Ah, comfort food. . when I think of comfort food, two things immediately come to mind: 1) wearing loose pants and 2) forgetting all the calories, and just eating, enjoying the food and relaxing. Isn’t that what comfort food is all about? Who cares if you eat that entire bowl of mac n cheese! The stress and the worry or whatever it is will be there tomorrow. What’s life without a little indulging anyway? For me, comfort food is best when enjoyed with others. . so cook up something warm and gooey and enjoy, my friends. Life is too short to be counting those freaking calories all the time.
When I found out this week’s Sunday Supper theme was Comfort Food, I knew I had to bring back my absolute favorite of all time. Pairing two of my favorite things: Macaroni and Cheese and Pork Shoulder Ragù. I would have just prepared a baked mac n cheese but these are so much cuter and fun to eat + they add the wonderful Pork Shoulder Ragù which – seriously- takes these mac n cheese cups to the next level.
If you like mac n cheese, you simply must try this one. . now, I know this isn’t a simple, under 30 minutes recipe. . BUT you’ll remember this first bite forever. It’s that good.
I hope you enjoy!
Mini Mac n Cheese Cups with Pork Shoulder Ragù
Ingredients
For Mac n Cheese Cups:
- 1 and 1/2 cups Ritz crackers crushed (I placed all the crackers in a big ziploc bag and used a rolling pin)
- 2 cups cheddar cheese grated and divided
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 4 and 1/2 cups cooked elbow macaroni about 8 ounces uncooked
- One 5.2-ounce container of Boursin Garlic and Herb cheese or The Laughing Cow Garlic & Herb spreadable cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter cold
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pinch red pepper flakes optional; for a little heat
- Fresh Parsley for garnish
For Pork Shoulder Ragu:
- 1 pound boneless pork shoulder roast
- salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion; chopped
- 1 garlic clove; minced
- 1 - 28 oz can whole tomatoes or diced with juice
- 1 cup red wine
- 4-5 sprigs fresh thyme
- 4-5 sprigs fresh oregano
- Small handful of fennel seeds optional
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce for smokiness (optional)
- Fresh Parsley for garnish
Instructions
For Mac n Cheese Cups:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Generously spray 8 cups of your muffin pan with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the melted butter, mixing well until the mixture holds together and resembles coarse sand. Divide the mixture among the 8 muffin cups and, using your fingers, press the crust firmly into the bottoms and up the sides of each muffin cup.
- In another large bowl, combine the cooked (and still hot) macaroni with 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar, the garlic & herb cheese, and the butter. Mix well.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using) and mix well. Add the egg/milk mixture to the cooked macaroni, mixing until all of the ingredients are melted and smoothly combined. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the macaroni mixture into each muffin cup.
- Top each muffin cup with the remaining cheddar cheese. Bake the mac and cheese cups until lightly golden on top, about 20-25 minutes. Let cool slightly before removing from the muffin pan. Use a fork to gently remove from the muffin pan.
For Pork Shoulder Ragù:
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Liberally salt and pepper the pork roast. Add olive oil and butter to large Dutch oven and heat over medium-high until butter melts, but does not burn. Add pork roast to pan and brown on all sides, about 8-10 minutes in all.
- Add the onions and garlic and saute for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, wine, thyme, oregano, fennel and hot sauce (if using) and bring to a boil. Cover, and put in oven. Braise for about 2 hours, turning every hour or so. Add more liquid (water, wine, or tomato sauce) if needed. I recommend adding more tomato sauce if you need to. (The liquid should come to about 1/3 of the way up the pork.) Meat is done when it’s practically falling apart. Put on a cutting board and pull it apart with two forks, then add back to the pot and stir.
To Assemble your Mac n Cheese cups with the Pork:
- Top your mac n' cheese cups with some pork shoulder ragù and top with fresh parsley. Serve while still hot.
Mac n Cheese Pie Recipe adapted from The Curvy Carrot.
Comfort Food Around the Family Table #SundaySupper
#SundaySupper Comfort Food |Soups
- Cream of Broccoli Cheese Soup by Damn Delicious
- Loaded Baked Potato Soup by Supper for a Steal
- Kalbi Tang or Korean Short Rib Soup by Kimchi MOM
- Korean mandoo (dumpling) soup by Crispy Bits & Burnt Ends
- Chicken Noodle Soup by My Catholic Kitchen
- Thai’d up chicken noodle soup by I Run For Wine
- Ditalini Italian Soup by Mangiamo!
