Brisket Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that tantalizes your taste buds with rich, savory flavors. philly steak cheese skillet Imagine creamy cheese enveloping tender brisket, creating a dish that’s as cozy as a hug from your grandma.
This delightful meal is perfect for gatherings, game days, or just when you need a little extra warmth in your life. cowboy casserole for gatherings Get ready to impress everyone with this flavor-packed dish that will have them coming back for more! You might also enjoy this cowboy casserole recipe recipe.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This Brisket Mac and Cheese is easy to prepare and loaded with flavor. The combination of textures—from gooey cheese to tender brisket—creates a visually stunning dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s versatile enough to serve as a main course or a side dish at potlucks. [/info_box]
My friends still talk about the time I made this Brisket Mac and Cheese for our annual game night; they practically licked their plates clean! For more inspiration, check out this smoked mac and cheese recipe recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Brisket: Use leftover brisket if you have it; it adds depth of flavor and saves time.
Macaroni Pasta: Elbow macaroni works best, but feel free to use any pasta shape you love.
Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar to elevate the flavor profile; freshly grated melts better than pre-shredded. fresh shrimp and avocado bowls.
Milk: Whole milk provides creaminess; consider adding cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for controlling salt levels in the dish.
Flour: All-purpose flour will help thicken the cheese sauce beautifully.
Spices: A pinch of paprika and garlic powder enhances the overall flavor; season to taste.
Bread Crumbs: Use panko bread crumbs for a crunchy topping that contrasts nicely with the creamy mac and cheese.
Green Onions: These add freshness and color; chop finely for garnish before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt generously before tossing in the macaroni. Cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes, then drain.
Create the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until bubbling. Whisk in flour and cook for about 2 minutes until golden brown. Gradually add milk while whisking continuously until smooth.
Add the Cheddar Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring it melts completely into the sauce. Season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Combine Brisket and Pasta: Fold in your cooked macaroni along with chopped brisket into the cheese sauce. Mix thoroughly until every noodle is coated with cheesy goodness.
Bake It Up!: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with panko breadcrumbs for crunch and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top.
Garnish and Serve!: Once baked, let it cool slightly before sprinkling chopped green onions over the top. Serve warm while it’s still oozy and delicious!
Now you have a mouthwatering Brisket Mac and Cheese ready to impress your family or friends! Enjoy every cheesy bite!
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Brisket Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining smoky brisket with creamy cheese. This dish will make your taste buds dance and leave everyone asking for seconds. It’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, so don’t forget to share! [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by slow-cooking your brisket first to infuse all those delicious flavors. While it cooks, prepare the creamy mac and cheese on the side. Once the brisket is done, mix it in for the ultimate flavor explosion.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cheeses for a unique twist. Add some jalapeños for heat or smoked paprika for extra depth. smoked mac and cheese recipe You can even throw in some veggies like spinach or mushrooms if you want to add a healthy crunch.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish at 350°F until warmed through. For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk before reheating.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Use high-quality cheese for better melting and flavor; avoid pre-shredded cheese, which often contains additives that prevent smooth melting. Don’t rush the brisket cooking process; low and slow is key to tender meat. Lastly, make sure your pasta is al dente before mixing; this prevents mushiness later on. [/info_box]
It reminds me of a family BBQ where I first made this dish. My uncle took one bite and declared it “the best thing since sliced bread.” High praise indeed! It became a staple at our gatherings after that moment.
FAQ
Can I use leftover brisket for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover brisket works perfectly and saves time on cooking.
What type of cheese is best for Brisket Mac and Cheese?
A combination of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella provides great flavor and texture.
How long does it take to cook brisket?
Slow-cook brisket for about 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high until tender.
Brisket Mac and Cheese
Brisket Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort dish that combines smoky, tender brisket with creamy, gooey cheese. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, this flavor-rich meal will leave everyone craving seconds. With easy preparation and a delightful crunch from the breadcrumbs, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked brisket, chopped
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
Instructions
- Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente (7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour for about 2 minutes until golden.
- Gradually add milk while whisking continuously until smooth.
- Stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine cooked macaroni and brisket with the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Garnish with green onions before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: - For extra flavor, experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda. - Add jalapeños for a spicy kick or mix in vegetables like spinach for added nutrition. - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days; add a splash of milk when reheating for creaminess.
