Oh my goodness, do I have a treat for you today! If you’re like me and enjoy a mash-up of comfort food, then get ready to dive into the delightful world of Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders! There’s something about layers of creamy macaroni and tender pulled pork stuffed between soft slider buns that makes my heart sing and my taste buds dance.
Every time I make these sliders, I’m whisked back to backyard barbecues and family gatherings. Watching my little cousins devour them with sticky fingers and smiles is just priceless. It’s made me realize that food has this magical way of bringing people together, and this recipe is a perfect example. Plus, who doesn’t love barbecue meets the ultimate cheesy goodness? I could eat these every day!
What’s in Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders?
Let’s break down this heavenly list of ingredients so you know exactly what’s going into your sliders:
Cooked Macaroni: The backbone of our creamy goodness. I usually prepare a batch of elbow macaroni – it’s classic and perfect for holding all that cheesy sauce.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar delivers a rich, gooey texture that makes each bite utterly decadent. I prefer sharp cheddar for that extra punch of flavor!
Pulled Pork: This is where the magic happens! I suggest using leftover pulled pork or store-bought from your favorite barbecue joint. You can even use it straight from the freezer, because who doesn’t love a tasty shortcut?
Barbecue Sauce: To kick those flavors up a notch! Use your favorite BBQ sauce – sweet, tangy, smoky… the sky’s the limit!
Butter: A little brushed on top of the slider buns creates a beautiful golden finish.
Slider Buns: These soft, mini rolls are what hold our delicious filling. I love the sweet Hawaiian rolls, but any slider-sized bread will do.
Breadcrumbs: This is optional but totally worth it for that added crunch on top. I often reach for panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy finish!
Salt, Pepper, and Paprika: Simple seasonings that elevate the dish and bring everything together perfectly.
Is Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders Good for You?
Let’s have a little heart-to-heart about these delicious sliders. While they’re a total crowd-pleaser and packed with flavors, they might not win any health awards. However, it doesn’t mean they don’t have their perks!
Macaroni: This is a good source of carbohydrates for energy, especially if you’re on the go. Just watch the portion sizes if you’re keeping an eye on carbs!
Cheddar Cheese: It’s a calcium powerhouse, and let’s face it, cheese makes everything better – including our mood!
Pulled Pork: High in protein, this meat will keep you feeling full, but do keep an eye on the fat content if you’re watching your intake.
These sliders are definitely a treat food! Enjoy them occasionally while embracing the joy they bring.
Ingredients List
– 2 cups cooked macaroni
– 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1 cup pulled pork (cooked)
– 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
– 1 tbsp butter
– 1 package (12 count) slider buns
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tsp paprika (optional, for flavor)
This quantity serves about 6 people, depending on how hungry your crowd is (or how much you want to keep for yourself!).
How to Make Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders?
Ready to get cooking? Let’s do this step by step!
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). The aroma from the oven is worth every degree!
2. Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the cooked macaroni with the shredded cheddar cheese, pulled pork, and barbecue sauce. Stir until everything is nicely mixed. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika if you’re feeling adventurous!
3. Slice the slider buns in half, so you have a top and bottom. Lay the bottom halves in a greased baking dish or tray.
4. Generously spoon the macaroni and cheese mixture over the bottom halves of the slider buns. Don’t skimp on this part – go big or go home!
5. Place the top halves of the slider buns over your delightful mac and cheese filling.
6. Melt the butter in a small saucepan and brush it over the tops of the slider buns. If you want to take things up a notch, sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top for that extra crunch.
7. Now, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and pop it back in the oven for an additional 10 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and bubbling. Your kitchen is about to smell AMAZING!
9. Allow them to cool slightly before you dive in. Trust me on this one! Once they’re cool enough, cut sliders apart and enjoy.
Pulled Pork Perfection Tips
– Feel free to mix in other ingredients! I often toss in some chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick or sprinkle in some green onions for freshness.
– If you have a slow cooker, trying pork in there for an even easier pulled pork prep is a game changer! Just season, set, and forget.
– These sliders are super versatile. You can freeze them before baking – just pop them into the oven when you’re ready for a quick meal.
I’m so excited for you to give these Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders a try! I promise they’ll be a hit at your next gathering or even for a cozy night in. Once you share them, everyone will be asking for the recipe. So go ahead, get cooking, and don’t forget to let me know how it goes! Happy munching!
