Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe
Your favorite barbecue and comfort food dish come together to make this crowd-pleasing brisket mac and cheese! Topped with crispy panko crumbs, this meaty BBQ mac and cheese features the most luscious, rich cream sauce with loads of melted smoked cheddar and Gouda layered between tender pasta.
How to Make the Best Brisket Mac and Cheese
This brisket mac and cheese is where Southern barbecue tradition meets comfort food perfection. The marriage of tender, smoky brisket with a luxuriously creamy cheese sauce creates a dish that’s both sophisticated and deeply satisfying.
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to this incredible mac and cheese lies in the combination of smoked cheddar and Gouda, which creates layers of rich, complex flavor. The homemade cheese sauce starts with a proper roux, ensuring a silky texture without any graininess. The addition of room-temperature milk and cream helps achieve that perfect consistency, while the smoked meats add a barbecue dimension that elevates this dish far above ordinary mac and cheese.
The Perfect Comfort Meal
Whether you’re serving this at a dinner party or making it for a cozy weeknight meal, this brisket mac and cheese is guaranteed to impress. The golden panko topping adds a satisfying crunch, while the interior stays creamy and luxurious. With 8 generous servings, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd, and the combination of proteins and creamy sauce makes it a complete, hearty main course that needs only a simple side salad to round out the meal.
Brisket Mac and Cheese
Your favorite barbecue and comfort food dish come together to make this crowd-pleasing brisket mac and cheese! Topped with crispy panko crumbs, this meaty BBQ mac and cheese features the most luscious, rich cream sauce with loads of melted smoked cheddar and Gouda layered between tender pasta.
Ingredients
Pasta & Base
Sauce & Seasonings
Cheese & Meat
Instructions
Prepare the Pasta & Topping
- Heat oven to 325 degrees. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the elbow macaroni two minutes less than what the package directions dictate. Drain and reserve in a large mixing bowl.
- While the water boils and the pasta cooks, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the panko crumbs and stir to coat. Continue to cook, stirring every so often, until the panko crumbs turn golden brown. Remove from heat and reserve.
Make the Cheese Sauce
- Melt the remaining ½ cup butter in the pot over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Whisk in the flour. Continue to whisk constantly for about three minutes.
- Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to create a smooth mixture. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Bring to a simmer, whisking frequently. Do not boil as that can cause the milk to separate and leave you with a grainy sauce.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in 1 ½ cups smoked cheddar and 1 ½ cups smoked Gouda until the cheese melts and becomes one cohesive mixture.
Assemble & Bake
- Add the macaroni and brisket to the pot with the cheese sauce and stir to coat.
- Pour half the mac and cheese into a greased 9-inch-by-13-inch baking dish or 12-inch cast-iron skillet.
- Layer half the remaining cheese on top. Pour the rest of the macaroni on the cheese layer and top with the last of the cheese.
- Sprinkle the browned panko crumbs on top.
- Bake until hot and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes. Enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe combines smoked cheddar and Gouda for a rich, complex cheese flavor.
- The panko crumb topping adds a delicious crispy texture contrast to the creamy pasta.
- You can prepare this dish on the stovetop and serve immediately, or transfer to a baking dish for a more indulgent baked version.