Smoky BBQ Mac and Cheese Recipe for Crowd-Pleasing Comfort

BBQ Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort casserole: tangy homemade mac and cheese layered with sweet, smoky pulled pork and barbecue sauce.

This recipe takes a creamy, no-boil macaroni and cheese base and brightens it with tangy ingredients to stand up to the sweet barbecue flavors. The finished dish is assembled in layers—mac and cheese, pulled pork, BBQ sauce, and shredded Monterey Jack—then baked until bubbly and golden. It’s rich and filling, a one-dish meal that pairs nicely with a simple green salad or fresh vegetables for balance. If you prefer to save time, use store-bought pulled pork and sauce, or prepare pulled pork in a slow cooker ahead of time.

Ingredients needed for BBQ Mac and Cheese

• 1 cup 4% fat cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups half and half
• 12 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 8 oz macaroni pasta, uncooked
• 2 cups pulled pork
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 6 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp butter (for greasing the baking dish)

How to make BBQ Mac and Cheese

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-cup (or similar) baking dish with the butter and set aside.

In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, sour cream, half and half, shredded sharp cheddar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce and salt. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth.

Transfer the blended cheese sauce to a large bowl and stir in the uncooked macaroni until well coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 45–55 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender when tasted. Remove from the oven, discard the foil, and stir the macaroni and cheese.

Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Spread the pulled pork evenly over the macaroni and cheese, drizzle with BBQ sauce, then sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese across the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned. Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Kitchen tips

• Use a high-powered blender to achieve a silky smooth cheese sauce.
• Grease the baking dish well so the finished casserole releases easily.
• For best texture and melt, grate your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded varieties.
• Check the pasta toward the end of the covered baking time so it doesn’t overcook.
• Leftovers heat well in the oven or a 350°F skillet until warmed through.

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More BBQ Recipes

• Crockpot Pulled Pork
• Barbecue Pulled Beef
• Apple Butter BBQ Sauce
• Air Fryer BBQ Drumsticks
• BBQ Pork Burgers