Get ready to elevate your next gathering with a mouthwatering treat that combines two all-time favorites: pulled pork and mac and cheese! These Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders are not just a meal; they’re an experience that will leave your guests raving. Imagine tender, flavorful pulled pork slathered in tangy barbecue sauce, nestled between soft slider buns, and topped with creamy, cheesy macaroni. Whether you're hosting a party or simply craving comfort food, these sliders are the perfect solution. Dive into this recipe to discover how to create a dish that’s sure to impress and satisfy every palate!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 hrs
Total Time: 5 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 sliders
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup milk
- 12 slider buns
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the pork shoulder. Season it generously with salt and pepper on all sides. This will enhance the flavor of the meat.
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a slow cooker. Pour 1 cup of barbecue sauce over the meat, ensuring it is well-coated. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
- Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook the pork for approximately 5 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork. Check occasionally to ensure it is cooking evenly.
- While the pork is cooking, prepare the macaroni. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 lb of elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of milk. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the macaroni is evenly coated. If necessary, you can heat the mixture gently on the stove to help melt the cheese.
- Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the remaining barbecue sauce to keep it moist.
- To assemble the sliders, take a slider bun and place a generous spoonful of the pulled pork on the bottom half. Top the pork with a scoop of the cheesy macaroni mixture. Finally, place the top half of the slider bun on top.
- Repeat the assembly process for all 12 slider buns. You can serve the sliders immediately or keep them warm in a low oven until ready to serve.
- Enjoy your delicious Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders, perfect for a gathering or a hearty meal!
Tips
- Seasoning is Key: Don’t skimp on seasoning the pork shoulder! A generous amount of salt and pepper enhances the flavor and ensures a deliciously savory bite.
- Slow and Steady: Cooking the pork on low heat for the full 5 hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully and results in tender, shreddable meat. Resist the urge to rush it!
- Cheese Melting Magic: If your macaroni and cheese mixture isn’t melting as you’d like, gently heat it on the stove while stirring to help the cheese blend perfectly with the pasta.
- Assembly Line: Set up an assembly line when making the sliders. Lay out the buns, pulled pork, and mac and cheese so you can quickly assemble each slider without a mess.
- Keep Them Warm: If you’re preparing these sliders ahead of time, keep them warm in a low oven (around 200°F) until it’s time to serve, ensuring they stay deliciously gooey and inviting.
- Customize Your Sliders: Feel free to add your favorite toppings, such as pickles, jalapeños, or coleslaw, for an extra layer of flavor and crunch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 65mg
