These Pulled Pork Mac Bombs Bring the Heat with Ghost Pepper BBQ Sauce

When comfort food collides with bold BBQ flavor and a serious spicy kick, you get something truly explosive—in the best possible way. These Ghost Pepper BBQ Pulled Pork and Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bombs are baked, golden bites of creamy mac ‘n’ cheese, loaded with crispy bacon and wrapped around a smoky, spicy core of pulled pork drenched in ghost pepper BBQ sauce.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, upping your game day snack table, or just testing your spice tolerance with something cheesy and bold, these bombs do not mess around.


Why I Love This Recipe

This recipe combines everything I crave into one perfect bite: the creamy comfort of mac and cheese, the salty crunch of bacon, the smokiness of pulled pork, and a punch of ghost pepper heat that lingers just long enough to make you reach for another one. It’s snack food taken to epic levels.

They’re just as satisfying and crowd-worthy as Beer Cheese Dip or Sheet Pan Quesadillas, but with that special “what did I just eat!?” kind of wow factor.


Ingredients

  • 1 lb pulled pork
  • 1 cup ghost pepper BBQ sauce
  • 1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 lb macaroni noodles, cooked
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • ½ cup butter
  • ½ cup flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Notes & Swaps

  • Pulled Pork: Use homemade or pick some up from your favorite BBQ spot.
  • Ghost Pepper BBQ Sauce: Swap in a milder sauce if you’re heat-sensitive—chipotle or habanero works great.
  • Cheese: Sharp cheddar is perfect, but mix in some Monterey Jack for extra melt.
  • Bacon: Pre-cooked bacon keeps this recipe easy and mess-free.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven
    Set your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix the Pulled Pork
    In a bowl, combine pulled pork and ghost pepper BBQ sauce. Stir to coat fully and set aside.
  3. Make the Mac ‘n’ Cheese
    In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in flour to create a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Add in cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
  4. Combine with Bacon & Pasta
    In a large bowl, mix the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and crumbled bacon. Let it cool slightly—this helps it hold together when forming the bombs.
  5. Assemble the Bombs
    Scoop a spoonful of the mac mixture into your hand and flatten it slightly. Add a spoonful of the BBQ pulled pork to the center, then wrap the mac mixture around it to form a ball. Place on the baking sheet. Repeat until all bombs are formed.
  6. Bake
    Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the outside is golden and slightly crispy.
  7. Serve Hot
    Enjoy immediately—serve with extra BBQ sauce or ranch for dipping if you like a little cooling contrast.

Tips for Success

  • Let the mac cool slightly: It makes the bombs easier to form and hold together better.
  • Oil your hands: Prevents sticking when shaping the bombs.
  • Use a cookie scoop: For evenly sized bombs and quicker prep.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Make it a full flavor explosion with:


Storage & Leftovers

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Use an air fryer or oven at 375°F to re-crisp and heat through.
  • Freezer-Friendly: Freeze unbaked or baked bombs. Reheat directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

More Recipes You’ll Love

Can’t get enough cheesy, spicy comfort food? Try these next:


Final Thoughts

These Ghost Pepper BBQ Pulled Pork and Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bombs are the kind of comfort food that wakes up your taste buds and leaves your guests begging for the recipe. They’re spicy, creamy, smoky, and wrapped in everything that makes food fun. Perfect for entertaining, sharing, or keeping all to yourself—just don’t forget the extra napkins.