Hey there, comfort food lovers!
Are you craving something hearty and delicious? Well, I’ve got a treat for you!
Today, I’m sharing my pulled pork mac and cheese recipe.
It’s the ultimate cozy dish that combines creamy macaroni with tender pulled pork.
Trust me, your taste buds are in for a serious party!
Let’s dive in and whip up this mouthwatering meal!
Suggestions for Ingredient Substitution
Cavatappi pasta can be replaced with other short pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, fusilli, or penne. These alternatives maintain the dish’s texture and ability to hold sauce. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles, adjusting cooking times accordingly. Cheese Whiz can be substituted with a homemade cheese sauce using milk, flour, and shredded cheese for a more natural option. This allows for better control over ingredients and flavor. Pulled pork can be swapped with shredded chicken, beef, or jackfruit for vegetarian diets. Use the same amount and season with similar spices to maintain the dish’s flavor profile. If using jackfruit, drain and shred it before adding to the recipe.
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 35-60 minutes |
| Total Time | 50-80 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1300-1500
- Protein: 70-80 g
- Fat: 70-80 g
- Carbohydrates: 120-130 g
Ingredients
- 2 cups cavatappi pasta
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 diced yellow onion
- 1/2 cup cheese whiz
- 1/3 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
- 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tablespoon pork rub
- 1 cup pulled pork
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of water to a boil and add 2 cups of cavatappi pasta.
Stir the pasta immediately after adding it to prevent sticking.
Cook until al dente, following the package instructions.
Once cooked, drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
Step 2: Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping
In a cast-iron pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
Add 1/3 cup of panko breadcrumbs to the melted butter.
Stir until the breadcrumbs are browned, which should take about 1 minute.
Remove from heat and set the toasted breadcrumbs aside for later use.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions
In the same cast-iron pan, add a little more butter if necessary, and add diced yellow onion.
Sauté the onions until they become translucent and soft, then set aside.
Step 4: Mix the Pasta with Cheese and Pork
Add 1/2 cup of cheese whiz, 1/3 cup of shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, 1/2 tablespoon of pork rub, and 1 cup of pulled pork to the drained pasta in the pot.
Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined and the cheese melts slightly.
Step 5: Assemble in the Cast-Iron Pan
Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture back into the cast-iron pan with the sautéed onions, spreading it out evenly.
Top the pasta with the crispy panko breadcrumbs you prepared earlier for a crunchy finish.
Step 6: Cook and Serve
Preheat your smoker to 275°F (135°C) or your oven to 350°F (175°C).
If using a smoker, let the dish cook for about 45 minutes until the top is golden brown.
If using an oven, bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is crispy and golden.
Once the mac and cheese is done, remove it from the heat source and let it cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy your smoked pulled pork mac and cheese!
