This pulled pork cornbread casserole is a delightful fusion of savory pulled pork and sweet cornbread. It's perfect for a family dinner or a potluck, offering a comforting and hearty meal that everyone will love. The layers of barbecue sauce and cheddar cheese add a rich flavor, making this dish irresistible.
If you don't usually have pulled pork in your home, you can either make it from scratch or buy it pre-cooked from the supermarket. The cornbread mix is typically found in the baking aisle, and make sure to pick up a good quality barbecue sauce to enhance the flavor. Shredded cheddar cheese is usually available in the dairy section.
Ingredients For Pulled Pork Cornbread Casserole
Pulled pork: Tender, slow-cooked pork that has been shredded. It adds a rich, savory flavor to the casserole.
Barbecue sauce: A tangy and sweet sauce that complements the pulled pork perfectly.
Cornbread mix: A pre-made mix that simplifies the process of making cornbread.
Eggs: Used to bind the cornbread mixture together.
Milk: Adds moisture to the cornbread mix, making it tender and fluffy.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a creamy, cheesy layer on top of the casserole.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When spreading the cornbread mixture in the baking dish, use a spatula to ensure an even layer. This helps the pulled pork and barbecue sauce distribute evenly, creating a balanced flavor in every bite.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
pulled pork - Substitute with shredded chicken: Shredded chicken provides a similar texture and can absorb the barbecue sauce well, making it a good alternative for those who prefer poultry.
pulled pork - Substitute with jackfruit: Jackfruit has a fibrous texture that mimics pulled pork, making it a great vegetarian or vegan option.
barbecue sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce offers a different but complementary flavor profile, adding a sweet and savory twist to the dish.
barbecue sauce - Substitute with homemade tomato-based sauce: A homemade sauce can be customized to your taste preferences and can be made with ingredients like tomatoes, vinegar, and spices.
cornbread mix - Substitute with homemade cornbread batter: Making cornbread from scratch allows for better control over the ingredients and can be tailored to dietary needs.
cornbread mix - Substitute with gluten-free cornbread mix: For those with gluten sensitivities, a gluten-free mix ensures the dish is safe to consume.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs (a mixture of ground flaxseed and water) work well as a binding agent in baking, making them a suitable vegan alternative.
eggs - Substitute with applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce can act as a binding agent and adds moisture to the cornbread, making it a good substitute for eggs.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that can be used in the same quantity as regular milk.
milk - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a slight tang and richness to the cornbread, enhancing its flavor and texture.
shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella provides a milder flavor and a gooey texture, making it a good alternative for those who prefer less sharp cheese.
shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with vegan cheese: Vegan cheese offers a dairy-free option that melts well and can be used to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Casserole
How to Store or Freeze This Casserole
Allow the pulled pork cornbread casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the cornbread soggy.
For short-term storage, cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Alternatively, transfer portions to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
For long-term storage, cut the casserole into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and contents.
When ready to reheat, if refrigerated, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole or portion in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
If frozen, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, follow the same reheating instructions as for refrigerated portions.
For a quicker reheating option, use the microwave. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through.
To maintain the cheddar cheese topping's texture, consider adding a fresh sprinkle of cheese during the last few minutes of reheating in the oven. This will give it a freshly baked feel.
Avoid reheating the casserole multiple times, as this can dry out the pulled pork and cornbread. Reheat only the portions you plan to consume immediately.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the leftover pulled pork cornbread casserole in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cornbread from drying out.
- Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until the casserole is warmed through.
- Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to let the cheddar cheese on top get bubbly and slightly crispy.
Microwave Method:
- Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
- If needed, continue heating in 30-second intervals until the casserole is hot.
Stovetop Method:
- Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
- Place a portion of the casserole in the skillet.
- Cover the skillet with a lid to help heat the casserole evenly.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the casserole is heated through and the cornbread has a slight crisp.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place a portion of the casserole in the air fryer basket.
- Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it heats evenly.
- If needed, continue heating in 2-minute intervals until the casserole is hot and the cornbread is slightly crispy.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the casserole at the specified temperature, ensuring it cooks evenly and thoroughly.
Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the cornbread mix, eggs, and milk into a smooth batter.
Whisk: Helps in blending the cornbread mixture to achieve a consistent texture.
Baking dish: The vessel in which the casserole is assembled and baked, providing structure and shape.
Spatula: Useful for spreading the cornbread mixture evenly in the baking dish.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients like milk and shredded cheddar cheese.
Cheese grater: If you need to shred the cheddar cheese from a block, this tool will be necessary.
Oven mitts: Protects your hands when handling the hot baking dish from the oven.
Cooling rack: Allows the casserole to cool slightly after baking, preventing it from becoming soggy.
Time-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Use pre-cooked pulled pork: Save time by using pre-cooked pulled pork from the store or leftovers from a previous meal.
Ready-made barbecue sauce: Opt for a ready-made barbecue sauce to skip the step of making your own.
Pre-shredded cheese: Buy pre-shredded cheddar cheese to avoid the hassle of grating it yourself.
One-bowl mixing: Mix the cornbread batter in one bowl to minimize cleanup time.
Grease the dish in advance: Grease your baking dish before starting to streamline the process.
Pulled Pork Cornbread Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups pulled pork
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 box cornbread mix
- 2 units eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cornbread mix, eggs, and milk. Stir until well mixed.
- Spread half of the cornbread mixture in a greased baking dish.
- Layer the pulled pork evenly over the cornbread mixture.
- Pour the barbecue sauce over the pulled pork.
- Spread the remaining cornbread mixture over the top.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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