Ultimate Comfort: The Irresistible Pulled Pork Spaetzle Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prepare to indulge in a culinary masterpiece that combines the best of German-inspired pasta with classic American comfort food. This Pulled Pork Spaetzle Mac and Cheese is the ultimate dinner you’ll crave all year long. Imagine tender, homemade spaetzle bathed in a rich, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy sauce, generously loaded with succulent pulled pork. Each individually portioned serving promises a delightful explosion of flavors and textures, guaranteeing you’ll be reaching for a second helping. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that elevates your favorite mac and cheese to a whole new level of gourmet satisfaction.
The Unexpected Journey to a Comfort Food Sensation
As a food blogger, one of the most rewarding aspects of this vibrant community is the opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts. Attending conferences each year and actively seeking out local Denver bloggers on Instagram and Twitter has led to countless inspiring interactions. While it might sound a bit like digital stalking, I assure you, no one has been genuinely terrified yet! The food blogging world is incredibly inclusive, overflowing with amazing and truly talented individuals. It’s an endless source of inspiration and a wonderful stream of friendships that I cherish.
It was during one such delightful first-time meeting with a new blogging friend, Chloe from Mile High and Hungry, that the spark for this extraordinary dish ignited. We decided to meet at First Draft in Denver for some drinks and delicious food. Among our selections was a pulled pork spaetzle mac and cheese that absolutely blew my mind. The dish was an revelation – incredibly rich, profoundly creamy, and bursting with flavor. Every bite was an irresistible invitation for another, even when both of us, seasoned foodies that we are, were beyond stuffed. The portion, I recall, was absolutely GIANT, a testament to its indulgent nature, leaving even two dedicated eaters defeated.
That unforgettable experience became the sole inspiration for recreating these adorable individual pots of pure comfort food love. It wasn’t just about the food, but the wonderful memory of a new connection forged over an incredible meal. It’s a dish that symbolizes community, culinary discovery, and the simple joy of sharing good food.
Why Spaetzle? Elevating the Mac and Cheese Experience
The concept of incorporating spaetzle into mac and cheese, rather than the more conventional macaroni pasta, was truly revolutionary for me. And let me tell you, it works absolutely brilliantly with the pulled pork. The spaetzle, with its unique chewy texture and irregular shape, acts as a perfect vehicle for the decadent cheese sauce, absorbing every ounce of its rich flavor as if it were destined solely for this purpose. While technically it deviates from the “mac” in “mac and cheese,” perhaps “Spaetzle and Cheese” is a more accurate, albeit less catchy, name. Regardless of nomenclature, the taste remains undeniably exceptional.
Spaetzle, a type of soft egg noodle or dumpling found in Southern German, Austrian, Swiss, Hungarian, and Alsatian cuisine, offers a delightful departure from typical pasta. Unlike uniform macaroni, homemade spaetzle often has a rustic, organic shape that creates wonderful nooks and crannies for the sauce to cling to. Its slightly denser, chewier bite provides a satisfying contrast to the tender pulled pork and the smooth, velvety cheese sauce. This textural interplay is what truly sets this dish apart, transforming a familiar comfort food into something sophisticated yet utterly approachable.
The Perfect Portion: Indulgence Without Overwhelm
These individually portioned dishes are ideal for a single, hearty meal, providing just the right amount of indulgence. And if you’re feeling particularly virtuous, you can always pair it with some “green stuff” on the side for a well-rounded meal. Personally, I’m quite content with a glass of fermented grape juice as my accompaniment – to each their own, right? Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in, a special family dinner, or even a sophisticated potluck, these individual servings make presentation and portion control a breeze.
Mastering Homemade Spaetzle and The Ultimate Cheese Sauce
Don’t be intimidated by the idea of making spaetzle from scratch! It’s surprisingly simple and the fresh flavor and texture are well worth the effort. For those who prefer a shortcut, a spaetzle maker can certainly make your life a little easier – and there’s absolutely no judgment here! Whether you use a traditional board and scraper, a colander, or a specialized maker, the process involves pushing a simple dough through holes into boiling water, resulting in those wonderfully chewy, irregular noodles.
The cheese sauce is another star of this dish, a luscious blend designed to complement the robust flavors of the pulled pork and the comforting texture of the spaetzle. Starting with a roux made from butter and flour, infused with paprika and a hint of cayenne pepper for warmth and a subtle kick, it forms the base for a velvety sauce. The addition of milk and a generous amount of grated white cheddar cheese creates that signature gooey, stretchy perfection. A touch of blue cheese is the secret ingredient here, adding a layer of sophisticated tang and depth that elevates the entire profile, moving it beyond a standard mac and cheese into something truly special.
Choosing Your Pulled Pork
For the pulled pork component, you have a few excellent options. If you’re a barbecue enthusiast, making your own slow-cooked pulled pork seasoned with your favorite rubs and sauces will undoubtedly yield the most flavorful results. The smoky, tender strands of pork meld beautifully with the cheesy spaetzle. However, if time is a constraint, don’t hesitate to use high-quality store-bought pulled pork. Many supermarkets offer pre-cooked pulled pork that simply needs to be reheated. Just ensure it’s well-seasoned or add a dash of your favorite barbecue sauce to enhance its flavor before combining it with the spaetzle and cheese sauce. The key is tender, moist pork that shreds easily and integrates seamlessly into the creamy dish.
