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High Calorie Dinner: Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Recipe

Name: High Calorie Dinner: Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Recipe
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 350 g
Ingredients: uncooked elbow macaroni 1 lb; cheddar cheese, shredded 3 cups; smoked pulled pork (fully cooked, sauceless) 2 lbs; whole milk 3 cups; unsalted butter 0.5 cup; all-purpose flour 0.25 cup; cream cheese 4 oz; kosher salt 2 tsp; black pepper 1 tsp; smoked paprika 1 tsp; BBQ sauce 0.5 cup

Smoky pulled pork on top of creamy mac and cheese is excess in the best possible way. Two comfort foods combined into one high calorie dinner that hits hard.

Cook 120 min Difficulty NORMAL 980 kcal

#comfort food #family meal

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

uncooked elbow macaroni 1 lb
cheddar cheese, shredded 3 cups
smoked pulled pork (fully cooked, sauceless) 2 lbs
whole milk 3 cups
unsalted butter 0.5 cup
all-purpose flour 0.25 cup
cream cheese 4 oz

Seasonings/Sauce

kosher salt 2 tsp
black pepper 1 tsp
smoked paprika 1 tsp
BBQ sauce 0.5 cup

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 76 g 31%

Protein 41 g 17%

Fat 54 g 52%

Serving size 350g

Cooking steps

1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente, about 7–8 minutes. Drain immediately and set aside to prevent overcooking.
2

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook, whisking, for 2 minutes until pale golden, without browning.
3

Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer (do not boil), then add cream cheese and whisk until fully melted.
4

Reduce heat to low and gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring in batches to ensure smooth melting. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
5

Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Transfer to a 9x13-inch baking dish.
6

Layer the pulled pork evenly over the mac and cheese. Drizzle with BBQ sauce for extra flavor.
7

Bake uncovered in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20–25 minutes, until the top is bubbling and slightly golden. Let cool for 10 minutes to set before serving.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?

The key ingredients are the smoked pulled pork and cheddar cheese. The pulled pork adds smoky, savory depth, while the cheese anchors the mac and cheese with creamy richness. Together, they define the signature flavor and indulgent texture of this dish.

Q. How do I keep the cheese sauce creamy and smooth?

Maintaining gentle heat and adding the cheese in batches over low heat are crucial. Whisk the milk into the roux slowly and avoid boiling the sauce, which can cause graininess. Stir gently when folding in the macaroni to preserve texture.

Q. How can I prevent the mac and cheese from getting mushy?

Cook the pasta only until al dente, then drain and set aside promptly. Overcooking during boiling or baking is a common cause of mushy pasta—baking uncovered for just 20–25 minutes prevents excess moisture accumulation.

Q. How many calories and macronutrients are in each serving?

Each serving (350g) contains approximately 980 kcal, with 76g carbohydrates (31% of calories), 41g protein (17%), and 54g fat (52%). This breakdown makes it a rich, energy-dense meal perfect for high calorie needs.

High Calorie Dinner: Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Recipe

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