size, use a 12-inch skillet or opt for aluminum half pans.
Cheesy Temptations: The cheese sauce is the heart of this mac and cheese masterpiece. While the recipe suggests a white cheddar/gouda combo, don’t hesitate to venture into mozzarella or melty American cheese territory. Shred the cheese yourself for a fresher taste.
Playful Toppings: The fun doesn’t stop with the meat and cheese. Get creative with toppings like your favorite BBQ sauce, green onions, candied jalapenos, pickled red onions, or fresh cilantro to add the finishing touch.
Smoked Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese: A Masterpiece in Your Kitchen
Get ready to delight your family and friends with this culinary masterpiece. Follow the recipe below to savor every bite of this Smoked Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound smoked pulled pork (leftover pulled pork works great for this recipe)
- 1 pound elbow macaroni noodles (cooked according to package instructions)
Roux:
- 6 Tablespoons butter
- 6 Tablespoons flour
Cheese Sauce:
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 4 cups half and half
- 2 cups milk
- 1 Tablespoon Beef Seasoning (or equal parts salt and pepper)
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 12 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 6 ounces gouda cheese (shredded)
- 2 Tablespoons green onions (minced, optional)
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce (optional)
Instructions:
Cook the macaroni: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the macaroni noodles until they are al dente, offering a delightful chewy texture.
Preheat the smoker and heat the meat: Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees F, using mild hardwood like cherry or apple. Reheat the pulled pork in an aluminum pan on the smoker while you prepare the mac and cheese.
Create a roux: Over medium heat, melt 6 Tablespoons of butter in a 14-inch cast iron skillet and whisk in the flour until a smooth, thin paste forms. Add mustard powder for a delightful kick.
Craft the cheese sauce: Pour in the half and half and milk, whisking as you bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and whisk in the cream cheese until smooth. Sprinkle in the Beef Seasoning. Now, whisk in the shredded cheddar and gouda cheeses until melted. Turn off the heat and stir in the cooked macaroni, coating it generously with the cheese sauce.
Assemble the pulled pork mac and cheese: Remove the pulled pork from the smoker and place it atop the mac and cheese. For an extra touch, drizzle your favorite BBQ sauce over the pork and garnish with green onions.
Serve immediately: Relish your mac and cheese while it’s warm and the cheese retains its enticing, melty state.
With this divine Smoked Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese at your disposal, your taste buds are in for a memorable journey through layers of flavors. Enjoy the rich, gooey goodness and savor each delectable bite!
