BBQ Pork Mac from Noodles & Company features tender pulled pork, creamy macaroni and cheese, and smoky barbecue sauce, topped with crispy fried onions for a savory, comforting dish bursting with rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Equipments
- Pot
- Saucepan
- Skillet
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Colander
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese grater
- Ladle
- Serving spoon
- Oven
- Stove
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 2 cups pulled pork (cooked)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Using whole milk combined with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese ensures the macaroni and cheese is creamy and flavorful. Make sure to cook the elbow macaroni al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the rich cheese sauce and pulled pork. Incorporating garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder adds depth and complexity to the dish's smoky barbecue flavor profile. When selecting pulled pork, choose tender, well-seasoned meat to replicate the authentic taste. Your BBQ Pork Mac from Noodles & Company copycat menu will impress with its perfect balance of smoky, cheesy, and crispy textures.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil water in a pot, add salt, and cook elbow macaroni until al dente; drain using colander.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to make a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper; mix well.
- Stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked macaroni to cheese sauce; stir to combine.
- In a skillet, heat pulled pork and mix with barbecue sauce.
- Spoon mac and cheese into a baking sheet or casserole dish.
- Top with BBQ pulled pork evenly.
- Sprinkle crispy fried onions over the top.
- Bake in the oven for 10–12 minutes, until crispy and golden.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with a ladle or serving spoon.
Substitution
BBQ Pork Mac from Noodles & Company copycat menu combines creamy macaroni and cheese with smoky barbecue pulled pork, topped with crispy fried onions for an indulgent flavor experience. If you don't have elbow macaroni, penne or shell pasta can be used as suitable substitutes without compromising the texture. When barbecue sauce is unavailable, you can mix ketchup with a splash of Worcestershire sauce and smoked paprika to create a similar smoky tang. Using pre-cooked pulled pork saves time, but be sure to warm it gently in the skillet with sauce to avoid drying it out. Your dish benefits from fresh parsley added at the end, but dried parsley can be used in a pinch to maintain some herbal brightness.
Tips
Ensure elbow macaroni is cooked al dente to maintain the perfect texture when baking with cheese sauce. Whisk the roux continuously when adding milk to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy mac and cheese base. Mix the pulled pork thoroughly with barbecue sauce to coat meat evenly for consistent smoky flavor throughout your dish. Use a baking sheet with enough space to spread ingredients evenly, allowing crispy fried onions to toast perfectly during baking.
Nutritions
BBQ Pork Mac from Noodles & Company combines protein-rich pulled pork with creamy cheeses providing calcium and vitamin D from whole milk. The dish offers a balanced amount of carbohydrates from elbow macaroni and fats from butter and cheese, supporting energy and satiety. Smoky barbecue sauce contributes antioxidants, while crispy fried onions add texture but can increase sodium and calorie content. To optimize nutrition, you can control portion size and consider using reduced-fat cheese or low-sodium sauce.
Storage
Store leftover BBQ Pork Mac in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness. The dish can be safely kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or frozen for 2-3 months for longer storage. When reheating, warm thoroughly on the stove or oven until heated through, preserving the creamy texture and smoky barbecue flavor for your enjoyment.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, try substituting the pulled pork with shredded smoked chicken or brisket to change the flavor profile. Use a blend of gouda and pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a creamier texture and a subtle spicy kick. You can also mix in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the cheese sauce for added smokiness. If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap the pulled pork with barbecue jackfruit or sauteed mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of whole milk for the sauce.
Allergies
The BBQ Pork Mac contains common allergens such as dairy from shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, whole milk, and unsalted butter, which may trigger reactions in individuals with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. The all-purpose flour used for thickening the cheese sauce contains gluten, posing a risk for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Crispy fried onions may include wheat and gluten, so you should check ingredient labels or consult with the restaurant if you have specific food allergies.
Why this recipe?
BBQ Pork Mac from Noodles & Company combines tender, savory pulled pork with creamy macaroni and cheese, delivering a rich flavor profile that satisfies comfort food cravings. The dish features a perfect balance of smoky BBQ sauce and cheesy goodness, making it a popular choice among customers seeking hearty yet flavorful meals. Its blend of textures--from the creamy mac to the tender pork--creates a memorable eating experience that stands out on the menu. You'll find it worth trying a copycat recipe to recreate this delicious fusion at home, saving money while enjoying a restaurant-quality dish.