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Overhead view of homemade BBQ pulled pork mac and cheese recipe casserole with golden breadcrumbs and smoky pulled pork on a white kitchen counter.

BBQ Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Recipe

A rich and creamy Southern-style BBQ Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese casserole with smoky pork, tangy barbecue sauce, and golden cheesy topping.
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Course: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Resting: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 640kcal
Cost: $18

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot For boiling pasta
  • 1 Heavy-bottomed saucepan For cheese sauce
  • 1 Wire whisk Prevents lumps in sauce
  • 1 9x13 inch baking dish For assembling casserole
  • 1 Large mixing spoon For combining ingredients
  • 1 set Measuring cups & spoons For precise measurement
  • Optional Cast-iron skillet Rustic presentation
  • Optional Kitchen scale For precise cheese weights
  • Optional Fine-mesh strainer For ultra-smooth sauce

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Elbow macaroni or cavatappi Cooked al dente
  • 2 pounds Pulled pork Store-bought or homemade
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce Plus extra for serving
  • 4 tablespoons Butter For roux
  • ¼ cup All-purpose flour Thickening base
  • 2 cups Whole milk Base for sauce
  • 1 cup Heavy cream Richness
  • 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese Shredded
  • 1 cup Smoked gouda Shredded
  • ½ cup Cream cheese Softened
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder Seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon Onion powder Seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon Smoked paprika Adds smoky depth
  • — Salt & black pepper To taste
  • ¼ teaspoon Cayenne pepper Optional, heat
  • ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs Topping
  • 2 tablespoons Melted butter For topping
  • ¼ cup Extra cheddar Topping

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F and grease baking dish.
  • Cook pasta al dente, drain, and rinse lightly.
  • Warm pulled pork with BBQ sauce if cold.
  • Make roux with butter & flour, add milk/cream, thicken.
  • Stir in cream cheese, then shredded cheeses.
  • Season sauce with spices and salt/pepper.
  • Layer pasta, pork, BBQ sauce, pasta, then cheese sauce.
  • Mix breadcrumbs, butter, cheddar, sprinkle on top.
  • Bake 25–30 mins until golden.
  • Rest 10 mins before serving.

Notes

  • Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Nutrition

Serving: 300g | Calories: 640kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 125mg | Sodium: 1180mg | Potassium: 620mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 850IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 410mg | Iron: 2.5mg