Slow-roasted, fall-apart pulled pork shoulder seasoned with Southern spices and smothered in its own savory pan juices, served with creamy baked macaroni and cheese, tender collard greens simmered with smoked turkey, and sweet cinnamon-glazed candied yams. This classic Southern soul food dinner is rich, comforting, and perfect for Sunday family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Juicy, melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork

Rich Southern seasoning

Creamy homemade baked mac and cheese

Slow-simmered collard greens

Sweet buttery candied yams

Authentic Southern comfort food

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 6–8 hours

Total Time: 7 hours

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

For the Pulled Pork

5 lb pork shoulder (Boston butt)

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons kosher salt

2 teaspoons black pepper

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon brown sugar

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 cup chicken broth

1 large onion, sliced

6 garlic cloves, smashed

For the Southern Mac & Cheese

1 lb elbow macaroni

4 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons flour

3 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup Colby Jack cheese

1 cup mozzarella cheese

½ cup Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon mustard powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Collard Greens

2 large bunches collard greens, chopped

1 smoked turkey leg (or smoked ham hock)

1 small onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

4 cups chicken broth

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon sugar

Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste

For the Candied Yams

3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

½ cup butter

½ cup brown sugar

¼ cup maple syrup

1 teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

Pat the pork shoulder dry.

Rub with:

Salt

Black pepper

Smoked paprika

Garlic powder

Onion powder

Cajun seasoning

Thyme

Brown sugar

Place onions and garlic in a Dutch oven or slow cooker.

Add the pork.

Pour in Worcestershire sauce and chicken broth.

Cover and cook:

Oven: 300°F (150°C) for 6–7 hours

Slow Cooker: LOW for 8–10 hours

The pork should shred effortlessly with a fork.

Step 2: Make the Mac & Cheese

Cook macaroni until just al dente.

In a saucepan:

Melt butter.

Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.

Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream.

Add mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Stir in all cheeses until smooth.

Mix with cooked pasta.

Transfer to a buttered baking dish.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Step 3: Cook the Collard Greens

In a large pot:

Sauté onions until soft.

Add garlic.

Pour in chicken broth.

Add smoked turkey leg.

Simmer for 30 minutes.

Add collard greens, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Cover and cook for 1½–2 hours until tender.

Remove meat from the turkey leg, shred it, and stir back into the greens.

Step 4: Make the Candied Yams

Combine butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt in a skillet.

Add sweet potatoes.

Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cook uncovered for the last few minutes until the glaze thickens and coats the yams.

Step 5: Finish the Pork

Remove the pork from the pot.

Shred with two forks.

Return the meat to the cooking juices and gently toss until fully coated.

Step 6: Assemble the Plate

Serve a generous portion of pulled pork alongside:

Creamy baked mac and cheese

Southern collard greens

Candied yams

Spoon a little of the pork’s cooking juices over the meat for extra flavor.

Tips

Pork shoulder produces the juiciest pulled pork.

Let the pork rest for 15 minutes before shredding.

Freshly grate your cheese for the smoothest mac and cheese.

Collard greens taste even better after resting overnight.

Storage

Refrigerator: Up to 4 days.

Freezer: Pulled pork freezes well for up to 3 months.

Reheat: Warm gently with a splash of broth to keep the pork moist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

Southern cornbread

Sweet iced tea

Black-eyed peas

Fried okra

Homemade biscuits

Peach cobbler for dessert

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Southern Smothered Pulled Pork Plate is the ultimate soul food feast. Slow-cooked, tender pulled pork paired with creamy baked macaroni and cheese, savory collard greens, and buttery candied yams creates a comforting, home-cooked meal that’s perfect for Sunday dinners, family gatherings, or holiday celebrations.