Community BBQ Mac and Cheese Recipe That Everyone Loves

There’s something truly magical about the combination of smoky barbecue flavors mingling with the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese. This Community BBQ Mac and Cheese recipe is a celebration of comfort food and togetherness, perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any time you want to wow a crowd with minimal fuss.

Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting out, this dish brings a smoky twist to the classic mac and cheese that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Imagine tender elbow macaroni bathed in a luscious cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and smoked gouda, then layered with chunks of flavorful pulled pork and finished off with a crispy, golden breadcrumb topping.

Each bite delivers a balance of creamy, smoky, and crunchy textures that is simply irresistible.

Ready to impress your friends and family with a dish that’s both hearty and full of bold flavors? Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and bring a taste of community-style BBQ right to your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Community BBQ Mac and Cheese recipe is perfect for those who love combining classic comfort food with the bold, smoky flavors of barbecue. It’s:

• Rich and Creamy: The cheese sauce uses a blend of sharp cheddar and smoked gouda for a perfectly balanced flavor.
• Smoky and Savory: Pulled pork adds a delicious BBQ element that makes this mac and cheese stand out.
• Texturally Delightful: The crunchy breadcrumb topping provides a satisfying contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Great for Sharing: Designed as a crowd-pleaser, it’s ideal for potlucks, picnics, and community events.
• Customizable: Easy to adapt with different meats or make vegetarian by swapping proteins.

Ingredients

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups smoked gouda cheese, shredded
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups pulled pork, shredded (smoked or BBQ style)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Medium saucepan for cheese sauce
• Large mixing bowl
• Baking dish (9×13 inch recommended)
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven mitts
• Colander

Instructions

1. Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux, stirring continuously until it’s lightly golden but not browned.
3. Add the milk and cream: Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Incorporate cheeses and seasonings: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and smoked gouda until fully melted and smooth. Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Combine pasta and pulled pork: In a large mixing bowl, gently fold the drained macaroni and shredded pulled pork into the cheese sauce until well combined.
6. Prepare breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil until evenly coated. This will help them toast nicely in the oven.
7. Assemble the dish: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top.
8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the mac and cheese for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
9. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For the best flavor, use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded. It melts better and creates a creamier sauce.

• Make it vegetarian: Omit the pulled pork and add grilled vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn.
• Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a smoky kick.
• Swap the meat: Use smoked chicken, brisket, or even burnt ends for a different BBQ twist.
• Crunchy topping: Mix crushed potato chips or fried onions with the breadcrumbs for extra texture.
• Make ahead: Assemble the dish a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve (add extra 5-10 minutes to baking time if baking cold).

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Community BBQ Mac and Cheese pairs wonderfully with classic barbecue sides such as coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans. For a lighter balance, serve alongside a fresh green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette.

If you’re planning a party, consider offering this dish in a buffet style alongside smoked ribs, grilled veggies, and your favorite BBQ sauces. It’s also fantastic served as a hearty main course with a cold beer or a sweet iced tea.

Conclusion

This Community BBQ Mac and Cheese recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, blending creamy, cheesy comfort food with the irresistible smoky flavors of BBQ. Whether you’re feeding a large group or just want to treat yourself to a hearty meal, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

Its versatility allows you to customize it based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences, making it a go-to recipe for any season. So gather your friends, fire up the oven, and enjoy a dish that reminds us all why food brings communities together.

Hungry for more? Check out our other comforting recipes like Classic Southern Potato Salad, Smoky BBQ Chicken Wings, and Homemade Cornbread Muffins to complete your barbecue feast!

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