This Smoky Chipotle Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese Bake is the ultimate fusion of two comfort food classics – pulled pork and mac and cheese. Imagine tender, smoky pulled pork nestled in a creamy, cheesy pasta bake, topped with a crispy, golden crust. It’s an explosion of flavors that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? Because this recipe is absolutely INSANE – and I’m not even sorry about it!
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Chipotle Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese Bake
This dish is a flavor powerhouse that will transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise. The smoky, spicy chipotle-infused pulled pork adds an incredible depth of flavor, while the creamy, cheesy mac and cheese base creates a comforting, indulgent base. The combination is pure magic – a delicious fusion of two beloved comfort foods that will have your friends and family begging for more. Plus, the crispy, golden topping takes this bake to the next level, adding a satisfying textural contrast. Warning: This dish causes serious food jealousy, so be prepared to share (or not)!
Ingredients
To make this epic Smoky Chipotle Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese Bake, you’ll need a few key ingredients: tender pulled pork (made with a smoky chipotle marinade), elbow macaroni, a creamy cheese sauce made with cheddar and Parmesan, and a crunchy topping of panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Don’t forget the essential spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic powder to really amp up the flavor.
- 3 lbs – Pork shoulder or butt, for the smoky chipotle pulled pork
- 1 lb – Elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp – Unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup – All-purpose flour
- 3 cups – Whole milk
- 2 cups – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup – Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup – Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp – Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp – Ground cumin
- 1 tsp – Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Try swapping in different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or Gouda, for a unique twist on the classic cheese sauce.
- Pasta: Use a different pasta shape, like shells or cavatappi, to change up the texture.
How to Make Smoky Chipotle Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese Bake
We’re about to turn your kitchen into flavor paradise! Let’s get started on this epic dish.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preparing the smoky chipotle pulled pork. Season the pork with a blend of smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then slow-cook it until it’s fall-apart tender. Once it’s cooked, shred the pork with two forks and set it aside.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in all-purpose flour to create a roux. Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, the cheesy sauce, and the smoky chipotle pulled pork. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top the mac and cheese with a layer of panko breadcrumbs and a drizzle of melted butter to create a crispy, golden topping.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Bake the Smoky Chipotle Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy this epic flavor explosion!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Heat: For an extra kick of heat, you can add a diced jalapeño or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
- Bacon Topping: If you’re a bacon lover, crispy crumbled bacon would make an amazing topping for this dish.
- Cheese Combo: Try using a combination of cheeses, such as Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Pepper Jack, for a more complex flavor profile.
- Individual Servings: Make individual servings by dividing the mac and cheese mixture into ramekins or muffin tins before topping with the breadcrumb mixture. This creates perfect, single-serve portions that are great for parties or potlucks.
- Flavor Boost: Consider adding a layer of caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms before assembling the dish. The sweet and savory flavors will complement the smoky, spicy pork beautifully.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh green salad or some roasted veggies for a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This dish also freezes incredibly well, so feel free to make a double batch and stash one in the freezer for a quick, delicious meal on a busy weeknight.
Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers again, simply reheat the mac and cheese bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the top is crispy once more.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare this dish in advance by assembling it up to the point of adding the breadcrumb topping, then covering and refrigerating it until you’re ready to bake.
Nutrition Information
This Smoky Chipotle Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese Bake is a hearty, indulgent dish that’s perfect for satisfying your comfort food cravings. Each serving packs a substantial amount of protein from the pulled pork, as well as a healthy dose of calcium and other essential nutrients from the cheese and pasta. Of course, it’s important to enjoy this dish in moderation as part of a balanced diet. But when you’re craving something truly epic and flavor-packed, this recipe is sure to hit the spot and leave you feeling satisfied.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the bake
- Calories: 750 kcal
- Protein: 40 g
- Carbs: 57 g
- Fat: 42 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought pulled pork instead of making it from scratch?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, feel free to use your favorite store-bought or pre-cooked pulled pork. Just make sure to season it with the smoky chipotle spices to get that delicious flavor profile.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can definitely prepare this Smoky Chipotle Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese Bake in advance. Assemble the dish up to the point of adding the breadcrumb topping, then cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, top with the breadcrumbs and melted butter, then bake as directed.
Is this dish spicy?
The level of spice in this dish can be adjusted to your personal preference. The smoky chipotle seasoning adds a moderate level of heat, but you can always reduce the amount of chipotle seasoning or leave it out entirely if you prefer a milder flavor. You can also add a bit of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the pulled pork and add in your favorite roasted vegetables or plant-based protein, such as sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or diced tofu. The cheese sauce and mac and cheese base will still be delicious without the pork.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To lighten up this Smoky Chipotle Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese Bake, you can use whole wheat pasta, reduced-fat cheese, and a lighter cheese sauce made with low-fat milk. You can also reduce the amount of butter used in the breadcrumb topping or substitute it with a healthier oil, like olive oil.
Try These Next
- Thanksgiving Cheesy Bacon Mac And Cheese Bake With Crispy Topping
- Thanksgiving Leftover Mac And Cheese Bake With Crispy Topping
- Fiery Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese Bake With Crispy Topping
Smoky Chipotle Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese Bake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Smoke House
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Smoky Chipotle Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese Bake is a comfort food classic with a smoky, spicy twist. Tender pulled pork, creamy cheese sauce, and a crunchy topping make this dish irresistible.
Ingredients
1 lb pulled pork
1 lb elbow macaroni
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup chipotle sauce
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2.
3. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
4.
5. In a large saucepan, combine milk, sour cream, chipotle sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat over medium until warmed through.
6.
7. Stir in 3 cups of cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
8.
9. Add the cooked macaroni and pulled pork to the cheese sauce; mix well.
10.
11. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
12.
13. In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and melted butter; sprinkle over the macaroni mixture.
14.
15. Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
16.
17. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
For extra heat, add more chipotle sauce according to your taste.
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: pulled pork, mac and cheese, smoky, comfort food