Pork Belly Burnt End Mac and Cheese
Apr 09, 2024
This is a delightful fusion of smoky, savory pork belly burnt ends and creamy, cheesy macaroni. Using Ham Grenade Elite BBQ Rub and FUBAR Elite BBQ Sauce will add a unique flavor profile to this dish.
Ingredients:
For pork belly burnt ends:
2-3 lbs pork belly, skin removed
Ham Grenade Elite BBQ Rub
FUBAR Elite BBQ Sauce
Honey (optional)
Brown sugar (optional)
For mac and cheese:
1 lb elbow macaroni
4 tsp butter
4 Tbsp all-purpose flour
3 cups milk (preferably whole milk)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
Prep your pork belly by cutting the pork belly into 1.5-inch cubes.
Season generously with Ham Grenade Elite BBQ Rub. Preheat your
smoker to 250°F. Place the pork belly cubes on the smoker and cook for about 2-3 hours, or until they have a deep mahogany bark.
Transfer the pork belly cubes to a foil pan. Drizzle with FUBAR Elite
BBQ Sauce, and optionally add honey and brown sugar for extra
sweetness. Toss to coat evenly. Return the pan to the smoker and
continue to cook for another 1-2 hours, or until the cubes are tender
and caramelized.
Remove from the smoker and let them rest while you prepare the
mac and cheese.
Mac and Cheese:
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until aldente. Drain and set aside.
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for a minute. Gradually whisk in milk, and continue cooking until the sauce thickens. Reduce the heat and add the shredded cheeses. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Gently fold in the pork belly burnt ends into the mac and cheese.Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for added crunch. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your Pork Belly Burnt End Mac and Cheese! The combination
of the smoky and sweet pork belly with the creamy, cheesy macaroni, enhanced by the flavors of Ham Grenade Elite BBQ Rub and FUBAR Elite BBQ Sauce, is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.