Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you’re ready to take your comfort food game to absolutely legendary status, Brisket Mac and Cheese is about to become your new obsession. Imagine ultra-creamy, cheesy pasta topped with succulent, smoky brisket and a drizzle of barbecue sauce—it’s pure, fork-twirling happiness in every bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Good news: Brisket Mac and Cheese is all about simple, honest ingredients that pull together into a show-stopping dish. Each item on this list plays a special role, bringing richness, creaminess, and that irresistible smoky finish.

• Pipe rigate pasta: These twisty tubes hold cheese sauce in every crevice, but you can use shells or any short pasta if you like.
• Whole milk: Lends body and silkiness to the sauce—don’t skimp on the fat here!
• Heavy cream: The secret to serious creaminess and a luxurious mouthfeel.
• Vegetable broth: Adds subtle savory depth without overpowering the cheese.
• Garlic powder & onion powder: Easy pantry staples to amp up flavor in the cheese sauce.
• Slap Ya Mama® seasoning: This Cajun seasoning brings gentle spice and Southern flair; sub with any cayenne-and-paprika-based blend if needed.
• Ground mustard & turmeric: Mustard deepens cheesy flavor while turmeric delivers sunshine-yellow color.
• Black pepper: Adds necessary heat and complexity.
• White cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, offering sharp, tangy notes.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: For bold cheddary kick and that classic meltiness we all adore.
• Leftover beef brisket: Shredded, this brings smoked, meaty magic; homemade or from your favorite BBQ joint works.
• Beef broth: Helps reheat brisket gently so it stays tender and juicy.
• Barbecue sauce: A little swirl brings smoky-sweet zing on top—go for your favorite brand.

Variations

The magic of Brisket Mac and Cheese is that it’s endlessly customizable—feel free to tinker and make it suit your tastes, needs, or whatever’s lurking in your fridge! Here are just a few ways to mix things up:

• Swap the Cheese: Pepper jack, gouda, or smoked mozzarella all bring a new twist to your mac and cheese game.
• Chicken or Pulled Pork: Out of brisket? Leftover pulled pork or rotisserie chicken works fabulously.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in roasted broccoli or sautéed bell peppers for an extra pop of freshness and color.
• Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you love things fiery.

How to Make Brisket Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling the pipe rigate pasta in a large pot according to the package instructions until just al dente. Don’t overcook—the pasta will finish softening as it simmers in the cheesy sauce. Drain well, then return the pasta to the warm pot.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

Pour in the whole milk, heavy cream, and vegetable broth with the cooked pasta. Stir to combine and bring everything up to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Now comes the fun part: slowly add in the shredded white and sharp cheddar, stirring well until it’s fully melted into a dreamy sauce.

Step 3: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, Slap Ya Mama®, ground mustard, turmeric, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let the mac and cheese gently simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, so every noodle gets perfectly coated and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Warm the Brisket

In a medium saucepan, combine the shredded brisket, beef broth, and a spoonful of barbecue sauce. Stir together and heat over medium until everything is warmed through—about 3 to 4 minutes. The brisket soaks up all that beefy, smoky, tangy goodness, becoming incredibly succulent.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Spoon a generous portion of the cheesy mac into each bowl, pile on a heap of hot brisket, and drizzle with a little extra barbecue sauce. For the ultimate finish, top it off with crispy onion strings if you’re feeling extra indulgent. Serve right away and be ready for smiles!

How to Serve Brisket Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

For that irresistible “wow” factor, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions, crispy fried onion strings, and a final drizzle of your signature barbecue sauce take Brisket Mac and Cheese over the top. These finishing touches add color, crunch, and a pop of big flavor.

Side Dishes

This hearty dish loves simple pairings: a bright slaw or crisp green salad cuts the richness beautifully. Cornbread, roasted green beans, or smoky baked beans make a classic Southern feast when served alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Brisket Mac and Cheese in mini cast iron skillets for a rustic look, or pile it high in a bread bowl for over-the-top comfort. For parties, scoop portions into small cups or ramekins and let guests customize with their favorite toppings at a DIY bar.

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. Make sure the pasta and brisket are fully cooled before covering to keep everything fresh.

Freezing

Want to stash some for a rainy day? Cool the mac and cheese and brisket separately, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the mac and cheese in a saucepan with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce, and heat the brisket with a bit of extra broth if needed. Assembly is just like the first day—top it off and enjoy!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If comfort food has a gold medal event, Brisket Mac and Cheese is a guaranteed winner. It’s one of those unforgettable recipes that brings friends and family circling the table every single time. Gather your ingredients, bring your appetite, and dive into this cheesy, smoky, soul-warming masterpiece—you’re going to love every bite!

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