Let’s talk about comfort food. I mean, real, stick-to-your-ribs, make-you-happy comfort food. And nothing hits quite like a bowl of Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Recipe. We’re talking about creamy, cheesy pasta topped with smoky, tender pulled pork and a drizzle of tangy BBQ sauce. It’s the kind of meal that makes you forget about your long day and just dive into a bowl of pure happiness.
I first had pulled pork with mac and cheese at a BBQ joint. It was one of those life-changing moments where I thought, “Why haven’t I been eating this my whole life?” Since then, it’s been a regular at our house, and let me tell you—it never lasts long. If you love BBQ and mac and cheese separately, just wait until you try them together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A Unique Twist on Classic Mac & Cheese
We all love hearty mac and cheese, but sometimes, you need to kick things up a notch. This dish takes everything you love about classic mac and cheese and gives it a bold, smoky BBQ twist. It’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary weeknight into something special.
Perfect for Family Dinners and Gatherings
If you want to impress your family or guests, this is the recipe to do it. It’s hearty, indulgent, and always a crowd-pleaser. And if you’re feeding a group, consider making pulled pork and mac and cheese sliders—they’re bite-sized and just as delicious!
Easy to Make with Simple Ingredients
You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen. This Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese Recipe comes together easily with pantry staples. If you’ve got leftover pork, even better! This is meal prep with pulled pork at its finest—just reheat, assemble, and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kind of Cheese Should I Use?
Cheese is the heart of a great BBQ and mac and cheese dish. I always go with cheddar and gouda. Cheddar brings sharpness, while gouda adds a creamy, slightly smoky flavor. Whatever you do, use freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has additives that keep it from melting smoothly, and we want that gooey, velvety texture.
What Kind of Pulled Pork Works Best?
Use what you have! Smoked pulled pork, slow cooker pulled pork, or store-bought pulled pork all work great. If you’ve got some leftovers from Honey Garlic Pork Chops, shred it up and throw it in. This is a great way to repurpose leftovers into a whole new meal.
Do I Have to Use Elbow Macaroni?
Not at all. Penne, bowtie, spirals, or even shells work just as well. As long as it holds onto that luscious cheese sauce, you’re good to go.
Can I Substitute Evaporated Milk?
Yes! If you don’t have evaporated milk, use whole milk, heavy cream, or half and half. The goal is a rich, creamy base, and all of these will get the job done.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store the mac and cheese and pulled pork separately in airtight containers. In the fridge, they’ll last 3–4 days. If you’re freezing, keep them in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll be good for up to 6 months. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of milk for the best results.
Ingredients Needed
- 16 oz macaroni
- 4 tbsp salted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups evaporated milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup gouda cheese, shredded
- 2 cups pulled pork (warmed)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water—it’ll help adjust the sauce later if needed. Rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, then set it aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce
Melt butter in a Dutch oven or skillet over medium heat. Add flour, whisking continuously for about 5 minutes until golden. Lower the heat and slowly pour in evaporated milk, chicken broth, and seasonings. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens slightly, about 5–10 minutes.
Add Cheese and Pasta
Turn off the heat. Slowly stir in cheddar and gouda cheese, mixing until fully melted. Add the cooked macaroni, stirring to coat every piece in that creamy goodness. If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Add Pulled Pork and BBQ Sauce
Warm up the pulled pork separately, then pile it on top of the mac and cheese. Drizzle with BBQ sauce for that perfect finishing touch.
Serve and Enjoy
Grab a fork and dig in! For extra texture, top it with crispy onions, crushed crackers, or fresh green onions.
Serving Suggestions
What to Serve with Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese
Looking to round out the meal? Try pairing it with:
- Coleslaw – The tanginess balances out the richness
- Cornbread – Because BBQ and cornbread are a match made in heaven
- Salad – A crisp, refreshing side to lighten things up
If you’re in the mood for another creamy pasta dish, check out this Creamy Bacon Pasta.
Best Drinks to Pair with This Dish
- Sweet tea – Classic Southern pairing
- Cold beer – A light lager or amber ale works great
- Lemonade – Sweet, tangy, and refreshing
Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 oz macaroni
- 4 tbsp salted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups evaporated milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup gouda cheese shredded
- 2 cups pulled pork warmed
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook macaroni until al dente, then drain. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, rinse pasta under cold water, and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium heat. Add flour, whisking continuously for about 5 minutes until golden. Lower heat and gradually whisk in evaporated milk, chicken broth, and seasonings. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Cheese and Pasta: Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and gouda cheese until melted. Mix in cooked macaroni, ensuring it's fully coated in the cheese sauce. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
- Add Pulled Pork and BBQ Sauce: Warm the pulled pork separately, then layer it on top of the mac and cheese. Drizzle with BBQ sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with crispy onions, crushed crackers, or green onions. Serve immediately!
Notes
- For extra smokiness, use smoked gouda or add a dash of smoked paprika.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3–4 days or frozen for up to 6 months.
- Swap elbow macaroni with penne, bowtie, or spirals if preferred.
- Best served with coleslaw, cornbread, or a fresh salad.
Craving More Recipes?
If this Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese Recipe hit the spot, check out these:
- Creamy Tomato Pasta – Simple, flavorful, and comforting
- Cottage Cheese Pasta – High-protein and creamy
This Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Recipe is the definition of comfort food done right. Whether you’re making pork mac and cheese sliders for game day or just indulging in a cozy meal, this dish delivers. Try it once, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!
