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Savory Smoked Mac and Cheese with Pulled Pork

smoked mac and cheese with pulled pork - featured image
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A creamy, smoky mac and cheese topped with tender pulled pork, perfect for BBQ lovers seeking a quick and hearty meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup smoked gouda, shredded
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups pulled pork
  • 1 tbsp BBQ rub (smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper)
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes until pale golden and nutty.
  3. Slowly whisk in 2 cups whole milk, cooking until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, 1 cup shredded smoked gouda, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until cheese melts.
  5. Pour cooked pasta into cheese sauce and stir gently to coat. Transfer mixture to an oven-safe baking dish and spread evenly.
  6. In a bowl, toss 2 cups pulled pork with 1 tbsp BBQ rub and 1/4 cup BBQ sauce. Spread evenly over mac and cheese.
  7. Mix 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tbsp olive oil. Sprinkle over pulled pork layer.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes until topping is golden and cheese sauce is bubbly.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to thicken sauce and meld flavors.

Notes

If sauce is too thick before baking, add a splash of milk to loosen. Remove cheese sauce from heat before adding cheese to prevent graininess. Toast breadcrumb topping under broiler for extra crispiness. For smokier flavor, add more smoked paprika or liquid smoke. Can substitute smoked gouda with smoked cheddar or Monterey Jack. For dairy-free, use almond milk and vegan cheese. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and flour substitute.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, smoked mac and cheese, pulled pork, BBQ, comfort food, smoked gouda, cheesy pasta, easy dinner

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/savory-smoked-mac-and-cheese-with-pulled-pork-easy-recipe-for-bbq-lovers/