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Savory Smoked Mac and Cheese with Pulled Pork

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A creamy, smoky mac and cheese recipe enhanced with tender pulled pork and a crispy panko topping, perfect for easy weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, warm
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup smoked gouda, shredded
  • 2 cups pulled pork, smoked and shredded
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for toasting breadcrumbs)
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter. Whisk in 1/4 cup flour and cook for about 2 minutes until bubbly and nutty-smelling.
  3. Slowly pour in 3 cups warm whole milk while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Cook and stir until sauce thickens, about 6 to 8 minutes.
  4. Remove sauce from heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar and smoked gouda until melted and smooth. Add Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne pepper.
  5. In a large bowl, combine drained macaroni and pulled pork. Pour cheese sauce over and gently fold to coat evenly.
  6. In a small skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter and toast panko breadcrumbs until golden brown.
  7. Transfer mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle toasted panko evenly on top.
  8. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes until topping is crispy and cheese sauce is bubbling.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt and flavor. Warm the milk before adding to the roux to prevent lumps. Don’t overcook pasta as it will finish cooking in the oven. Toast breadcrumbs separately for a crunchy topping. If cheese sauce is too thick before baking, stir in a splash of milk. Tent with foil if topping browns too quickly.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, pulled pork, smoked gouda, cheddar cheese, comfort food, smoky mac and cheese, easy dinner, baked mac and cheese

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/savory-smoked-mac-and-cheese-with-pulled-pork-easy-homemade-recipe/