- Spicy Black Bean Soup by Mama’s Blissful Bites
- Chicken Chowder by Pippis in the Kitchen Again
#SundaySupper Comfort Food | Main Dish
- Sausage Gravy and Biscuits by Big Bears Wife
- Comforting Down-Home Shrimp and Grits by The Weekend Gourmet
- Pumpkin Alfredo Tortellini Bake by The Meltaways
- Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese by Flour on My Face
- Lasagna Roll Ups by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Green Plantain Hash by Basic n Delicious
- Venison Chili by The Messy Baker Blog
- Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells by That Skinny Chick can Bake
- Winter Chicken Stew by Mrs. Mama Hen
- Quinoa, Spinach, and Kale Lasagna by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Baked Oysters and Apples by Pescetarian Journal
- Individual Chicken Pot Pies by Noshing With The Nolands
- Kaesespaetzle {Baked Cheese Spaetzle} by Galactosemia in PDX
- Jalapeno and Bacon Mac N’ Cheese by Dinners, Dishes and Desserts
- Quiche aux Champignons {Mushroom Quiche} by An Appealing Plan
- Mini Mac n Cheese Cups with Pork Shoulder Ragù by Hip Foodie Mom
- Chicken a la King by Girlichef
- Creamy Chicken & Dumplings by La Cocina de Leslie
- Spaghetti Squash Gratins by She likes ruffles, he likes truffles
- Creamy Chicken Enchiladas by Home Cooking Memories
- Savory Slow-Cooked Pork Stew by Daddy Knows Less
- Chicken Roasted with White Wine and Garlic by Webicurean
- Shepherd’s Pie by Small Wallet Big Appetite
- One Skillet Pumpkin Lasagna by The Realistic Nutritionist
- Chicken “Pot Pie” by Diabetic Foodie
- Gluten Free Cornish Pasty by Maroc Mama
- Warm Oven Baked Samosas Stuffed With Sweet Potato & Peas by Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
- Caramelized Onion-Challah Stuffing Muffins by Comfy Cuisine
- Comforting Mashed Potatoes by Momma’s Meals
- Chunky Chili Beans by Mama Mommy Mom
- Rustic Cauliflower and Tomato Gratin by The Wimpy Vegetarian
- Feijoada Portuguese Bean Stew by Family Foodie
#SundaySupper Comfort Food | Desserts
- Biscuits and Chocolate Gravy by Juanita’s Cocina
- Chocolate Fudge Brownie Ice Cream by Cravings of a Lunatic
- Sour Cream Pound Cake by Mom’s Test Kitchen
- Chocolate Layer Cake by Magnolia Days
- Cinnamon Rice Pudding by Vintage Kitchen Notes
- Smores Hot Cocoa by Chocolate Moosey
- Sweet Red Bean Pie by What Smells So Good
- Pistachio Cake Cookies by The Cookie A Day Challenge
- Gluten Free Pumpkin Cheesecake by No One Likes Crumbly Cookies
- Dark Chocolate Caramel Brownies by Daily Dish Recipes
- Nutella Shortbread Bars by Baker Street
Pairing Wine with Sunday Supper Comfort Food Favorites! by ENOFYLZ Wine Blog
We would be honored to have you join us on Twitter throughout the day during #SundaySupper. We’ll be meeting up at 7:00 pm (Eastern) for our weekly #SundaySupper live chat where we’ll talk about our favorite Comfort Food Recipes.
All you have to do is follow the #SundaySupper hashtag or you can follow us through TweetChat. We’d also love to feature your easy go to recipes on our #SundaySupper Pinterest board and share them with all of our followers, too.
These are two great comfort foods in one! If I had to choose a savory comfort food it´s pasta with some kind of meat sauce. So this recipe is perfect! Wonderful Alice!
Thank you so much, Paula!
Mac and cheese and pork? Be still my heart! These are my two ultimate comfort foods. Yum!
Haha, thank you Veronica! I hope you give this recipe a try . . if you like mac n cheese and pork, you will LOVE this. I promise!
This sounds AMAZING! And, the presentation is gorgeous…I don’t think I could resist one of those adorable little cups of goodness!
Thank you so much, Katie!
wow -these look fantastic! Perfect for entertaining.
Thank you, Krayl! and yes, these are perfect for guests and entertaining!
Yes please! I will take 5 of those little guys. Awesome photos, awesome presentation and awesome recipe. You are awesome x3 today 🙂
Megan, you are so sweet! You just made my day! Thanks for the sweet words! 🙂
OH MY HEAVENS, that looks fantastic!!
Thank you so much, Tara! 🙂
Just made some of these today to freeze for my daughter, love the topping on yours!! Will have to try that! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Tammi! I hope you do. . the pork shoulder ragu is pretty amazing!
Dude, way to take the perfect recipe, take the perfect photo and make the rest of us look like slackers. Lol!
You blew me away with this one. It’s a stunning picture and even more stunning recipe. Great job.
Kim,
OMG! Your Chocolate fudge brownie ice cream looks pretty damn amazing too!!
Thank you so much for the kinds words. . you seriously made my day! I try really hard with the photos. . so this means a lot! Thank you!
How cute are these? Beautiful photos.
Thank you, Lane!
Ok, that’s it – I HAVE to make your pork shoulder ragu. Every time you post about it, I literally start drooling. Or, I just need to get in my car, drive down to Seattle and come to your house so that you can make it for me. Either way – I wish I were eating this right now! I also can’t believe the gorgeous crispy crust you got on your adorable mac ‘n cheese cups. YUM!
haha, thanks Nancy! and YES! You must make this OR come over! 🙂 This is seriously awesome. . and that’s why I make it so much!
