HOW TO MAKE VEGAN PULLED PORK MAC AND CHEESE - Gluten-Free and Nut-Free Recipe!!

HOW TO MAKE VEGAN PULLED PORK MAC AND CHEESE - Gluten-Free and Nut-Free Recipe!! is a medium American (Soul Food) recipe that serves 4. 550 calories per serving. Recipe by Gabrielle Reyes on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 50 min | Total: 1 hr 25 min

Cost: $10.62 total, $2.66 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 medium Yellow Onion (finely diced)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
  • 1 can (20 oz) Young Green Jackfruit in Brine (drained, rinsed and shredded with forks)
  • 1 cup Barbecue Sauce (smoky style, no‑added‑sugar preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 2 cups Elbow Macaroni (dry, about 6 oz)
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)
  • 2 tablespoons All‑Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 1 cup Whole Milk (room temperature)
  • 1.5 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (grated)
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest (from a fresh lemon)
  • to taste Salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Jackfruit

    Drain and rinse the canned jackfruit, then shred it with two forks until it resembles pulled pork. Set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Sauté Onion

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3‑4 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  3. Season and Cook Jackfruit

    Add the shredded jackfruit to the skillet, sprinkle with black pepper, and stir for 2 minutes. Pour in the barbecue sauce, reduce heat to low, and let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the jackfruit absorbs the flavor, about 8 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Low heat

  4. Cook the Pasta

    While the jackfruit simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook al dente according to package directions, usually 8‑9 minutes. Drain in a colander and set aside.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Boiling

  5. Make the Lemon‑Cheddar Cheese Sauce

    In a medium saucepan melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 4‑5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir in the grated cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and smooth. Add the lemon zest, season with salt and pepper, and remove from heat.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  6. Combine Everything

    Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Fold in the barbecue‑jackfruit mixture, reserving a handful of shredded cheese for topping.

    Time: PT3M

  7. Bake the Casserole

    Preheat the oven to 375°F. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the greased 9‑inch baking dish, sprinkle the reserved cheese on top, and bake until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling, about 20 minutes.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: 375°F

  8. Rest and Serve

    Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce sets slightly.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
550
Protein
20g
Carbohydrates
55g
Fat
25g
Fiber
5g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan by substituting dairy with plant‑based alternatives

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 16, 2026

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HOW TO MAKE VEGAN PULLED PORK MAC AND CHEESE - Gluten-Free and Nut-Free Recipe!!

Recipe by Gabrielle Reyes

A soulful twist on classic mac and cheese, this recipe blends creamy lemon‑cheddar sauce with smoky barbecue‑seasoned jackfruit for a vegetarian pulled‑pork style topping. Perfect for a comforting dinner or a crowd‑pleasing potluck.

MediumAmerican (Soul Food)Serves 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
10m
Prep
56m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 16m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$10.62
Total cost
$2.66
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Shredding the jackfruit to the right texture
  • Achieving a smooth, thick cheese sauce without lumps
  • Baking until the top is golden but not burnt

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil and boiling water with care to avoid burns.
  • Use oven mitts when removing the hot baking dish from the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Barbecue Mac and Cheese with Jackfruit in American soul food cuisine?

A

Barbecue mac and cheese blends two comfort‑food staples of the American South—creamy mac and cheese and smoky barbecue. Using jackfruit as a plant‑based pulled‑pork substitute reflects modern soul‑food adaptations that honor tradition while embracing vegetarian trends.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of mac and cheese in Southern cuisine?

A

In the South, mac and cheese is often baked with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, flavored with sharp cheddar, and sometimes enriched with smoked meats like ham or bacon. Some regions add a touch of hot sauce or jalapeños for heat, while others keep it simple and creamy.

cultural
Q

How is Barbecue Mac and Cheese with Jackfruit traditionally served in Southern gatherings?

A

It is typically served hot from the oven as a side or main dish at family gatherings, potlucks, and church picnics, often accompanied by collard greens, cornbread, and sweet tea. The dish is meant to be shared family‑style, scooped onto plates or directly from the baking dish.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Barbecue Mac and Cheese with Jackfruit associated with in American soul food culture?

A

This dish shines at holiday feasts like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s gatherings, as well as casual weekend barbecues and community fundraisers where comfort food is prized.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients define Barbecue Mac and Cheese, and what are acceptable substitutes?

A

Core ingredients are elbow macaroni, a rich cheddar‑based cheese sauce, and smoky barbecue‑flavored meat (or jackfruit). Substitutes include other pasta shapes, different cheese blends, or plant‑based proteins like shredded soy or mushrooms if jackfruit is unavailable.

cultural
Q

What other Southern dishes pair well with Barbecue Mac and Cheese with Jackfruit?

A

Pair it with collard greens, fried okra, cornbread, baked beans, or a simple cucumber salad to balance the richness and add fresh texture.

cultural
Q

What makes Barbecue Mac and Cheese with Jackfruit special in American soul food cuisine?

A

It merges the indulgent creaminess of classic mac and cheese with the smoky, tangy flavor of barbecue, while the jackfruit provides a meat‑like texture that keeps the dish hearty for vegetarians, embodying the innovative spirit of modern soul food.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Barbecue Mac and Cheese with Jackfruit?

A

Common errors include overcooking the jackfruit so it becomes mushy, letting the cheese sauce scorch by not whisking constantly, and under‑baking, which leaves the top soggy. Follow the critical steps for shredding jackfruit, making a smooth roux, and baking until bubbly.

technical
Q

Why does this Barbecue Mac and Cheese recipe use a roux‑based cheese sauce instead of a pre‑made cheese dip?

A

A roux creates a stable, thickened base that evenly coats the pasta and prevents separation during baking. It also allows the lemon zest to infuse the sauce without curdling, resulting in a smoother texture than a melted cheese dip.

technical
Q

Can I make Barbecue Mac and Cheese with Jackfruit ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Prepare the jackfruit mixture and cheese sauce up to a day in advance, refrigerate separately, then combine and bake just before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Barbecue Mac and Cheese with Jackfruit is done?

A

The casserole should be bubbling around the edges, the cheese topping golden‑brown, and the interior creamy yet set enough that a spoon can glide through without the sauce pooling.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Gabrielle Reyes specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Gabrielle Reyes focuses on approachable home‑cooking tutorials, especially comfort‑food classics, family‑friendly meals, and creative twists on traditional dishes with an emphasis on clear, step‑by‑step guidance.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Gabrielle Reyes' approach to Southern cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Gabrielle Reyes blends authentic Southern flavors with modern, health‑conscious tweaks—like using jackfruit for a plant‑based protein—while keeping the recipes simple enough for busy home cooks, unlike some channels that prioritize elaborate techniques or gourmet plating.

channel

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