If you are craving a fun, indulgent twist on comfort food, this Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, savory pulled pork piled high on buttery slider buns, smothered with creamy, cheesy macaroni, and baked to golden perfection with a hint of garlic and brown sugar sweetness on top. These sliders are bursting with flavor, combining the gooey richness of mac and cheese with smoky pork in a perfectly handheld bite. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just want to treat yourself, these sliders bring joy and serious satisfaction in every mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders Recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each component plays an important role: the pasta shapes the creamy base, the cheese delivers a sharp tang, and the pulled pork adds a comforting, smoky heartiness. Plus, the buttery slider buns bring everything together into a perfect handheld delight.
- 1 cup uncooked macaroni noodles: Classic pasta shape to hold onto the cheese sauce perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness to the roux and helps toast the buns.
- 1 tablespoon flour: Thickens the cheese sauce to that luscious, creamy consistency.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors in the cheese sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Provides a mild kick to keep the sauce from being too bland.
- ¼ teaspoon ground mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth to the cheese sauce.
- ¾ cup milk: Creates the creamy base for the cheese sauce without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for that signature cheesy bite.
- 12 slider buns: Soft and buttery, perfect for holding all the goodness inside.
- 2-3 tablespoons butter: Used to coat the buns and keep them moist and flavorful.
- 24 oz. prepared pulled pork (approximately 3 cups): The star protein that makes these sliders hearty and satisfying.
- 3 tablespoons melted butter: Mixed with spices to brush on top for a golden crust.
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt: Adds a hint of savory garlic flavor to the butter topping.
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley: Brings a touch of freshness and color.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Gives a sweet caramelized finish to the slider tops.
- 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese: A sharp, nutty topping that crisps up while baking.
How to Make Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Start by preheating your oven to 350℉. Cook the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente, then drain them well. This simple step creates the base for your creamy cheese sauce and ensures the pasta holds its shape inside the slider.
Step 2: Prepare the Roux
While your macaroni is cooking, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat in a small saucepan. Whisk in the flour, salt, pepper, and ground mustard, cooking the mixture for about one minute. This roux thickens your sauce and infuses it with just a hint of seasoning that brings out the cheese flavor beautifully.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
Turn the heat to medium-high and gradually whisk in the milk. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce. Then, whisk in your sharp cheddar cheese until it’s melted and silky smooth. This cheese sauce will envelop the macaroni for that unforgettable gooey texture.
Step 4: Heat the Pulled Pork
While your cheese sauce is taking shape, heat your prepared pulled pork in the microwave according to the package instructions. Warm pork is essential to meld beautifully with the mac and cheese inside the slider buns.
Step 5: Assemble the Sliders
Using a serrated knife, slice your slider buns in half horizontally. Spread 2-3 tablespoons of butter on the bottom halves and lay them in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. This buttery base ensures your sliders won’t stick and adds delicious flavor.
Step 6: Layering the Goodness
Spread the warmed pulled pork evenly over the buttery bottom halves of the buns. Next, generously spoon the mac and cheese on top of the pork layer, making sure to cover every inch so every bite delivers a perfect balance of flavors. Finally, nestle the top halves of the buns on top, closing each slider like a little treasure chest of deliciousness.
Step 7: Prepare the Topping and Bake
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with garlic salt, dried parsley, and brown sugar. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of your slider buns. This step adds a heavenly caramelized crust with a subtle savory sweetness. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the tops for an extra crispy, cheesy finish. Bake your sliders for 10 to 15 minutes until the bun tops are irresistibly golden brown.
How to Serve Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh pop of color and a mild crunch, sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh parsley over the sliders just before serving. A dollop of tangy barbecue sauce on the side is also fantastic for dipping and adds an extra layer of smoky flavor that complements the pulled pork perfectly.
Side Dishes
These sliders are hearty enough to be a meal on their own, but pairing them with crunchy coleslaw or a crisp garden salad can lighten the plate and provide a refreshing contrast. Baked beans or sweet potato fries also make excellent southern-style companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your sliders on a wooden serving board or a rustic platter for a cozy, inviting look. For a party, serve them with individual toothpicks for easy grabbing. You can even customize by adding jalapeños or pickled veggies inside the sliders for an extra kick of flavor and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders in an airtight container and refrigerate them within two hours of baking. They will keep well for 2 to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy the delicious flavors without any loss in quality.
Freezing
You can freeze these sliders before baking by wrapping each slider individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Bake them straight from the freezer, just adding extra cooking time to ensure they’re heated through.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers, reheat the sliders in the oven at 350℉ for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy on top. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the buns may become soggy and the cheese sauce might lose its wonderful texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pulled pork for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade pulled pork works wonderfully here and adds a personalized touch of flavor. Just make sure it is well-seasoned and properly shredded for the best results in your slider.
What cheese works best in this Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders Recipe?
Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal for the mac and cheese because it melts smoothly and has a perfect balance of sharpness and creaminess. You can also mix in Monterey Jack or mozzarella for an extra melty texture.
Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
While the recipe centers around pulled pork, you can swap the meat for pulled jackfruit or a seasoned mushroom mix to create a tasty vegetarian version. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to heighten the flavor impact.
How spicy are these sliders?
This recipe has a mild spice level due to the ground mustard and garlic salt, but you can easily add more heat by incorporating chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy pulled pork varieties if you prefer a kick.
Are these sliders good served cold?
They are definitely best enjoyed warm or at room temperature to fully appreciate the gooey mac and cheese and tender pork. However, they can be eaten cold if you’re in a pinch, but the texture and flavor won’t be quite as delightful.
Final Thoughts
There’s something utterly irresistible about these Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders Recipe that makes them a total crowd-pleaser. They combine comfort, flavor, and fun into one satisfying bite after bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or entertaining friends, these sliders bring plenty of wow-factor with minimal fuss. I can’t wait for you to give them a try and watch everyone’s faces light up with delight!
Print
Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders combine creamy, cheesy macaroni with savory pulled pork, all nestled between buttery slider buns for a delicious party appetizer or comforting meal. Featuring a rich cheese sauce, tender pulled pork, and a crispy, caramelized top, these sliders are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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 on buns)
- 24 oz. prepared pulled pork (shredded, approximately 3 cups)
Topping Butter Mixture
- 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 your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Cook the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain thoroughly.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: While the pasta cooks, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, salt, pepper, and ground mustard, and cook this roux for about 1 minute while whisking continuously.
- Thicken the Sauce: Increase the heat to medium-high and gradually whisk in the milk. Stir until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add Cheese: Whisk in the grated sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth, then set the cheese sauce aside.
- Heat Pulled Pork: Warm the prepared pulled pork in the microwave according to the package instructions.
- Prepare Buns: Using a large serrated knife, slice each slider bun in half horizontally. Spread 2-3 tablespoons of butter on the bottom halves and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Assemble Sliders: Evenly distribute the warmed pulled pork over the buttered bottom halves of the buns.
- Add Mac and Cheese: Spoon the creamy mac and cheese over the pulled pork layer on each slider bottom.
- Top Buns: Place the top halves of the slider buns over the mac and cheese layers.
- Prepare Butter Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, garlic salt, dried parsley, and brown sugar. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the slider buns.
- Add Parmesan and Bake: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese evenly atop the brushed buns. Bake the sliders in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and caramelized.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the sliders hot or at room temperature for a delicious and satisfying meal or snack.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese sauce or pulled pork.
- You can prepare the mac and cheese ahead of time and reheat before assembling the sliders.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for best flavor and melting quality.
- If you prefer crispier buns, toast them lightly before assembling.
- Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
