Smoky Maple Bourbon Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese Casserole

Here’s a rich, smoky, and deeply comforting dish: Smoky Maple Bourbon Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese Casserole. It combines creamy, cheesy pasta with tender pulled pork glazed in a maple-bourbon BBQ sauce, then baked to golden perfection. It’s the ultimate Southern-inspired comfort food!

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🧀🐖 Smoky Maple Bourbon Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese Casserole

🍽️ Servings: 6–8

⏱️ Time: 30 mins prep · 30 mins bake

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🧾 Ingredients

For the pulled pork (use leftovers or store-bought if preferred):

• 2 cups cooked pulled pork

• ½ cup BBQ sauce

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• 2 tbsp bourbon

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

Simmer BBQ sauce, maple syrup, bourbon, and paprika in a saucepan until slightly thickened (about 5 minutes), then stir in pulled pork and heat through.

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For the mac & cheese:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni or pasta of choice

• 3 tbsp butter

• 3 tbsp flour

• 3 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for richness)

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1 cup smoked gouda or Monterey Jack, shredded

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• ½ tsp mustard powder (optional, enhances flavor)

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Topping:

• ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs

• 1 tbsp butter, melted

• 2 tbsp Parmesan (optional)

• Sprinkle of paprika or cayenne for kick

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🔪 Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large saucepan, make the cheese sauce:

   • Melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook for 1–2 minutes.

   • Slowly whisk in milk, stirring until thickened (5–7 mins).

   • Lower heat and stir in cheeses, salt, pepper, and mustard powder until smooth.

3. Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.

4. Layer the casserole:

   • In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half the mac & cheese.

   • Add a layer of maple bourbon pulled pork.

   • Top with remaining mac & cheese.

5. In a small bowl, mix Panko breadcrumbs, butter, and Parmesan, then sprinkle over the top.

6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and bubbly. Broil for the last 2–3 minutes for a crispier topping (watch closely!).

7. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

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🔥 Serving Ideas:

• Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions

• Serve with coleslaw or a simple green salad to balance the richness

Would you like a slow cooker version of the pulled pork or a spicier chipotle twist?