Mac & Cheese Pulled Pork Sandwich

A Mac & Cheese Pulled Pork Sandwich brings together two comfort food favorites in every bite. This sandwich layers creamy macaroni and cheese with smoky pulled pork between soft, toasted bread.

The mix of cheesy pasta and flavorful pork creates a satisfying blend of textures and tastes. It’s both rich and filling.

Anyone looking for a new twist on classic barbecue will find this dish a great option. It uses easy-to-find ingredients and works well for feeding a group, especially when leftovers from a barbecue are on hand.

For more ideas on serving or preparing this dish, check out advice from sites like Taste of Home.

Mac & Cheese Pulled Pork Sandwiches are perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a game day treat. The combination of flavors is simple yet bold enough to impress family and friends.

Why You Will Love Mac & Cheese Pulled Pork Sandwich

This sandwich brings together creamy mac and cheese and savory pulled pork. Each bite offers cheesy noodles and smoky meat, all piled on a soft, toasted bun.

It’s a filling meal, great for lunch, dinner, or a game day treat. The textures—tender pork, smooth cheese sauce, and toasted bread—create a satisfying mouthful.

Key reasons to love this sandwich:

• Rich, cheesy mac and cheese
• Juicy, well-seasoned pulled pork
• Easy to customize with different cheeses or toppings
• Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing

The pulled pork cooks until it falls apart, then gets coated in BBQ sauce for deep flavor. Layered with stovetop mac and cheese, it’s comforting and simple.

For those who enjoy bold flavors, add extra BBQ sauce or mix in spicy cheese. Many also like to top it with crispy onions or coleslaw for crunch.

Serving tip: Toast the bun to keep things from getting soggy and to add just the right amount of bite.

If you want more ideas and step-by-step guides, check out this BBQ Pulled Pork Mac ‘n’ Cheese Sandwich.

How To Make Mac & Cheese Pulled Pork Sandwich

Making a Mac & Cheese Pulled Pork Sandwich takes comfort food to another level. Juicy pulled pork and creamy macaroni and cheese come together with tangy barbecue sauce between soft sandwich buns.

Ingredients

A good sandwich starts with quality ingredients. For the pulled pork, use either leftover pork shoulder or make a fresh batch in a slow cooker.

Pulled pork tossed in barbecue sauce gives a smoky, sweet flavor. Macaroni and cheese should be creamy and cheesy, using elbow noodles and fresh cheddar cheese for best results.

Homemade cheese sauce helps the flavors blend well. Butter is needed for toasting the buns.

Sandwich buns should be large and soft to hold everything together. Add extra cheddar cheese to melt on the sandwich if you want more flavor.

Example Ingredients Table

Ingredient	Amount
Pulled pork	2 cups (cooked)
BBQ sauce	1/2 cup
Mac & cheese	2 cups (prepared)
Sandwich buns	4
Cheddar cheese	1/2 cup (shredded)
Butter	2 tbsp

Instruments

A few basic kitchen tools make this recipe come together smoothly. Use a saucepan for warming the macaroni and cheese or making homemade cheese sauce.

A large skillet toasts the buns with butter, giving them a golden crust. Tongs help handle the hot pulled pork.

Use a spoon or spatula for layering the fillings on the buns. If pulling pork from a roast, two forks shred the meat easily.

Serving plates and a bread knife round out the tools needed.

Step By Step Instruction

Start by warming the pulled pork and tossing it in barbecue sauce. Meanwhile, heat the prepared macaroni and cheese in a saucepan on low until creamy.

Slice sandwich buns in half and lightly butter each side. Toast them with the cut side down in a skillet until golden.

Layer each bun bottom with a scoop of mac and cheese. Top this with a generous portion of BBQ pulled pork.

Add extra cheddar cheese to melt if you like. Close the sandwiches with the bun tops and serve warm.

For more details on method, see this pulled pork mac and cheese recipe.

