Brisket Mac & Cheese

Featured in main-dishes.

Hey there! Have you seen this incredible Brisket Mac & Cheese? It's seriously life-changing! The creamy, cheesy pasta provides the perfect base for that melt-in-your-mouth smoked brisket on top. And those crispy onions? They add the perfect crunch! The contrast between the velvety cheese sauce, tender meat with that perfect smoke ring, and crunchy topping is absolutely divine. It's the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist. Trust me, your family will be begging for seconds!

Tswira dial profile dial zaho awlaydi..
Updated on Mon, 19 May 2025 23:49:34 GMT
Creamy macaroni and cheese topped with juicy smoked beef brisket and crispy fried onions in a blue ceramic bowl. pin it
Creamy macaroni and cheese topped with juicy smoked beef brisket and crispy fried onions in a blue ceramic bowl. | lonerecipes.com

I discovered this Brisket Mac & Cheese at a friend's barbecue competition years ago, and I was immediately smitten. The combination of velvety cheese sauce clinging to each pasta piece topped with smoky, tender brisket was unlike anything I'd tasted before. I remember asking for the recipe on the spot, scribbling it down on a napkin! Since then, I've refined it to achieve the perfect balance of cheeses and seasoning. The key, I've found, is using a mix of sharp cheddar for flavor, monterey jack for meltability, and parmesan for that umami depth. When making it at home, I love watching people's faces light up as they take their first bite – that moment when the creamy pasta, tender meat, and crunchy topping come together is pure magic.

Why I love this recipe

I absolutely adore this Brisket Mac & Cheese because it transforms two everyday comfort foods into something truly special. The contrast between the creamy pasta and the smoky, tender brisket creates this perfect harmony of flavors and textures that never fails to impress. What I particularly love is how versatile it can be – it's elegant enough for special occasions but comforting enough for a weeknight dinner when you need something soul-satisfying. There's something magical about how the cheese sauce seeps into the shredded brisket, enhancing its smokiness while the crispy onions add that necessary textural contrast. Every component plays its part perfectly. Plus, it's one of those rare dishes that actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld together overnight. It's become my go-to recipe whenever I want to show love through food.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

  • Elbow macaroni: Cook until al dente in salted water
  • Cheese blend: Use a mix of sharp cheddar, monterey jack, and parmesan for optimal flavor and meltability
  • Smoked beef brisket: Should be fully cooked, rested, and shredded into bite-sized pieces
  • Crispy fried onions: Store-bought or homemade for the crunchy topping
  • BBQ sauce: Use your favorite style for drizzling on top
  • Milk and butter: Form the base of the creamy cheese sauce
  • Seasonings: Mustard powder, cayenne, and garlic powder enhance the cheese flavor

Let's Make These Together

Prepare the pasta
Boil the elbow macaroni in generously salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside, being careful not to rinse as the starch helps the sauce adhere better.
Make the cheese sauce
Create a roux by melting butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, then whisking in flour until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then gradually whisk in warm milk. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until thickened. Reduce heat to low and add cheeses gradually, stirring until fully melted. Season with mustard powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt and black pepper.
Combine components
Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until every piece is coated evenly. Transfer to your serving dish while still hot and creamy.
Add the brisket layer
Arrange the shredded smoked brisket on top of the mac and cheese, making sure to distribute it evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
Finish with toppings
Sprinkle the crispy fried onions over the brisket layer, then drizzle with your favorite BBQ sauce for that perfect final touch of smoky-sweet flavor.
Recipe picture pin it
Gourmet mac and cheese elevated with smoky shredded beef brisket and golden fried onion topping for texture contrast. | lonerecipes.com

Switch Things Up

The first time I made this Brisket Mac & Cheese, I was trying to repurpose leftover brisket from a weekend barbecue. What started as a simple way to stretch leftovers quickly became a family favorite that everyone requests by name. I've experimented with different cheese blends over time - sometimes adding smoked gouda for extra depth or pepper jack for a spicy kick. For a lighter version, I've occasionally substituted half the pasta with roasted cauliflower florets, which absorb the cheese sauce beautifully while adding nutritional value.

