If you adore comfort food that hits all the right notes, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders Recipe. Imagine tender, smoky pulled pork nestled inside buttery sliders, topped with creamy, cheesy macaroni that oozes indulgence with every bite. These sliders bring together the best of two comfort food worlds, creating an irresistible combination perfect for parties, game days, or anytime you need a little cozy magic on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are surprisingly simple but absolutely essential for creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders Recipe. Each component adds its own special touch, from the sharp cheddar that makes the mac and cheese irresistible to the melted butter that gives the slider buns a golden, flavorful finish.
- Uncooked macaroni noodles: The classic base for mac and cheese, these provide the perfect creamy bite.
- Butter: Used both in the cheese sauce and brushed on buns to add richness and help achieve a golden crust.
- Flour: The secret to thickening your cheese sauce to that lush, velvety consistency.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out all the wonderful flavors.
- Ground mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth to the cheese sauce.
- Milk: Gives the cheese sauce its creamy, dreamy texture.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: For that iconic mac and cheese sharpness and gooey melt.
- Slider buns: The perfect handheld vehicle for this hearty filling, soft but sturdy enough to hold all the goodness.
- Prepared pulled pork: Tender, flavorful shredded pork that pairs beautifully with the creamy mac and cheese.
- Melted butter, garlic salt, dried parsley, brown sugar, and grated parmesan cheese: These finishing touches elevate the sliders with a buttery, aromatic, and slightly sweet golden crust on top.
How to Make Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Start by preheating your oven to 350℉. Then, cook the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions until they’re perfectly tender but not mushy. Drain them well so they are ready to soak up all that creamy cheese sauce without getting watery.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
While the macaroni cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour, salt, pepper, and ground mustard, cooking for about a minute while stirring continuously. This creates a roux, which ensures your sauce will thicken beautifully. Slowly whisk in milk, raising the heat slightly and stirring until thickened. Finally, blend in sharp cheddar cheese until it melts into a gloriously smooth, cheesy sauce.
Step 3: Warm the Pulled Pork
Heat your prepared pulled pork in the microwave until it’s warm and ready to layer inside the sliders. This ensures every bite will be cozy and satisfying.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
Using a large serrated knife, carefully slice your slider buns in half. Spread softened butter generously over the bottom halves and arrange them in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Layer on the warm pulled pork evenly, then spoon the creamy mac and cheese right over the pork. Top each slider with the bun lids, getting ready for the grand finishing touch.
Step 5: Add the Topping and Bake
Whisk together melted butter, garlic salt, dried parsley, and brown sugar in a small bowl. Brush this flavorful mixture over the tops of the slider buns, then sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese for an extra golden finish. Bake the sliders for 10 to 15 minutes in your preheated oven until the tops are beautifully golden and inviting.
How to Serve Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or a sprinkle of crunchy fried onions bring a pop of color and texture to these rich sliders. A drizzle of tangy barbecue sauce can also elevate the pulled pork’s flavor and add a delightful zing.
Side Dishes
Pair these sliders with classic sides like coleslaw or a crisp green salad to balance the richness with a refreshing crunch. Crispy sweet potato fries or baked beans also make fantastic, hearty companions to complete your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders Recipe on a large wooden platter for a rustic, inviting look. Adding small bowls of extra barbecue sauce or pickles around the platter encourages everyone to customize their sliders. For parties, skewering the sliders with decorative toothpicks keeps them neat and easy to grab.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They stay moist and tasty when reheated gently, making for a quick and delicious next-day snack or meal.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each slider tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain their texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your sliders in an oven preheated to 350℉ for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese is melted again. This keeps the buns crispy and the filling perfectly hot. Microwaving is quicker but may sacrifice some crispness.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pulled pork for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade pulled pork adds a personal touch and fresh flavor that makes these sliders even more special. Just be sure it’s shredded finely and warm before assembling your sliders.
What type of cheese works best in the mac and cheese?
Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal for its tangy flavor and excellent melting qualities, but feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different twist.
Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
Definitely. Substitute the pulled pork with pulled jackfruit or a savory mushroom mix for a delicious vegetarian alternative that still captures the comforting essence of this recipe.
How can I make the sliders spicier?
Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce or mix some hot sauce into the pulled pork before assembling to give your sliders a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Are these sliders suitable for a party?
Yes! Their size and combination of flavors make the Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders Recipe perfect for gatherings. They’re easy to eat with your hands and are sure to be a crowd favorite.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, diving into this Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders Recipe will not disappoint. It’s a fantastic way to impress friends and family with a flavor-packed, comforting meal that’s surprisingly easy to make. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to fall in love with these sliders as much as I have!
Print
Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders are a delicious fusion of creamy mac and cheese and savory pulled pork, all nestled inside buttery slider buns. Perfect for parties or casual dinners, these sliders combine cheesy comfort and smoky pork with a sweet and savory topping, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese
- 1 cup uncooked macaroni noodles
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground mustard
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
Sliders
- 12 slider buns
- 2–3 tablespoons butter (for spreading)
- 24 oz. prepared pulled pork (shredded, approx. 3 cups)
Topping
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and cook macaroni: Preheat the oven to 350℉. Cook the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions, then drain thoroughly.
- Make the cheese sauce: While the macaroni cooks, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, salt, pepper, and ground mustard and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Thicken the sauce: Increase heat to medium-high and gradually whisk in the milk. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Add cheese: Whisk in the sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. Set the cheese sauce aside.
- Warm pulled pork: Heat the prepared pulled pork in the microwave according to package directions until warm.
- Prepare slider buns: Using a large serrated knife, slice each slider bun in half horizontally. Spread the bottom halves with 2 to 3 tablespoons of butter each and arrange them in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Assemble sliders: Evenly distribute the warmed pulled pork over the buttered bottom halves of the buns.
- Add mac and cheese: Spoon the prepared mac and cheese over the pulled pork layer.
- Top and prepare topping: Place the top halves of the buns over the mac and cheese. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic salt, dried parsley, and brown sugar. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the buns.
- Add parmesan and bake: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top of the brushed buns. Bake the sliders in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve the sliders hot or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheesy flavor in the mac and cheese.
- Prepared pulled pork can be store-bought or homemade; ensure it is well seasoned for best results.
- Brush slider tops thoroughly with the butter mixture for a golden, flavorful crust.
- These sliders are perfect for gatherings and can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce or the butter topping mix.
