Ultimate Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Recipe

Welcome to a recipe that will revolutionize the way you look at leftovers – Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese! This dish is a game-changer, turning yesterday’s barbecue into a creamy, indulgent casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds. The rich combination of cheeses creates a luxurious base, while the smoky pulled pork infuses every bite with that perfect barbecue flavor. It’s the ultimate comfort food that brings new life to your leftover pork.

I stumbled upon this glorious creation when trying to figure out what to do with excess pulled pork from a family cookout. Now, it has become a staple in my kitchen, especially since my brother-in-law always seems to have extra pork from his smoker. The kids even cheer when they see me prepping this dish! The secret ingredient? Cottage cheese, which elevates the cheese sauce to restaurant-quality perfection, making this mac and cheese a standout favorite with its divine texture and flavor.

Pair this Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese with a simple green salad or some steamed green beans to balance out its richness. And don’t forget to experiment with different barbecue sauces to customize the flavor profile – the options are endless! This dish not only reheats well but also freezes beautifully, ensuring you can enjoy its deliciousness whenever the craving strikes. Say goodbye to boring leftovers and hello to a new family favorite that will have everyone clamoring for more.

Quick Benefits

• Transforms leftover pulled pork into a new, exciting meal
• Rich and creamy base from multiple cheeses
• Versatile – can substitute pulled pork with chicken or brisket
• Make ahead and freezer-friendly for easy meal prep

Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Recipe Recipe

• Rich and Indulgent: The combination of multiple cheeses creates a luxuriously creamy base, while the smoky pulled pork infuses every bite with that perfect barbecue flavor.
• Transform Leftovers: Turn yesterday’s barbecue leftovers into a whole new meal that everyone will get excited about.
• Family Favorite: This recipe has become a go-to dish loved by both kids and adults, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
• Unexpected Ingredients: The addition of cottage cheese creates a rich, restaurant-quality cheese sauce that elevates the dish to a whole new level of decadence.
• Customizable: Experiment with different barbecue sauce styles, protein options (like chicken or brisket), and additional toppings like jalapeños or bacon to tailor the dish to your taste preferences.
• Make Ahead and Freeze: Perfect for meal prepping, this casserole can be assembled ahead of time, stored in the refrigerator, or frozen for later enjoyment, making it a convenient option for busy days or special occasions.
• Versatile Pairings: Serve with a simple green salad, steamed green beans, or cornbread to balance out the richness of the dish. Pair with cold beer or sweet tea for a complete Southern comfort food experience.

Ingredients for Ultimate Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Recipe

For the mac and cheese

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1⅓ cups cottage cheese
• 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• ⅔ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 cups whole milk
• 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)

For the pulled pork topping

• 1¼ cups barbecue sauce
• 4 cups cooked pulled pork, shredded

Optional garnish

• French fried onions or fresh parsley for topping

How to Make Ultimate Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare oven and pasta

Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook elbow macaroni until al dente following package instructions. Drain and transfer to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 2: Make the cheese sauce base

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt, and sugar until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Add milk and thicken

Whisk in milk gradually, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously until thickened. Reduce heat to low.

Step 4: Melt the cheeses

Mix cubed Velveeta cheese into the mixture until fully melted. Then blend in cottage cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese until smooth and melted.

Step 5: Combine pasta and cheese

Pour the cheese sauce onto the cooked macaroni in the baking dish and gently stir to combine.

Step 6: Add pulled pork layer

Combine pulled pork with barbecue sauce in a medium bowl. Spread mixture over mac and cheese, then sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese.

Step 7: Bake until bubbly

Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 20 minutes until heated through and cheese is bubbly. Garnish with french fried onions or parsley, if desired.

Storage Tips

Once you’ve prepared the delicious pulled pork mac and cheese, you can store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days. Simply place the casserole dish in the fridge, ensuring it is covered with a lid or tightly wrapped with aluminum foil to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, you can easily reheat the dish in the oven or microwave until heated through, ensuring a tasty meal without any hassle.

