Ultimate Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese (Print version)

Creamy baked mac and cheese loaded with smoky pulled pork, melty cheddar, and tangy BBQ sauce.

# Ingredients:

For the mac and cheese

01 - 1 lb (450 g) cavatappi or elbow macaroni
02 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
04 - 2 cups whole milk, warmed
05 - 1 cup heavy cream, warmed
06 - 8 oz (225 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
07 - 4 oz (115 g) smoked gouda cheese, shredded
08 - 4 oz (115 g) fontina cheese, shredded
09 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
11 - Salt and black pepper to taste

For assembly and topping

12 - 2 cups cooked pulled pork, warmed
13 - 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, plus extra for drizzling
14 - 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
15 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
16 - 1 tablespoon melted butter

# Instructions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cavatappi and cook until just shy of al dente, about 1 minute less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
02 - Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and smells lightly toasty.
03 - Slowly whisk in the warm milk and cream. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat.
04 - Stir in the cheddar, gouda, and fontina a handful at a time until completely melted. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
05 - Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce. Spread half into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with the pulled pork drizzled with BBQ sauce. Spread the remaining mac and cheese over the pork. Sprinkle with the extra cheddar and panko tossed with melted butter.
06 - Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with additional BBQ sauce if desired.

# Good to know:

01 - Let the casserole rest 10 minutes before serving so the layers hold together.
02 - For extra smoke, use smoked paprika or add a pinch of chipotle powder.

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