Irresistible Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese with Crispy Bacon & Herb Topping
Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary culinary experience: Pulled Pork Macaroni and Cheese, crowned with a crispy bacon and fresh herb topping. This isn’t just another mac and cheese recipe; it’s a gourmet masterpiece that effortlessly transforms humble leftovers into an unforgettable, deeply flavorful meal. Originally crafted to utilize succulent leftover pulled pork, this dish proved to be so exceptionally delicious that it quickly ascended to “must-make-again” status. Its rich, smoky, and unbelievably creamy profile, coupled with that irresistible crunchy topping, guarantees a flavor adventure you’ll want to revisit time and time again. And trust us, you absolutely should.
The Genesis of a Comfort Food Classic: From Leftovers to Legend
In recent culinary adventures, I’ve been exploring the incredible versatility of pepperoncini pulled pork, transforming it into exciting new dishes. My previous posts featured delectable Italian Hoagie Pulled Pork Subs and a flavorful Mediterranean Pulled Pork Pizza. This Pulled Pork Macaroni and Cheese truly marked the grand finale of what I affectionately dubbed my “porked out weekend.”
The journey began on a Thursday when a glorious pork shoulder slow-cooked to perfection all day, yielding an abundance of incredibly tender, juicy pulled pork. This bounty allowed me to get creative, stretching one amazing slow-cooker batch into three distinct and delicious dinners for my family. After two nights of Mediterranean-inspired pulled pork dishes, I knew I needed to pivot for the third night to keep things fresh and exciting. That’s when inspiration struck: why not infuse classic mac and cheese with the rich, savory depth of pulled pork?
The base mac and cheese recipe itself was already a winner, but I decided to elevate it further by incorporating an unexpected secret ingredient: beer. As anyone who has explored cooking with beer knows, it adds an incredible layer of complexity and depth that’s hard to achieve otherwise. This addition alone made the mac and cheese remarkably delicious, but the true magic unfolded with the creation of a truly special topping.
Crafting the Perfect Crispy Topping and Flavor Boosts
What truly transformed this dish from merely delicious to absolutely extraordinary was the innovative topping. Fortuitously, I had some leftover crispy bacon from a Sunday breakfast (thank you, amazing husband!). I combined this golden, crumbled bacon with Italian-seasoned panko breadcrumbs, fresh chives, vibrant parsley, and a touch of olive oil. This mixture, baked to a golden crisp, provided an essential textural contrast to the creamy mac and cheese, perfectly complementing the tender pulled pork within.
But the flavor journey didn’t end there. To add a delightful kick and a tangy brightness, I incorporated pickled jalapeño slices throughout the dish. The beer in the cheese sauce introduced a subtle, earthy undertone, creating a more sophisticated flavor profile than traditional mac and cheese. And for the final flourish, a generous drizzle of smoky barbecue sauce over the top before baking brought all the elements together with a sweet and tangy finish. The result? Pure, unadulterated comfort food bliss – so good, it’s almost unbelievable.
Interestingly, this gloriously rich Pulled Pork Macaroni and Cheese was my chosen meal the night before running a half marathon. Talk about the ultimate carb load! It certainly provided the energy needed, albeit in the most decadent way possible.
So there you have it, folks! This Pulled Pork Macaroni and Cheese is an absolute game-changer, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to transport you to a truly happy place with every single bite. Don’t hesitate – PIN it, make it, and prepare to fall in love!
For those who appreciate the art of a perfect cheese sauce, our Basic Creamy Macaroni and Cheese recipe serves as an essential guide and the foundation for many delicious variations.
Tips for Making the Best Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese
Choosing Your Pulled Pork Wisely
While this recipe is fantastic for using up any leftover pulled pork, the specific flavor profile of your pork will greatly influence the final dish. My pepperoncini pulled pork offers a slightly tangy and savory base, but classic BBQ pulled pork or even a spicier version would work beautifully. Ensure your pulled pork is well-drained of any excess fat or juices to prevent the mac and cheese from becoming greasy. If your pulled pork is heavily sauced, you might want to reduce the additional BBQ sauce drizzle at the end or choose a milder one to balance the flavors.