Tips & Tricks

Toast the Buns: Toasted buns help keep the sandwich from getting soggy. They also add a pleasant crunch.

Make Fresh Mac and Cheese: The best sandwiches use mac and cheese made right before assembling. Fresh macaroni stays creamy and smooth.

Layer Properly: First, lay down the pulled pork, then pile on the mac and cheese. This order keeps the buns from soaking up too much moisture.

Mix Up Cheeses: Try a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, or smoked gouda for extra flavor.

Add Extra Flavor: Add a drizzle of BBQ sauce or ranch over the top for more taste. For crunch, add crispy onions or coleslaw before closing the sandwich.

Here’s a quick customization table:

Customization	How to Do It
Make it spicy	Use spicy BBQ sauce
Plant-based option	Substitute jackfruit for pork
Extra crunch	Add crispy onions or coleslaw
Cheese it up	Use a blend of cheeses

For more inspiration, check out a pulled pork mac and cheese sandwich idea at This Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Sandwich Will Blow Your Mind.

Ingredient Substitute

When making a Mac & Cheese Pulled Pork Sandwich, you can easily swap ingredients. For pulled pork, use homemade, store-bought, or leftovers from another meal.

If you don’t have pork, shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken works well. Plant-based eaters can use jackfruit, which soaks up BBQ sauce and mimics pork’s texture.

Some people also use plant-based meat alternatives. Macaroni is classic, but shells or rigatoni hold cheese sauce just as well.

Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta fit different dietary needs. Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but a blend of cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella is delicious.

Dairy-free cheese works for those avoiding milk. Regular hamburger buns are fine, but brioche or toasted pretzel rolls add extra flavor and hold up to the saucy filling.

Gluten-free buns are an easy switch for those with gluten sensitivities.

Here’s a quick table for reference:

Swap Out	Replace With
Pulled pork	Shredded chicken, jackfruit
Macaroni	Shells, rigatoni, gluten-free pasta
Cheddar cheese	Gouda, mozzarella, dairy-free
Hamburger bun	Brioche, pretzel, gluten-free bun

For more tips on using leftover pulled pork, see ideas at Corrie Cooks and Chef Maniac.

What To Serve With Mac & Cheese Pulled Pork Sandwich

A Mac & Cheese Pulled Pork Sandwich is filling and flavorful, but the right sides can really bring the meal together. Choose dishes that add crunch, freshness, or a little sweetness.

Classic sides that pair well include:

• Coleslaw
• Baked beans
• Grilled or roasted corn
• Cucumber or garden salads

Coleslaw offers a crisp and tangy bite. It cuts through the richness of the sandwich.

Add coleslaw right onto the sandwich for extra crunch. Baked beans are a favorite at any BBQ meal.

Their smoky, slightly sweet flavor goes perfectly with pulled pork sandwiches. Serve them warm alongside your sandwich.

For texture, kettle chips or crispy French fries work great. They add saltiness and crunch.

Sweet potato fries are a nice option for some extra sweetness. Fresh vegetables balance the richness.

Dishes like cucumber salad or grilled corn on the cob are light and easy to prepare. Add herbs or a squeeze of lime for a fresh twist.

Here are some more tasty ideas in a quick list:

• Macaroni salad
• Jalapeno cornbread
• Piggy mac (mac and cheese with extra pulled pork mixed in)
• Hush puppies
• Deviled eggs

Mix and match these options to fit your meal and your guests’ tastes. Each brings out something special in a Mac & Cheese Pulled Pork Sandwich.

How To Store Mac & Cheese Pulled Pork Sandwich

Storing a Mac & Cheese Pulled Pork Sandwich is simple with a few steps. Keep the sandwich fresh by handling each part with care.

Separate the Components:
If possible, store the pulled pork, mac and cheese, and bread in separate airtight containers. This keeps the bread from turning soggy.

Store pulled pork and mac and cheese in the fridge in airtight containers. Use fresh bread or toast the buns before serving to avoid sogginess after storage.

