If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than this delicious brisket mac and cheese recipe. Combining tender leftover brisket with creamy and cheesy macaroni, this recipe is the perfect way to use up leftover meat while indulging in a rich and hearty meal.
Brisket mac and cheese is a classic dish that’s popular in Southern cuisine, and for good reason. The tender and juicy brisket pairs perfectly with the creamy and cheesy macaroni, creating a flavor explosion that’s sure to please your taste buds. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or as a show-stopping addition to any gathering.
Using a combination of shredded cheeses, including cheddar, and parmesan, this mac and cheese recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for a cheesy and savory meal. The addition of leftover brisket not only adds extra flavor but also makes the dish heartier and more filling.
Whether you’re a mac and cheese lover or a brisket fanatic, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So grab your apron and get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food – brisket mac and cheese!
Smoking Brisket For Mac and Cheese
This recipe is a great way to use leftover bbq brisket, but first, you’ll need to actually make the brisket! Making smoked brisket is a labor of love, but the end result is worth it.
If you’ve never smoked a brisket before, head to our Smoke Brisket Recipe for an in-depth explanation of how to smoke brisket on a pellet smoker.
- Trim fat and silver skin
- Season brisket and place it on the smoker at 225ºF
- When the thickest part reaches 202ºF remove it from the smoker
- Let it rest in foil for 30 minutes.
- Slice against the grain and serve.
How To Make Brisket Mac n Cheese
Boil the Noodles
Make The Sauce
Slowly whisk in 2 cups of milk, stirring constantly. As you whisk in the milk, continuously stir to prevent the roux from clumping. Once the milk is fully incorporated, and the mixture has come to a boil, reduce the heat to low to prevent the sauce from scorching.
Add Shredded Cheese
Add Leftover Brisket
Add Cooked Noodles
Transfer to Baking Dish
Make Crunchy Topping
Bake Your Mac And Cheese
What To Serve With Brisket Mac and Cheese
Brisket mac and cheese is a hearty and satisfying dish that can be served on its own, or paired with other delicious sides and beverages to make a complete meal. Here are some serving suggestions to help you create the perfect meal with brisket mac and cheese:
Side Dishes
A side salad made with fresh greens, sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can help to balance the richness of the mac and cheese. You could also serve some roasted vegetables such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or smoked sweet potatoes.
Alternatively, some garlic bread or cornbread could complement the flavors of the dish nicely.
Beverages
Pair brisket mac and cheese with a full-bodied red wine such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Zinfandel. If you prefer beer, try pairing it with a stout or porter. If you’re not into alcohol, sparkling water or lemonade would be a great choice.
Toppings
Some additional toppings can elevate the flavors of brisket mac and cheese. Consider adding some crispy bacon bits, chopped scallions, or sliced jalapenos. A dollop of sour cream or your favorite barbecue sauce or some shredded cheddar cheese could also add a nice finishing touch.
Presentation
Serve brisket mac and cheese in a large baking dish, or in individual ramekins for an elegant touch. Top it with some breadcrumbs or grated cheese and bake it until golden brown. You could also garnish the dish with some fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for a pop of color.
Variations of Brisket Mac and Cheese
There are many ways to customize this recipe to suit different tastes or dietary restrictions. Here are some ideas to help you create your own unique version of brisket mac and cheese:
Spicy Brisket Mac and Cheese
For a bit of heat, try adding some diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce. You can also use spicy cheese like pepper jack cheese or add hot sauce to the breadcrumbs.
Smoky Brisket Mac and Cheese
If you’re missing the smoky flavor from the smoker, try adding some liquid smoke to the cheese sauce or using smoked paprika in the breadcrumb mixture. Sharp cheddar cheese would be a good option for smoky homemade mac and cheese.
BBQ Brisket Mac and Cheese
To give your mac and cheese a barbecue twist, mix in some BBQ sauce or use smoked cheddar cheese. You can also top the mac and cheese with some chopped brisket that has been tossed in BBQ sauce.
Gluten-Free Brisket Mac and Cheese
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta and flour in the cheese sauce. You can also skip the breadcrumbs or use a gluten-free breadcrumb substitute.
Vegan Brisket Mac and Cheese
If you’re looking for a plant-based option, you can use vegan butter and milk, as well as a vegan cheese substitute. For the brisket, you can use seitan, tofu, or a plant-based meat substitute.
Best Beer To Pair With Brisket Mac and Cheese
This creamy, cheesy masterpiece deserves a beer companion that can match its rich and bold flavors. Let’s explore the top beer pairings that will make your mac and cheese experience even more mouthwatering.
Porter
Porter, with its dark and robust character, is like a cozy fireplace for your Brisket Mac and Cheese. The roasted malt and coffee notes in porter enhance the smoky richness of the brisket and add depth to the creamy cheese sauce. The beer’s full-bodied nature complements the hearty flavors of the dish, making every bite feel like a warm, comforting hug. This pairing is as bold and satisfying as a fireside feast.
IPA (India Pale Ale)
IPA, the hoppy explorer of the beer world, is ready to bring a zesty twist to your mac and cheese adventure. Its bold hoppy flavors and citrusy notes cut through the richness of the cheese sauce and add an exciting contrast that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. This pairing is like a flavor adventure, where each bite of mac and cheese is met with a burst of hoppy excitement. The IPA’s refreshing bitterness and fruity zing elevate the overall experience, making your meal even more satisfying.
Wheat Beer
Wheat beer, with its light and slightly fruity character, is like a breath of fresh air for your Brisket Mac and Cheese. The beer’s gentle sweetness complements the creamy cheese sauce and the smoky brisket, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. The effervescence of wheat beer cleanses your palate, making every bite of mac and cheese feel like a refreshing taste adventure. This pairing is as easy-breezy as a sunny picnic and as tasty as a family feast.
More Leftover Brisket Recipes
If you have leftover brisket, don’t let it go to waste! Here are some of our favorite recipes that use leftover brisket as a star ingredient.
- Smoked Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Brisket Quesadilla Recipe
- Brisket Hash Recipe
- Brisket Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Brisket Fries Recipe
Brisket Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Baking Dish or Large Skillet
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni cooked and drained
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup leftover brisket, chopped
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot and cook macaroni noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup of flour until smooth paste forms. Slowly whisk in 2 cups of milk, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce the heat to low. Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until it is fully melted and the sauce is smooth
- Stir in 1 cup of chopped leftover brisket into the cheese sauce until it is fully coated and evenly distributed.
- Add the cooked noodles to the cheese sauce and stir until they are coated.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix 1/4 cup of melted butter, 1/2 cup of panko bread crumbs, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Bake the mac and cheese in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread crumb topping is golden brown.