Pulled Pork Mac 'n Cheese

Time :1 10

Yield :8 servings

Recipe Background

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

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Coat a 13x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray, and then place it on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
In a large pot of salted, boiling water, cook the pasta to al dente according to the package directions. Drain.
Melt 6 tablespoons of the butter in a large saucepan over medium.
Add the onion to the butter and cook, stirring often, until it is tender, about 5 minutes.
Stir the flour into the onion mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until the onion is coated in the flour, about 1 minute.
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.
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.
Stir the pork and the cooked pasta into the cheese mixture in the saucepan, and then spoon it into the prepared baking dish.
Microwave the remaining butter in a small microwavable bowl on high heat until it has melted, about 30 seconds.
In a small bowl, stir the panko into the melted butter until it is combined.
Sprinkle the panko mixture evenly over the pasta mixture.
Bake the pasta mixture until it is browned and bubbly, about 30 minutes.
Serve.
Transfer the mac and cheese from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes.
Sprinkle the mac and cheese with the scallions and drizzle with the barbecue sauce.
Serve.