BBQ Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese

### Hashtags

1. #BBQPulledPorkLove
2. #MacAndCheeseHeaven
3. #UltimateComfortFood
4. #HomemadeGoodness
5. #CheesyDelights
6. #PulledPorkMagic
7. #SoulFoodFiesta

### Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort dish, BBQ Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese – a heavenly blend where smoky, tender pulled pork meets creamy, cheesy macaroni goodness. This dish will entice your palate with its luscious layers of flavor, combining the rich, tangy zest of barbecue pulled pork with the creamy, comforting embrace of classic mac and cheese. It’s the perfect meal for any occasion, promising to be a crowd-pleaser at gatherings and a satisfying solace for cozy nights in. Whether you’re a barbecue lover, a mac and cheese enthusiast, or a culinary adventurer looking for the next big thing, this dish is sure to impress with its bold flavors and heartwarming appeal.

### Ingredients

– 1 pound elbow macaroni
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 cups BBQ pulled pork (precooked)
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your choice, for mixing with pulled pork)
– Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
– Extra BBQ sauce for drizzling (optional)
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping, optional)

### Directions

1. **Prep the Pasta:** Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Aim for al dente, then drain and set aside.

2. **Make the Cheese Sauce:** While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute until golden. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth. Continue to cook, stirring often, until the mixture thickens slightly.

3. **Add the Cheese:** Lower the heat, and gradually mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season the cheese sauce with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

4. **Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:** Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until well coated. Adjust seasoning as necessary.

5. **BBQ Pulled Pork:** In a separate bowl, mix the precooked pulled pork with BBQ sauce until evenly coated.

6. **Layering:** In a baking dish, layer half of the mac and cheese, followed by a layer of BBQ pulled pork. Repeat the layers, ending with mac and cheese on top. If using breadcrumbs for a crispy topping, sprinkle them over the final layer.

7. **Bake:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the dish for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

8. **Serve:** Let the BBQ Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and drizzle with additional BBQ sauce if desired. Enjoy!

With every bite, you’ll experience the blissful harmony of smoky, savory pulled pork intertwined with rich, gooey macaroni, making this dish a memorable comfort food classic.