Dr Pepper Pulled Pork & Mac Sandwiches: The Ultimate Game Day Recipe
This is a sponsored conversation written by me and on behalf of Dr Pepper®. All opinions and texts are entirely my own.
As the leaves begin to change and a crisp coolness fills the air, there’s one thing on everyone’s mind in our household: football season! From the roaring crowds to the nail-biting finishes, game day brings an unparalleled energy. And what’s a fantastic game day without equally fantastic food? We love gathering friends and family, cheering on our favorite team (Go Orange and Blue!), and, most importantly, indulging in dishes that make the day truly special. This year, I’ve perfected a recipe that’s guaranteed to be a touchdown: Dr Pepper Pulled Pork & Mac Sandwiches. These aren’t just any sandwiches; they’re an irresistible combination of sweet, sharp, and tangy flavors, designed to feed a hungry crowd and leave them craving more. Just be sure to stock up on extra napkins!
Transforming Game Day Feasts with a Twist
When it comes to hosting game day parties, I always strive to shake up the menu. While classics are great, I enjoy surprising our guests with something new and exciting that still offers that comforting, crowd-pleasing vibe. That’s precisely how these Dr Pepper Pulled Pork & Mac Sandwiches came to life. We’re massive fans of pulled pork around here – its incredible flavor, tender texture, and the sheer ease of preparing it for a large group make it a staple. Plus, it almost always guarantees delicious leftovers, which is a win in itself!
The inspiration for this unique creation struck during a recent shopping trip to Dollar General. As I was stocking up on autumnal treats, I noticed the Dr Pepper cans adorned with festive football graphics. My family absolutely loves Dr Pepper, so I instinctively grabbed a 12-pack and a 2-liter bottle. Little did I know, this simple purchase would spark a culinary revelation.
Speaking of Dr Pepper and Dollar General, did you know they have a fantastic rewards program? Simply by purchasing Dr Pepper products, you can sign up and unlock the chance to win some truly awesome prizes, perfect for enhancing your tailgating and game day experience! Imagine winning a new cooler, koozies, branded shirts, bags, or even an engraved food dish. It’s a sweet deal that adds another layer of excitement to your Dr Pepper purchases. Make sure to check it out – just click the picture below to learn more!
The Eureka Moment: Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce
Back home, as I was unpacking groceries, my eyes landed on the Dr Pepper and a beautiful pork loin sitting side-by-side on the counter. A thought immediately popped into my head: “What if I incorporated Dr Pepper into my homemade BBQ sauce?” The idea was instantly thrilling. I envisioned the soda’s unique blend of 23 flavors adding a delicious, sweet caramelization to the pork, creating a rich depth that would perfectly complement the sharp, creamy macaroni and cheese I planned to serve. And then, the ultimate inspiration: combining them all into one epic sandwich for game day. I must admit, I impress myself sometimes with these culinary lightbulb moments!
This Dr Pepper BBQ sauce has quickly become my absolute favorite. Its complex profile – a delightful balance of sweet and smoky with a subtle tang – makes it incredibly versatile. While it’s the star of these sandwiches, I’ve also found it to be exceptional on ribs, burgers, or even as a dipping sauce for fries. I always make sure to serve extra alongside the sandwiches, because everyone always wants more of that incredible flavor.
The Perfect Harmony of Flavors and Textures
On game day, our friends couldn’t stop raving about the Dr Pepper Pulled Pork & Mac Sandwiches. It was a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. The sturdy bread soaked up the incredibly juicy, tender pulled pork, which was generously coated in that sweet and smoky Dr Pepper BBQ sauce. This richness was then perfectly balanced by the sharp, creamy macaroni and cheese, which cut through the sweetness with its tangy notes. The combination truly is a match made in heaven. From that day forward, I declared that pulled pork and macaroni and cheese would always belong together. It’s a game-changer! I wholeheartedly recommend serving these culinary masterpieces to your hungry fans this game day. Be warned, though: once you make them, you’ll be expected to make them for every game day after that – they are simply THAT good!
Dr Pepper Pulled Pork n Mac Sandwiches
Prep
Cook
Total
Author Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Yield 12 servings
These Dr Pepper Pulled Pork n Mac Sandwiches are a combination of sweet, sharp and tangy. They’re amazing for to feed a crowd on game day, just bring extra napkins.
Ingredients
Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ c apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon siracha (or hot sauce)
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 2 tablespoons chili sauce
- 1 can Dr. Pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons onions, diced
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Dr Pepper Pulled Pork n Mac Sandwiches
- 3lb boneless pork loin
- 2 tablespoons BBQ rub
- 1 cup Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce
- 2 boxes macaroni and cheese (I used a sharp cheddar and bacon variety)
- 1 loaf thick, hearty bread. I used an English muffin style bread.
- butter
Instructions
Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce
- Simmer all ingredients in a medium sauce pan for 30 minutes until thickened. Allow to cool
Dr Pepper Pulled Pork n Mac Sandwiches
- Rub pork loin with BBQ rub and place into slow cooker.
- Add 1 cup Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce and cook on high 5 hours
- Within the last 30 minutes, cook macaroni and cheese according to box directions
- Shred pork
To assemble
- In a medium skillet, melt butter and add bread slices to toast.
- Place pulled pork onto the sandwiches and top with macaroni and cheese. Place another bread slice on top and slice diagonal.
Courses Dinner
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 serving
Amount Per Serving | ||
|---|---|---|
Calories 582 | ||
% Daily Value | ||
Total Fat 11 g | 17% | |
Saturated Fat 4 g | 20% | |
Cholesterol 53 mg | 18% | |
Sodium 1507 mg | 63% | |
Total Carbohydrates 85 g | 28% | |
Dietary Fiber 2 g | 8% | |
Sugars 21 g | ||
Protein 35 g | 70% | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Choosing Your Components: Mac & Cheese and Bread
When it comes to the macaroni and cheese for these incredible sandwiches, you have a couple of fantastic options. You can certainly go the homemade route – I even have a delicious slow cooker version if you’re looking for an easy, from-scratch option! However, for ultimate convenience and speed on game day, a boxed mac and cheese works perfectly. The key is to ensure you prepare enough to generously fill about 12 sandwiches. For this particular recipe, I chose a boxed variety featuring sharp cheddar and bacon. After all, who can resist a little crispy bacon on their sandwich, especially when it adds another layer of smoky flavor to an already amazing dish?
The bread choice is equally crucial for these hearty sandwiches. You need something robust and substantial, capable of holding up to all that juicy pulled pork, rich Dr Pepper BBQ sauce, and gooey mac and cheese. A flimsy slice just won’t cut it! I opted for an English muffin-style bread, which I found in the bakery section of my local grocery store. Its nooks and crannies are perfect for capturing all the deliciousness. Other excellent choices include classic English muffins, a sturdy Italian loaf, soft brioche buns, or even thick, toasted hamburger buns. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s substantial enough to contain this flavor explosion!
A Family Favorite: Even for the Littlest Fans!
It wasn’t just the adults who devoured these sandwiches; my kids absolutely loved them too! While the full sandwich was a tad messy for their little hands (which, let’s be honest, is half the fun for adults!), I simply served them a generous pile of pulled pork topped with macaroni and cheese on a plate. They went to town, making this a new family weeknight dinner contender. It’s a double bonus recipe: perfect for game day gatherings and a hit with the kids for any casual meal!
Don’t forget to sign up for the Dollar General/Dr Pepper rewards program to take advantage of those fantastic prizes for tailgate season and beyond!
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