Brisket Mac & Cheese

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.

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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.

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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.