Perfect Pairings

This hearty Brisket Mac & Cheese pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a bright vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a complete meal, serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or grilled asparagus for a vegetable component that balances the indulgence. If you're serving this at a barbecue gathering, it complements classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread. For beverages, try a hoppy IPA, a robust red wine like Zinfandel, or unsweetened iced tea with lemon for a refreshing counterpoint.

Ultimate comfort food fusion combining velvety mac and cheese with tender BBQ brisket and crunchy onion strings. pin it
Ultimate comfort food fusion combining velvety mac and cheese with tender BBQ brisket and crunchy onion strings. | lonerecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cheese sauce and pasta separately up to two days ahead. Reheat the sauce gently with a splash of milk until smooth, then combine with the pasta. Add the brisket and toppings just before serving for the best texture.

→ What's the best brisket to use for this recipe?

Leftover smoked beef brisket works best as it already has developed deep flavor. If you don't have access to smoked brisket, you can use store-bought barbecue beef or even slow-cook a small brisket piece with liquid smoke and BBQ sauce until tender.

→ Can I freeze this mac and cheese?

You can freeze the basic mac and cheese portion without the brisket and toppings. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat with a splash of milk. Add the brisket and crispy onions fresh after reheating.

→ How do I keep the mac and cheese creamy when reheating?

The key to creamy reheated mac and cheese is adding a splash of milk or cream and reheating gently over low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid microwaving on high power as this can cause the cheese to separate and become grainy.

→ Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the brisket with smoked tempeh, jackfruit prepared with BBQ sauce, or roasted mushrooms seasoned with smoked paprika and a touch of liquid smoke for that smoky flavor. The crispy onions and cheese components remain the same.

Conclusion

This Brisket Mac & Cheese perfectly marries two beloved comfort foods into one extraordinary dish. The creamy, cheesy pasta provides the ideal canvas for showcasing the rich, smoky flavors of tender beef brisket, while the crispy onion topping adds a delightful textural contrast. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that elevates traditional mac and cheese to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Brisket Mac & Cheese

Creamy homemade macaroni and cheese topped with tender smoked brisket and crispy fried onions for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
By: chris

Category: main-dishes

Difficulty: intermediate

Cuisine: American South

Yield: 6 Servings (6 balls)

Dietary: High-protein, Dairy-rich, Comfort food

Ingredients

011 pound elbow macaroni
024 tablespoons unsalted butter
031/4 cup all-purpose flour
043 cups whole milk
052 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
061 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded
071/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
081 pound smoked beef brisket, shredded
091 cup crispy fried onions
102 tablespoons BBQ sauce for drizzling

Instructions

Step 01

Cook the elbow macaroni in salted water according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside. Be careful not to overcook as the pasta will continue to soften in the cheese sauce.

Step 02

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux, being careful not to let it brown.

Step 03

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 04

Reduce heat to low and add the cheddar, monterey jack, and parmesan cheeses gradually, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Stir in the mustard powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 05

Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Transfer to a serving dish or individual bowls.

Step 06

Top the mac and cheese with the shredded smoked brisket, arranging it evenly across the surface. Sprinkle the crispy fried onions on top and drizzle with BBQ sauce before serving.

Notes

  1. For the best flavor, use leftover smoked brisket that has been properly rested. If you don't have smoked brisket available, substitute with store-bought barbecue pulled beef or pork.
  2. The cheese sauce can be made ahead of time and refrigerated. Reheat gently with a splash of milk before combining with pasta.
  3. To make your own crispy fried onions, thinly slice sweet onions, dredge in flour seasoned with salt and paprika, and fry in hot oil until golden brown.
  4. For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce or use pepper jack cheese in place of monterey jack.
  5. This dish can be baked for a more casserole-like texture. After combining pasta and sauce, transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, brisket and crispy onions, then bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Colander
  • Large saucepan or Dutch oven
  • Whisk
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cheese grater
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Serving dish or individual bowls

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cheese, milk, butter)
  • Gluten (pasta, flour in roux, potentially in crispy onions)
  • Allium (onions)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 785
  • Total Fat: 42 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 56 g
  • Protein: 38 g

Spice Up Your Inbox!

Join our gourmet community and get sizzling recipes, cooking tips, and exclusive updates delivered straight to your inbox.

We respect your privacy. No spam, just deliciousness.

×

Success!

You've successfully subscribed to our newsletter!