Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe

Get ready to fall head-over-heels for Brisket Mac and Cheese, the ultimate marriage of crave-worthy comfort food and smoky barbecue magic! Velvety, cheesy noodles pile high under juicy pulled brisket and tangy BBQ sauce—if you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that feels equal parts cozy and playful, this is it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Brisket Mac and Cheese is in its simplicity—each ingredient is handpicked to maximize flavor and texture. From robust cheeses to BBQ brisket and a just-right blend of spices, you’ll only need a few pantry favorites to create cheesy perfection.

• Pipe rigate or shells: Their nooks and crannies trap cheesy sauce—use organic, if you can!
• Whole milk & heavy cream: Combine for decadent, ultra-creamy mac and cheese that never feels dry.
• Vegetable broth: Adds depth without heaviness, letting the cheese and brisket shine.
• White cheddar & sharp cheddar: Blend these for layers of mild creaminess and sharp bite in your cheese sauce.
• Leftover beef brisket: The star! Shred or chop it up to crown your mac with BBQ magnificence.
• Beef broth & barbecue sauce: Warm the brisket and pour on smoky, saucy flavor in every bite.
• Garlic powder, onion powder, Slap Ya Mama®, ground mustard, turmeric, black pepper: This spice lineup brings subtle heat, gentle warmth, and gorgeous color to the finished dish.

Variations

This Brisket Mac and Cheese recipe is endlessly riffable! Personalize it to suit your family’s favorites or surprise your guests with a creative twist—don’t be afraid to get inventive with cheeses, spice blends, or even the protein on top.

• Spicy Kick: Toss in diced pickled jalapeños or a swirl of buffalo sauce for some heat.
• Bacon Lovers: Crumble crispy bacon over the top with the brisket for smoky, salty crunch.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in sautéed onions, peppers, or even roasted corn for extra color and sweetness.
• Swap the Cheese: Try smoked gouda, fontina, or pepper jack for new levels of creamy delight.

How to Make Brisket Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook and Drain Your Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta just until al dente. Pipe rigate or shells are perfect for capturing cheesy sauce, but be careful not to overcook—soft noodles just don’t hold up. Drain and return them to the pot, ready for all the goodness to come.

Step 2: Build the Creamy Cheese Sauce

With the pasta back in the pot, pour in your whole milk, heavy cream, and vegetable broth. Let this luscious mixture come to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally—it should look a little dreamy and steamy.

Step 3: Melt in the Cheeses and Season

Slowly add your shredded white and sharp cheddar cheeses, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and cheesy. Sprinkle in your spice blend—garlic powder, onion powder, Slap Ya Mama®, mustard, turmeric, and pepper—and give everything a good swirl for even flavor.

Step 4: Simmer for Perfect Creaminess

Let your mac and cheese gently simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring every so often so nothing sticks. This step is where the sauce thickens and soaks up all the aromatic flavors—patience here pays off with the creamiest, dreamiest base.

Step 5: Warm Up the Brisket

In a separate pan, add your leftover shredded brisket with beef broth and barbecue sauce—just enough to make it juicy and saucy. Heat over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring gently until it’s steamy-hot and bathed in BBQ flavor.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Scoop a generous helping of mac and cheese into a bowl, pile on that irresistible brisket, and finish with an extra drizzle of barbecue sauce. For a little fun, shower on crispy onion strings or try any of your favorite toppings—then serve immediately and wait for the applause!

How to Serve Brisket Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

This dish practically begs for a finishing flourish—think a sprinkle of fresh chives, crispy onion strings, or a bold drizzle of extra barbecue sauce for color and flavor. If you like a little crunch, toasted breadcrumbs or pickled jalapeños add texture and zing!

Side Dishes

Keep things classic with a crisp side salad, tangy coleslaw, or roasted green beans. If you’re feeling indulgent, pair Brisket Mac and Cheese with cornbread or even grilled corn for the ultimate Southern-style feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in individual ramekins for a dinner party “wow,” or set up a mac and cheese bar with different toppings for everyone to build their bowl. Brisket Mac and Cheese is also a knockout at potlucks—just bake it in a pretty casserole and let guests dig in family-style!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Brisket Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the brisket separate, if possible, so the noodles don’t get soggy—simply combine when ready to serve.

Freezing

You can freeze the mac and cheese (without the brisket topping) for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Brisket freezes well too—just keep portions separate for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce looks thick. Top with reheated brisket just before serving to preserve its best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If comfort food could give hugs, Brisket Mac and Cheese would wrap you in its arms. Go ahead—indulge in that ultra-creamy, smoky, barbecue-topped goodness and make any night feel just a little more special. The whole table will be asking for seconds!

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