Barbecue Mac and Cheese
 
Makes 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 pound pulled pork
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • ¼ cup butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups whole milk
  • 1 (16-ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
  • ½ (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1(16-ounce) box medium pasta shells, cooked according to package directions
  • 1 small red onion, minced
  • 4 slices center-cut bacon, chopped and cooked
  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Garnish: sliced red onion, fresh cilantro
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375°. Spray a 13x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. In a medium bowl, stir together pork and barbecue sauce. Spread mixture into prepared pan.
  3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour, and cook, whisking constantly, for 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk, and cook, whisking frequently, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Whisk in 3 cups Cheddar, cream cheese, salt, chili powder, and paprika until melted and smooth. Stir in pasta, onion, bacon, and cilantro until well combined. Spread pasta mixture on top of pork mixture, and sprinkle with remaining 1 cup Cheddar.
  4. Bake until hot and bubbly and top is golden brown, about 20 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with onion and cilantro, if desired.
Notes
Kitchen Tip: We recommend a vinegar-based barbecue sauce for this recipe; it helps cut through the richness of the pork and cheese.
Recipe by Paula Deen Magazine at https://pauladeenmagazine.com/barbecue-mac-and-cheese-recipe/