Ghost Pepper BBQ Pulled Pork & Bacon Mac ’n’ Cheese Bombs

Ghost Pepper BBQ Pulled Pork & Bacon Mac ’n’ Cheese Bombs

🔥 A fiery, indulgent mashup of smoky pulled pork, spicy ghost pepper BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, and creamy mac ’n’ cheese—all stuffed into crispy, golden bites! 🔥

Ingredients *(Makes 12-15 bombs)*

For the Mac ’n’ Cheese:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (cooked al dente)

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp flour

• 1 ½ cups whole milk (warmed)

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• ½ cup pepper jack cheese (for heat)

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ¼ tsp garlic powder

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

For the Filling:

• 1 ½ cups pulled pork (pre-cooked, shredded)

• ½ cup ghost pepper BBQ sauce (*or regular BBQ sauce + 1 tsp ghost pepper powder*)

• ½ cup crispy fried onions (crushed)

For Assembly:

• 1 cup flour (for dredging)

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs

• Oil for frying (or air fryer method)

• Ranch or cooling dipping sauce (to balance heat)

Instructions

1. Make the Mac ’n’ Cheese

• Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to make a roux. Cook 1 minute.

• Gradually whisk in warm milk until smooth. Simmer until thickened.

• Remove from heat, stir in cheeses, paprika, garlic powder, and bacon. Fold in cooked macaroni. Chill 30 mins (to firm up).

2. Prep the Pulled Pork

• Mix pulled pork with ghost pepper BBQ sauce. Set aside.

3. Assemble the Bombs

• Scoop 1 tbsp chilled mac ’n’ cheese, flatten slightly, and place 1 tsp pulled pork in the center. Wrap mac ’n’ cheese around it, forming a ball.

• Roll each ball in flour, dip in egg, then coat with panko + crushed fried onions.

• Chill 15 mins (to set coating).

4. Cook to Crispy Perfection

• Deep Fry: 350°F oil for 3-4 mins until golden.

• Air Fry: 375°F for 8-10 mins, spray with oil.

• Oven Bake: 400°F for 15-20 mins (flip halfway).

5. Serve

• Skewer with toothpicks, drizzle with extra BBQ sauce, and serve with cooling ranch or blue cheese dip.

🔥 Pro Tips 🔥

• Heat Control: Use habanero BBQ sauce for less fire, or add cream cheese to mac for richness.

• Make-Ahead: Freeze uncooked bombs, then fry straight from frozen (+2-3 mins cook time).

• Presentation: Serve on a platter with crispy bacon bits and jalapeño slices.

Warning: These bombs are addictive—spicy, cheesy, and packed with crunch! 💣🧀🌶️

Perfect for game day, parties, or when you need a fiery comfort food fix!