About
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with a nice helping of Pulled Pork Mac 'n Cheese. This dish is a match made in heaven, combining tender pulled pork with creamy macaroni and cheese for an amazing mouthwatering delight. The cheesy sauce is made with a blend of cheddar and Colby-Jack cheeses, and the addition of Dijon mustard and barbecue sauce gives it a tangy kick. The pulled pork adds a smoky flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that perfectly complements the velvety mac and cheese. Pulled Pork Mac 'n Cheese is the perfect solution for when you're craving a hearty and satisfying meal that's both delicious and easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large elbow pasta, uncooked
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, divided
- 1 1/2 cups sweet onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 ounces Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 2 1/2 cups smoked pork, shredded
- 1 cup panko
- 1/4 cup sliced scallions, for serving
- barbecue sauce, to taste, for serving
Directions
Step 1 -Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2 -Coat a 13x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray, and then place it on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
Step 3 -In a large pot of salted, boiling water, cook the pasta to al dente according to the package directions. Drain.
Step 4 -Melt 6 tablespoons of the butter in a large saucepan over medium.
Step 5 -Add the onion to the butter and cook, stirring often, until it is tender, about 5 minutes.
Step 6 -Stir the flour into the onion mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until the onion is coated in the flour, about 1 minute.
Step 7 -Gradually whisk the milk, the mustard, the garlic powder, and the black pepper into the onion mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly, about 10 minutes.
Step 8 -Transfer the saucepan from the heat and then gradually stir in the cheddar cheese and the Colby Jack cheese, in 3/4-cup increments, until melted and smooth, about 2 minutes.
Step 9 -Stir the pork and the cooked pasta into the cheese mixture in the saucepan, and then spoon it into the prepared baking dish.
Step 10 -Microwave the remaining butter in a small microwavable bowl on high heat until it has melted, about 30 seconds.
Step 11 -In a small bowl, stir the panko into the melted butter until it is combined.
Step 12 -Sprinkle the panko mixture evenly over the pasta mixture.
Step 13 -Bake the pasta mixture until it is browned and bubbly, about 30 minutes.
Step 14 -Serve.
Step 15 -Transfer the mac and cheese from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes.
Step 16 -Sprinkle the mac and cheese with the scallions and drizzle with the barbecue sauce.
Step 17 -Serve.