Assembly and Baking: The Final Transformation
Once your spaetzle is cooked and your cheese sauce is ready, the assembly is straightforward. Combine the homemade spaetzle, warm pulled pork, and the rich cheese sauce in a large bowl, ensuring every piece of spaetzle and every strand of pork is coated in cheesy goodness. The mixture is then transferred to individual ramekins for that charming, personalized touch, or into an 8×8 inch baking dish for a family-style meal. A quick bake in the oven allows the flavors to meld, the cheese to bubble and become golden brown on top, creating a delightful crust. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely intoxicating!
Pulled Pork Spaetzle Mac and Cheese
ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt (for spaetzle)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (for spaetzle)
- 2 cups cooked pulled pork
- 1 1/2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/8 cup all-purpose flour (for sauce)
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk (for sauce)
- 10 oz grated sharp white cheddar cheese
- 1 oz crumbled blue cheese
instructions
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For the Spaetzle: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt.
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In a separate medium bowl, vigorously whisk together the 4 large eggs and 1/2 cup of milk until well combined.
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Create a well in the center of the flour mixture. Pour the egg and milk mixture into the well. Gently whisk, gradually incorporating flour from the sides into the wet ingredients until a smooth, thick batter forms. Be careful not to overmix. Let the spaetzle dough rest at room temperature for at least 10 minutes (or up to 30 minutes for better hydration).
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For the Cheese Sauce: While the spaetzle dough rests, prepare your decadent cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt 1 1/2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Stir in the 1/2 teaspoon of paprika and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Once the butter is melted and begins to lightly bubble, stir in 1/8 cup of all-purpose flour to create a roux. Cook and stir constantly for approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute until the roux takes on a light golden brown color. Gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups of whole milk, ensuring no lumps form.
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Continue to stir the milk mixture over heat until it thickens to your desired consistency, typically 1 to 2 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the 10 ounces of grated sharp white cheddar cheese and 1 ounce of crumbled blue cheese until completely melted and smooth. Keep the sauce warm while you prepare the spaetzle.
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Fill a large pot with generously salted water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Using a large-holed colander (or a dedicated spaetzle maker), place it over the simmering water. Spoon portions of the spaetzle dough into the colander and use a sturdy spoon or scraper to push the dough through the holes into the water below. Work in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, ensuring the spaetzle cooks evenly. Cook the spaetzle for about 3 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Remove the cooked spaetzle with a slotted spoon and transfer it to a large bowl. Repeat this process with the remaining dough.
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Add the 2 cups of cooked pulled pork and the warm cheese sauce to the bowl containing the spaetzle. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined and the spaetzle and pork are completely coated in the luscious sauce.
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Divide the Pulled Pork Spaetzle Mac and Cheese mixture evenly among 4 individual oven-safe ramekins (approximately 12-16 ounce capacity) or spread it into a single 8×8 inch baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly around the edges.
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Allow the baked dish to rest for a couple of minutes before serving to let the sauce set slightly. Serve hot and enjoy this incredible comfort food!
Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations
While this Pulled Pork Spaetzle Mac and Cheese is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, a few additions can elevate the experience even further. Consider serving it with a crisp, simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing to cut through the richness. A side of steamed green beans or roasted asparagus would also provide a lovely freshness and color contrast. For those who enjoy a bit more heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce over the top before serving can add an extra kick.
Feeling creative? This recipe is incredibly adaptable. You could experiment with different types of cheese in the sauce – Gouda, Gruyère, or even a smoked cheddar would add interesting dimensions. For a vegetarian alternative, omit the pulled pork and add roasted vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or caramelized onions. If you want to make it a holiday showstopper, consider topping the individual ramekins with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking for an extra crispy crust.
Make Ahead Tips for Busy Weeknights
This dish is also fantastic for meal prepping! You can prepare the spaetzle and the cheese sauce ahead of time. Store the cooked spaetzle in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cheese sauce can also be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge; gently reheat it over low heat, whisking frequently, and add a splash of milk if it becomes too thick. The pulled pork can be cooked and shredded days before. When ready to serve, simply combine all the components, assemble in your baking dishes, and bake as directed. This makes it an ideal option for busy weeknights when you crave homemade comfort without the lengthy preparation.
The Enduring Appeal of Comfort Food
There’s something uniquely comforting about a dish like Pulled Pork Spaetzle Mac and Cheese. It’s the kind of food that warms you from the inside out, evokes fond memories, and brings people together. Whether it’s the tender chewiness of the spaetzle, the savory depth of the pulled pork, or the creamy embrace of the rich cheese sauce, every element contributes to an experience of pure culinary bliss. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, a celebration of good company, and a testament to the power of delicious food to create lasting memories. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this incredible twist on a classic – you won’t regret it!