If you want to prepare the pulled pork mac and cheese ahead of time, you can assemble the entire dish and store it in the refrigerator before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy the meal, simply take the casserole dish out of the fridge and add some extra baking time to accommodate the cold temperature. This make-ahead option allows you to have a convenient and delicious meal ready to bake whenever you desire. Additionally, you can freeze the pulled pork mac and cheese for longer storage, although keep in mind that the texture of the cheese sauce may slightly change after freezing and thawing.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the pulled pork, you can easily substitute it with pulled chicken or leftover brisket to change up the flavors of the dish. Both alternatives would work well with the creamy and cheesy base of the mac and cheese, providing a delicious twist to the recipe. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can also try using meat alternatives like jackfruit or mushrooms, seasoned and cooked to mimic the texture and flavor of pulled pork.

If you don’t have Velveeta cheese on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of American cheese or a processed cheese product that melts smoothly. Additionally, if you want to make the dish a bit healthier, you can use a combination of reduced-fat cheeses or even vegan cheese alternatives to achieve a similar creamy and cheesy consistency. Experimenting with different cheese varieties can also add unique flavors to the dish, such as smoked gouda, gruyere, or pepper jack, while still maintaining the rich and indulgent quality of the mac and cheese.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try serving the pulled pork mac and cheese in individual Mason jars or mini cast iron skillets for a charming presentation at a picnic or barbecue party. This way, each guest gets their own personal portion of this indulgent dish, making it a fun and interactive way to enjoy a classic comfort food with a twist. Top each jar or skillet with a sprinkle of French fried onions for extra crunch and visual appeal.

Another serving idea is to turn the pulled pork mac and cheese into a loaded baked potato bar. Bake some large russet potatoes until crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, then split them open and fluff the insides with a fork. Fill each potato with a generous scoop of the mac and cheese, allowing guests to customize their toppings with extra shredded cheese, barbecue sauce, sour cream, and chopped green onions. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that combines the best of two comfort food classics into one delicious dish.

FAQs for Ultimate Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Recipe

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer or have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the pulled pork and using your favorite meat substitute or adding more vegetables like roasted bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added flavor and texture.

Can I use a different type of cheese if I don’t have Velveeta?

While Velveeta adds a creamy texture, you can substitute it with more cheddar cheese or any melty cheese like American cheese or Monterey Jack. Play around with different cheese combinations to suit your taste preferences.

How can I make this dish more spicy?

If you prefer a spicy kick, consider adding diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. You can also top the mac and cheese with sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for an extra fiery flavor.

Conclusion

As you dig into this creamy, indulgent Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese, savor how the smoky barbecue flavor from the pulled pork melds perfectly with the rich cheese sauce. It’s truly a magical dish that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking to use up leftover barbecue or simply craving a hearty and satisfying dinner, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Experiment with different variations, like trying out various barbecue sauces or swapping the pulled pork for pulled chicken or brisket for unique flavor profiles. Don’t forget to add your own twist with jalapeños, bacon crumbles, or other toppings to make this Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese your own. This recipe is all about creativity and making the most out of what you have, turning everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. Enjoy the process of cooking and sharing this delicious meal with your loved ones, and let the flavors speak for themselves.

Ultimate Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Recipe

Transform your leftover barbecue into a magical meal with this creamy, indulgent Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese – a rich, cheesy delight everyone will love!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time20 Minutes

Cook Time40 Minutes

Total Time60 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings15 Servings (1 large casserole)

Ingredients

For the mac and cheese

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1⅓ cups cottage cheese
• 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• ⅔ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 cups whole milk
• 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)

For the pulled pork topping

• 1¼ cups barbecue sauce
• 4 cups cooked pulled pork, shredded

Optional garnish

• French fried onions or fresh parsley for topping

Instructions

1. Prepare oven and pasta: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook elbow macaroni until al dente following package instructions. Drain and transfer to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Make the cheese sauce base: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt, and sugar until smooth and well combined.
3. Add milk and thicken: Whisk in milk gradually, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously until thickened. Reduce heat to low.
4. Melt the cheeses: Mix cubed Velveeta cheese into the mixture until fully melted. Then blend in cottage cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese until smooth and melted.
5. Combine pasta and cheese: Pour the cheese sauce onto the cooked macaroni in the baking dish and gently stir to combine.
6. Add pulled pork layer: Combine pulled pork with barbecue sauce in a medium bowl. Spread mixture over mac and cheese, then sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese.
7. Bake until bubbly: Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 20 minutes until heated through and cheese is bubbly. Garnish with french fried onions or parsley, if desired.