Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe

When comfort food cravings strike, few things hit the spot quite like Brisket Mac and Cheese. Imagine ultra-creamy cheddar noodles crowned with smoky, saucy brisket—every bite is supremely indulgent and totally satisfying. If you like your mac and cheese with a serious upgrade, this recipe is your new go-to!

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Brisket Mac and Cheese recipe work together to create a rich, layered dish with the perfect contrast of creamy, cheesy pasta and hearty, saucy meat. Trust me, don’t skip a thing—every component counts for maximum deliciousness!

• Pipe rigate pasta (or shells): These shapes hold onto the thick cheese sauce and chunks of brisket so you get a little of everything in each forkful.
• Whole milk & heavy cream: This blend forms the luscious base for your cheese sauce, making it decadent and silky.
• Vegetable broth: Adds extra depth of flavor without weighing things down.
• Garlic powder & onion powder: Just a sprinkle of each brings savory depth and subtle warmth to the sauce.
• Slap Ya Mama® seasoning: A Southern spice blend that’s bold but not overpowering. Use your favorite Cajun-style seasoning if you like!
• Ground mustard & turmeric: For a gentle tang and a vibrant golden color that makes this dish pop. Turmeric also plays a part in that signature hue.
• Black pepper: Gives just enough gentle heat to balance out all the creaminess.
• White cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully and offers a mild, creamy base.
• Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Adds big, bold, tangy flavor so your mac and cheese sings.
• Leftover beef brisket, shredded: The star ingredient—tender, smoky, and juicy for that unbeatable BBQ flavor.
• Beef broth: Keeps the brisket moist and amplifies those meaty notes as it reheats.
• Barbecue sauce: Lends sweet, smoky, tangy vibes that tie everything together and make every bite crave-worthy.

Variations

One of the best parts about Brisket Mac and Cheese is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to spice it up, sneak in veggies, or swap in other proteins, get creative—it’ll still be a total showstopper!

• Pepper jack twist: Swap in some pepper jack cheese for extra spice and melty goodness.
• Swap the meat: Try smoked pulled pork or rotisserie chicken instead of brisket—the method stays the same!
• Add vegetables: Mix in roasted broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or baby spinach for a touch of green and extra nutrition.
• Gluten-free version: Use your favorite GF pasta and double-check your broth and barbecue sauce for gluten-free assurance.

How to Make Brisket Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your pipe rigate or shells in a large pot of salted water. Cook until just al dente, since the noodles will continue absorbing the sauce later. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and return them to the same pot—one less dish to wash!

Step 2: Build the Cheese Sauce

With your cooked pasta back in the pot, pour in the whole milk, heavy cream, and vegetable broth. Stir well and bring everything to a gentle simmer, being careful not to let it boil over (cream sauces love to surprise you!).

Step 3: Add the Cheese and Seasonings

Slowly stir in both the shredded white and sharp cheddar cheeses. Keep stirring until the cheese is a gloriously smooth sauce coating every noodle. Sprinkle in your garlic powder, onion powder, Slap Ya Mama®, ground mustard, turmeric, and black pepper. Mix well and let the entire pot simmer for 5–7 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Warm Up the Brisket

In a separate medium pot, add your shredded brisket, beef broth, and barbecue sauce. Heat over medium, stirring gently, until the brisket is hot, juicy, and soaks up that saucy goodness (about 3–4 minutes is all it takes!).

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Spoon generous helpings of creamy mac and cheese into bowls, then pile the brisket right on top. If you love that BBQ flavor, drizzle on extra sauce. Want even more texture? Top it off with crispy onion strings for the ultimate comfort food experience!

How to Serve Brisket Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

A scattering of snipped chives or green onions adds freshness and color, but if you want to make people swoon, sprinkle on crispy onion strings—extra crunch, extra flavor! Even a pinch of smoked paprika or a few sliced jalapeños can jazz up your Brisket Mac and Cheese presentation.

Side Dishes

This dish is rich, so keep sides light and crisp. A tangy coleslaw, a tray of roasted veggies, or a simple green salad all complement the deep flavors and balance the meal. If you’re feeling festive, cornbread or pickles add a Southern-style touch.

Creative Ways to Present

For family dinners, serve Brisket Mac and Cheese in big, homey bowls for everyone to dig in. Hosting a party? Spoon it into mini ramekins or cups for easy, handheld bites. At a potluck, try baking it in a cast iron skillet for that rustic, crowd-pleasing wow factor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Brisket Mac and Cheese keeps well for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Store the brisket and mac and cheese separately if you can, so the pasta stays creamy and the brisket maintains its ideal texture.

Freezing

If you need to freeze, spoon portions of mac and cheese into airtight, freezer-safe containers and freeze the brisket in a separate bag or container. It’ll keep for about 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy again.

Reheating

For the best leftovers, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, splashing in extra milk or broth to restore creaminess. Warm the brisket separately with a bit of barbecue sauce and broth, then assemble fresh bowls—just like day one!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for comfort food with a delicious twist, Brisket Mac and Cheese never disappoints. It’s creamy, cheesy, a little bit smoky, and always crowd-pleasing. I hope you give this recipe a whirl soon—your tastebuds (and anyone you share with) will thank you!

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