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
Scale
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.