The Art of the Creamy Cheese Sauce
A successful mac and cheese hinges on a smooth, velvety cheese sauce. Starting with a proper roux (equal parts butter and flour cooked for a minute) is key to preventing a lumpy sauce. Whisking in the milk and beer slowly ensures a lump-free, thick base. Using a good quality sharp cheddar cheese will give you the best flavor, and shredding it yourself ensures it melts evenly and smoothly. Don’t let the sauce come to a full boil after adding the cheese; gentle heat and constant stirring will melt the cheese into a perfect, creamy consistency.
Perfect Pasta for Mac and Cheese
Elbow macaroni is traditional, but other small pasta shapes like cavatappi or shells work wonderfully, as their nooks and crannies hold onto the cheesy sauce beautifully. Cook your pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven. This prevents mushy pasta, ensuring a satisfying texture in every bite.
The Power of the Topping
The crispy bacon and herb topping isn’t just for show; it provides crucial textural contrast. Panko breadcrumbs are superior to regular breadcrumbs for their extra crunch. Don’t skip the fresh herbs – chives and parsley add a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese and pork. If you don’t have leftover bacon, you can quickly cook a few strips just for the topping. The olive oil helps the panko toast beautifully and become golden brown.
Flavor Balancing Act
The pickled jalapeños offer a welcome zesty kick and a touch of heat that complements the savory pork and cheese. Adjust the amount to your preference – a little goes a long way. The final drizzle of BBQ sauce adds a layer of smoky sweetness and tang, tying all the robust flavors together. Experiment with your favorite BBQ sauce to customize the finish.
Pulled Pork Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
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Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow pasta (uncooked)
- 2 Tbs unsalted butter
- 2 Tbs all-purpose flour
- 1-1/2 cup milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
- ½ cup lager or ale beer (or chicken broth if preferred)
- 1 Tbs Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded for best melting)
- 2 cups leftover pulled pork (drained well of fat and juices, shredded)
- ¼ cup pickled jalapeno slices (thinly sliced, adjust to taste)
- 5 strips bacon (cooked until crispy and crumbled)
- ⅓ cup Italian-seasoned panko breadcrumbs
- ½ Tbs extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp fresh chopped chives
- 2 tsp fresh chopped parsley
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce (for drizzling)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13×9 inch baking dish.
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
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While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to create a smooth roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and beer until no lumps remain. Continue to heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce is very warm and slightly thickened, but do not bring it to a full boil. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Continue stirring gently until the cheese is mostly melted and the sauce is creamy.
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In a small bowl, prepare the crispy topping: combine the crumbled cooked bacon, Italian-seasoned panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, fresh chopped chives, and fresh chopped parsley. Mix well to ensure the breadcrumbs are lightly coated with oil.
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Add the drained cooked pasta and the shredded pulled pork to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to combine everything thoroughly. Pour this mixture evenly into the prepared 13×9 inch baking dish. Evenly scatter the pickled jalapeño slices over the mac and cheese, then sprinkle the panko-bacon topping generously over the top.
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Pour the barbecue sauce into a small sandwich baggie. Snip off a tiny corner of the bag and pipe a decorative drizzle of the sauce over the mac and cheese topping. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Let stand for a few minutes before serving. Yields: 6 generous servings.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This Pulled Pork Macaroni and Cheese is a hearty dish on its own, perfect for a family dinner or a potluck. To make it a complete meal, consider pairing it with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness, or some refreshing coleslaw. Cornbread or garlic bread would also make excellent companions, perfect for soaking up any extra cheesy goodness.
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ideas to customize your next batch:
- Cheese Blend: While sharp cheddar is classic, try a blend of cheeses like Gruyere, smoked Gouda, or Monterey Jack for different flavor dimensions.
- Spice it Up: For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. You could also use spicier pulled pork.
- Add Veggies: Stir in some finely diced bell peppers, caramelized onions, or even some sautéed mushrooms along with the pulled pork for added nutrients and texture.
- Different Herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs like cilantro (especially if using a more Southwestern-style pulled pork) or thyme in your topping.
- Smoked Paprika: A teaspoon of smoked paprika in the cheese sauce can enhance the smoky notes of the pulled pork and add a beautiful color.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Whether you’re looking for a creative way to use up leftovers or simply craving an exceptionally comforting and flavorful meal, this Pulled Pork Macaroni and Cheese recipe is guaranteed to impress. It’s more than just food; it’s an experience.