If you’re searching for the kind of comfort food that makes people close their eyes after the first bite, Brisket Mac and Cheese is your new love language. Imagine forkfuls of smoky brisket tangled with creamy, melty cheese sauce and tender pasta, all blanketed under a golden panko crust. This dish effortlessly transforms leftover brisket into pure magic and is guaranteed to win you praise at any gathering. It’s hearty, deeply satisfying, and exactly what you want on a cozy evening at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This ingredient list is short, but each component brings something wonderful to the Brisket Mac and Cheese. From the sharp tang of cheddar to the buttery crunch of panko, every ingredient adds its own flair, so be sure to choose quality basics for the best results.
- Elbow macaroni (8 ounces): The classic noodle shape holds onto the sauce masterfully for a craveable bite every time.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Essential for building a smooth, rich cheese sauce base.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken your sauce, making it velvety without being heavy.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Provides creaminess without overpowering richness.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Brings luxurious, silky body to the cheese sauce.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups): Delivers tang, melt, and that signature mac and cheese flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Adds a stretchy, gooey texture everyone loves.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Gives a nutty depth and sharpness to the sauce.
- Cooked smoked brisket, shredded or chopped (2 cups): The hero of this recipe, offering smoky, meaty bites throughout.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Introduces mellow, savory undertones.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the overall savoriness without overwhelming.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): A little smoky spice for warmth and color.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Brings balance and a gentle kick.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Lighter and crunchier than regular breadcrumbs for that irresistible topping.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Crisps up the breadcrumb topping beautifully in the oven.
How to Make Brisket Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until it’s just al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, making sure not to overcook—it will finish cooking in the oven for the perfect bite.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for a minute, stirring constantly to create a smooth roux. Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking, and let the mixture gently simmer and thicken, about 4 to 5 minutes. When it coats the back of a spoon, you’re ready for the magic!
Step 3: Add the Cheeses and Seasonings
Reduce the heat to low so the cheeses melt smoothly. Add the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, stirring until the sauce becomes luxuriously smooth and creamy. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and season generously with salt and black pepper. The kitchen should already smell amazing at this point.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Brisket, and Sauce
Gently fold the cooked macaroni and shredded or chopped smoked brisket into the cheese sauce. Toss until every piece of pasta and brisket is coated in silky, cheesy goodness. The brisket infuses the sauce with smoky flavor, setting this dish apart from every other mac and cheese you’ve tried.
Step 5: Assemble and Top
Pour the brisket and pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly to every corner. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil—this ensures they toast perfectly. Sprinkle this mixture over the mac and cheese, covering it in a layer that will bake up irresistible and golden.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your Brisket Mac and Cheese into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the top is beautifully golden brown. When it’s ready, let the dish rest for about 5 minutes to allow all the creaminess to settle. Then, grab a spoon (or two) and dig in!
How to Serve Brisket Mac and Cheese
Garnishes
When it comes to garnish, a little sprinkle goes a long way. Try a scattering of chopped fresh chives or parsley for color and a hint of freshness that balances the richness. A dusting of extra smoked paprika or even a few cracks of black pepper can wake up those smoky, cheesy flavors even more. If you’re feeling fancy, a little grated Parmesan on top right before serving puts this comfort classic over the top.
Side Dishes
Brisket Mac and Cheese is definitely a meal to remember, but it pairs wonderfully with simple, crisp sides. Consider serving it with a light green salad tossed in vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or a platter of roasted veggies like broccoli or Brussels sprouts. If you want to double down on comfort, warm dinner rolls or fresh cornbread are always a hit.
Creative Ways to Present
For an unforgettable dinner party, try scooping portions into individual ramekins before baking, so everyone gets their own golden-topped mini casserole. Alternatively, spoon the mac and cheese into hollowed-out bread bowls for an over-the-top, shareable centerpiece. Brisket Mac and Cheese even makes a show-stopping addition to a bigger barbecue buffet—just serve straight from the baking dish and watch it vanish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any extra Brisket Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld together even more beautifully after a day, so leftovers are truly something to look forward to! Just be sure the dish is fully cooled before sealing and refrigerating.
Freezing
To freeze, let your Brisket Mac and Cheese cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe, airtight container or wrap the whole baking dish tightly in foil. It will keep well for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The cheesy goodness is just as irresistible months later!
Reheating
To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 20–25 minutes or until heated through and bubbly. If you’re reheating an individual portion, a splash of milk and a quick spin in the microwave will bring back that creamy texture in no time. Just add a touch more cheese or breadcrumbs on top before popping it back in the oven if you want to freshen up the crust.
FAQs
Can I make Brisket Mac and Cheese with leftover BBQ brisket?
Absolutely—this recipe was practically made for leftover BBQ brisket! The smoky, seasoned meat gives the mac and cheese an amazing depth, and it saves you time in the kitchen. Just chop or shred your brisket and stir it right in.
What cheeses work best in Brisket Mac and Cheese?
Sharp cheddar is classic for its tang and meltability, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Gouda, pepper jack, or fontina are fantastic additions if you’re in a creative mood, just make sure you have a nice blend for melty, flavorful results.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the elbow macaroni for your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a cup-for-cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Use gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers for that amazing topping, and you’ll barely taste the difference.
What’s the best way to get a crispy topping on Brisket Mac and Cheese?
Tossing the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil before sprinkling them over the top makes a world of difference. It helps them brown evenly and stay crisp, so every bite is as satisfying as the first. For extra crunch, broil the dish for a minute or two at the end of baking, but watch closely so it doesn’t burn!
Can I assemble Brisket Mac and Cheese in advance?
You sure can! Assemble the entire dish up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be starting cold, and enjoy fresh-from-the-oven comfort when you need it most!
Final Thoughts
If you love all things hearty and cheesy, you absolutely owe it to yourself to make Brisket Mac and Cheese. It’s the kind of recipe that turns weekdays into something special and gathers happy compliments from everyone at your table. Grab your brisket, gather your favorite cheeses, and dive into a baking dish full of comfort—you won’t regret a single bite!
Print
Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Brisket Mac and Cheese recipe. Creamy, cheesy pasta loaded with smoky brisket for a delicious twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
Elbow Macaroni:
- 8 ounces
Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked smoked brisket (shredded or chopped)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook the macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk and cream. Cook until thickened, then stir in cheeses and seasonings.
- Combine Ingredients: Add cooked pasta and brisket to the cheese sauce, then transfer to a baking dish.
- Add Topping: Combine panko breadcrumbs and olive oil, then sprinkle over the pasta mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a smoky kick, use chipotle powder instead of paprika.
- Leftover BBQ brisket works perfectly in this recipe.
- You can substitute different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
