Description
The Pulled Pork Mac ‘n’ Cheese Burger is the ultimate comfort food mash-up. This recipe combines tender, smoky pulled pork with creamy, homemade mac ‘n’ cheese, all sandwiched between buttery brioche buns. Perfect for a BBQ, a special dinner, or when you’re craving something truly indulgent.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pulled Pork:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mac ‘n’ Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Burger:
- 4 brioche buns
- Butter for toasting
- Optional: Pickles, extra BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Pulled Pork:
- Season the pork shoulder with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place the pork, BBQ sauce, and sliced onion in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork is tender and can be easily shredded.
- Shred the pork using two forks and mix it with the remaining juices in the slow cooker.
- Make the Mac ‘n’ Cheese:
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly add the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Burger:
- Butter and toast the brioche buns until golden brown.
- Layer the bottom bun with a generous portion of pulled pork, followed by a spoonful of mac ‘n’ cheese.
- Add any optional toppings like pickles or extra BBQ sauce, then top with the remaining bun.
Notes
- For a quicker version, you can use store-bought pulled pork and pre-made mac ‘n’ cheese.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding additional toppings such as caramelized onions, jalapeños, or a slice of tomato.
- The pulled pork can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (for pulled pork)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker, Stovetop, Assembly
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1250mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: Pulled Pork Burger, Mac 'n' Cheese Burger, Comfort Food