Storage Times:

• Pulled pork and mac and cheese should be refrigerated and used within 3-4 days.
• Bread should be kept at room temperature up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 1 week.

For best results, assemble the sandwich right before eating. If already assembled, wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in an airtight container.

Component	Storage Method	Shelf Life
Pulled Pork	Airtight Container, Fridge	3-4 days
Mac and Cheese	Airtight Container, Fridge	3-4 days
Bread/Buns	Room Temp Bag/Container	2 days
Whole Sandwich	Wrapped & Refrigerated	1-2 days

For longer-term storage, freeze pulled pork and mac and cheese in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Always reheat the pulled pork and mac and cheese separately, then assemble the sandwich for the best taste and texture.

Nutrition Fact In List Form

A Mac & Cheese Pulled Pork Sandwich is a filling and indulgent meal. Here is a nutrition breakdown for a medium sandwich serving, which usually has about one cup of mac and cheese with pulled pork.

Nutritional Values (per serving):

• Calories: 576 kcal
• Protein: 24 g
• Fat: 29 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Sugar: Around 7 g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.9 g

Most calories come from fat and carbohydrates. The creamy cheese sauce and pork add most of the fat.

Pulled pork provides a good amount of protein. Carbohydrates mainly come from the pasta and sandwich bread.

Nutrition details may change if you use different portions or ingredients.

For more information, check the full breakdown of mac and cheese with pulled pork nutrients or see a nutrition analysis for a similar dish.

Nutrient	Amount per serving
Calories	576 kcal
Protein	24 g
Fat	29 g
Carbs	48 g
Sugar	7 g
Fiber	0.9 g

If you change the cheese, bread, or amount of pork, nutrition may vary. Always check labels for exact numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Slow cooking makes pulled pork tender and flavorful. The right cheese creates creamy mac and cheese.

You can assemble these sandwiches in simple steps. Side dishes like coleslaw or casserole add balance to the meal.

How can I make a mac & cheese pulled pork sandwich using a slow cooker?

Place a pork shoulder in a slow cooker and cover it with BBQ sauce. Cook on low for about 8 hours until the pork becomes tender and shreds easily.

Shred the pork, then pile it onto buns and top with freshly made mac and cheese. Serve warm for a comforting sandwich.

See a full recipe for slow-cooked pork sandwiches.

What are some easy steps to prepare a mac & cheese pulled pork sandwich?

Cook macaroni, then make a simple cheese sauce by melting butter, adding flour, pouring in milk, and stirring in shredded cheddar. For the pork, shred it after slow cooking with BBQ sauce.

Layer pulled pork and mac and cheese on toasted buns. Serve hot for the best texture.

Which cheeses are best for a mac & cheese pulled pork sandwich?

Cheddar is popular for its sharp, creamy taste. Smoked gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack add extra flavor and melt well.

A blend of these cheeses gives the mac and cheese a gooey texture and rich flavor. This pairs well with savory pulled pork.

Explore more cheese options at this cheese pairing guide.

What side dishes complement a pulled pork sandwich well?

Coleslaw brings crunch and freshness. Crispy chips or casseroles like Dorito Casserole add extra texture.

Southern sides such as baked beans or banana pudding round out the meal. Simple salads or fruit offer a lighter balance.

Are there any variations for a baked mac & cheese pulled pork sandwich?

For a baked version, assemble the sandwich and place it on a sheet pan. Bake until the cheese bubbles.

You can also finish the mac and cheese under the broiler for a golden, crispy top. This method adds a toasty texture and extra flavor.

Try a baked mac and cheese with pulled pork for variety.

How do I create pulled pork mac and cheese sliders?

Make pulled pork and mac and cheese as you normally would. Use small buns or Hawaiian rolls for the sliders.

Slice the rolls and layer them with pulled pork and mac and cheese. Add extra cheese on top if you like.

Bake the sliders for a few minutes until they are warm and slightly crispy. Serve them at parties or as appetizers.