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Creamy BBQ Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders

BBQ pulled pork mac and cheese sliders - featured image
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These sliders combine creamy mac and cheese with smoky BBQ pulled pork on soft slider buns, perfect for parties, game days, or comfort food cravings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked pulled pork (leftover BBQ pork works perfectly)
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand)
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 2 cups dry)
  • 2 cups whole milk (room temperature)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded smoked gouda
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 12 slider buns (soft, slightly sweet buns)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing the buns)
  • Optional: Pickles or coleslaw for topping

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (about 2 cups) of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente (7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth, bubbling paste (roux).
  3. Slowly whisk in 2 cups of whole milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  4. Reduce heat to low and stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup shredded smoked gouda. Add 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
  5. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, folding gently to coat every noodle. Set aside.
  6. Mix 2 cups of cooked pulled pork with 1/2 cup BBQ sauce until well coated. Adjust sauce to taste.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter or spray a baking dish or sheet.
  8. Slice slider buns in half horizontally. Spread a generous layer of mac and cheese on the bottom buns, then top with BBQ pulled pork. Add pickles or coleslaw if desired.
  9. Place slider tops on, brush with melted butter, and arrange sliders close together on the baking sheet.
  10. Bake for 15-18 minutes until buns are toasted and filling is bubbly and warm.
  11. Remove from oven, let cool for a few minutes, then serve warm.

Notes

Whisk constantly when adding milk to roux to avoid lumps. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt and flavor. Brush buns with melted butter for rich color and flavor. Avoid overfilling sliders to keep them manageable. Reheat leftovers in oven to maintain texture. For gluten-free, substitute flour and buns accordingly. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and vegan cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ pulled pork, mac and cheese, sliders, party snacks, comfort food, creamy, smoky, easy recipe

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/creamy-bbq-pulled-pork-mac-and-cheese-sliders-easy-recipe-for-party-snacks/