Yes, please 🙂 What a great idea – oh, and the addition of the pork ragu?! Yum!!! They are just beautiful 🙂 Thank you!
Thank you so much, Bea! 🙂
Mac and Cheese with Pork?! HOLY YUM! What an incredible recipe, Alice!
Thank you!! 🙂
These look dangerous! I could eat so many of these in a single serving!
Thank you, Chung-Ah! 🙂 they are dangerous. . but remember it’s comfort food so I am forgetting the calories and everything and just enjoying myself! 🙂 I’ll do some extra sit ups tomorrow. 😛
Love, love, love!!! I’m all for comfort food and Mac n cheese with slow pulled pork is the ultimate comfort crave! My sweetheart is going to be begging for these delicious tasties…
Haha, thank you! I hope you make this! 🙂
Wow, these sound and look amazing! I love both mac ‘n cheese and any sort of shreddy pork shoulder, so this pretty much sounds like comfort-bliss!
Thank you so much, Heather! 🙂
I want to forget all about calories right now and help myself to a large plate of these. Oh why oh why did I read this posting right before lunch. My sandwich seems so inferior now.
LOL! 🙂 Thank you, Laura!
Wow! I didn’t think it was possible for food to be gorgeous and adorable at the same time.
Thank you! They are pretty aren’t they? 😛
I really enjoy you addition of the pork sholder. Wow! delicious!
Thank you, Stephanie!
Love these, so adorable and comforting. Great post.
Thank you, Dara! 🙂
Love it!
Thank you, Richard! 🙂
I’m beyond thrilled – this looks sooo good. I need to change into my fat lazy pants and enjoying this…together with you!
haha! thank you, Linda! Sounds good! 🙂 Yes, I am always in my comfy sweat pants when eating comfort food. . only way to do it. Word up.
Your mac and cheese cups look so delicious! I see you have a linky party here! Maybe I’ll join next time.
Yes, it’s #SundaySupper. . check out http://familyfoodie.com/ for more information! 🙂
I didn’t even read the first word of your post before I pinned this recipe to make later! Gorgeous presentation and it sounds so delicious!
Wow, thank you! For a food blogger, that is a great compliment. . that the photo was just that good! 🙂
Duuuuude. I could eat all 8 servings on my own.
And yes, you elevated mac and cheese to another level. Bravo, my friend, bravo!
Thanks chingoo! 🙂 yeah, these are dangerous. . 🙂
Oohhhh! Pork is such a weakness for me. I love a great ragu made from pork shoulder. And with a little mac n cheese? Perfect. And I just love your photo!!! Pinning this one – this is one of those wimpy vegetarian moments. I just know I need to make this!!
haha, thank you so much! 🙂 You will love the pork ragu! Let me know if you try it!
That’s so beautiful Alice!! Love your presentation! That Mac-n-cheese looks amazing!
Thank you so much, Brandi! 🙂
What a fabulous recipes! I love the concept and the photos and presentation are marvelous!
Thank you so much, Martin! These are to be enjoyed with some great wine! 😛 (always!)
these are adorable
Thank you so much! I hope you give this recipe a try! 🙂
I love how you used the spreadable cheese. I’m going to have to try that next time I make mac and cheese for Josh. Like many Korean’s I’m not a huge fan of cheese. BUT! I am in love with your pork shoulder ragu. I’m going to have to make some with a whole package of thick rigatoni and eat it till my comfy pants feel tight! Great recipe Alice!
haha, thank you Sarah! Let me know if Josh likes it! 🙂 He and my husband, Paul, seem to be very similar! 🙂
I think the first thing I did Sunday morning was pin this on my “recipes to try” board, and I keep going back and admiring the picture–it looks THAT good! I can’t wait to give this a try!
Oh my goodness! Thank you so much!!! That is a huge compliment! 🙂 totally blushing. . 🙂 you made my day!
Oh that ragu on top look amazing, and makes these over the top.
Thank you so much, Erin! 🙂
Holy Comfort Food! How perfect!
Thank you, Angie! 🙂
Yummy that looks like the perfect bite of comfort food!
Thanks Arlene! I have to agree with you on that! It certainly was. . thank you!
May I say WOW! I’m finishing my rounds from Sunday, making sure that I respond to everyone’s post, and I’m still blown away by the lovely dishes–particularly yours. Cheers!
I know! Oh my goodness! All of the dishes were great! And thank you so much, Alaiyo! So sweet of you to say that, thank you!
ooh, these are so cute ! Would make a great appetizer or snack . My kids love mac & cheese and will be floored if I make this ! So creative ! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Of course! Thank you, Sunithi! 🙂
Yum – bet it would be great with beef too!
Hi Amanda, yes- definitely! Any great ragu would do! 🙂
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