If there’s ever a dish that truly captures the spirit of indulgent comfort food, it’s Brisket Mac and Cheese. Imagine silky cheese sauce clinging to tender noodles, studded with smoky, melt-in-your-mouth brisket and finished with a golden, bubbly panko topping. This is the kind of main course that brings people together, sparks conversation, and transforms any ordinary evening into something memorable. Whether you’re looking to use up leftover smoked brisket or simply craving a hearty, family-style bake, this Brisket Mac and Cheese never fails to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward—each ingredient has a role to play in creating the creamy, rich, and deeply flavorful magic of Brisket Mac and Cheese. Even the simplest pantry staples, from pasta to spices, work together to deliver maximum taste and irresistible texture.
- Shredded smoked brisket: Provides smoky, savory richness that turns ordinary mac and cheese into a showstopper.
- Elbow macaroni: The classic noodle shape holds the creamy cheese sauce perfectly in every bite.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps form the crucial roux for a smooth sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce, creating that signature velvety base.
- Whole milk: Offers creaminess while keeping the sauce light enough to coat every noodle.
- Heavy cream: Kicks up the decadence for an ultra-silky sauce.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The heart of the cheesy flavor—don’t skimp on the sharp variety for tang!
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Brings extra meltiness and a smooth, mild flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth and a punch of umami goodness.
- Garlic powder: Infuses subtle aromatic warmth throughout the sauce.
- Onion powder: Provides gentle sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Smoked paprika: Layers in a touch of smoke and vibrant color, echoing the brisket’s profile.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and heightening every other ingredient.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Give the topping a crave-worthy crunch that contrasts the tender noodles.
- Olive oil: Binds the panko so it toasts up evenly golden and crisp.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, herby finish that makes the dish pop visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Brisket Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Boil the Macaroni
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente—it should still have a slight bite since it will finish baking in the oven. Drain it well, then set the pasta aside while you move on to the saucy fun.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it’s foamy but not browned. Immediately whisk in the flour, stirring constantly, and let it cook for one to two minutes until it turns a soft golden color. This step builds that creamy backbone and keeps your Brisket Mac and Cheese lump-free.
Step 3: Add Milk and Cream
Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking the whole time to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens up into a dreamy, glossy sauce—about five to seven minutes. Patience pays off here for the perfect cheesy texture.
Step 4: Melt in the Cheeses
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan until everything’s melted into a smooth, luxurious cheese sauce. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and season generously with salt and pepper. The sauce should taste irresistible at this stage—don’t be afraid to sneak a taste!
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Brisket
Gently fold the drained macaroni and shredded brisket into the cheese sauce, stirring until every piece of pasta and brisket is coated and perfectly mingled. The sight of smokey brisket peeking through the rich cheese is guaranteed to make you hungry.
Step 6: Assemble and Top
Pour the brisket-infused mac mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and scatter this topping over the mac and cheese. The oil ensures every crumb gets golden and crisp while baking.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and gloriously bronzed. Let it rest for five minutes before serving to help the flavors settle. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a vibrant finish, if you like—it’s worth the tiny effort!
How to Serve Brisket Mac and Cheese
Garnishes
Give your Brisket Mac and Cheese an extra flourish with bright chopped parsley or a sprinkle of smoked paprika. For a bit of heat, a few dashes of hot sauce or pickled jalapeño slices on top can add an unexpected zing that balances all the creamy richness.
Side Dishes
Since Brisket Mac and Cheese is the definition of hearty, pair it with something light and fresh to create a balanced meal. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette, roasted broccoli, or garlicky green beans are all excellent partners, cutting through the cheesy, smoky flavors with their brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
For something extra special, try baking your Brisket Mac and Cheese in individual ramekins for dinner parties or get-togethers. Serve in cast iron skillets for rustic charm, or pile onto toasted sourdough for a truly outrageous open-faced sandwich. However you present it, this dish is guaranteed to be the star of the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Brisket Mac and Cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making this dish just as crave-worthy the next day as it is fresh out of the oven. Remember to let it cool slightly before refrigerating for the best texture.
Freezing
If you want to stock your freezer, assemble the mac and cheese (just skip the panko topping until you’re ready to bake) and tightly wrap the dish with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, top with panko, and bake as normal for a fuss-free weeknight win.
Reheating
To bring your Brisket Mac and Cheese back to life, reheat individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to keep things creamy. For larger amounts, cover the pan with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, then broil briefly to crisp up the topping if needed.
FAQs
What’s the best brisket to use for Brisket Mac and Cheese?
Leftover smoked brisket is ideal, but any cooked brisket—whether from a BBQ joint or homemade—works beautifully. The essential thing is that it’s tender, flavorful, and easy to shred into bite-sized pieces.
Can I use different cheeses in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix things up with gouda for smokiness or pepper jack for a spicy twist. As long as the cheese melts well, it’s fair game for your own signature Brisket Mac and Cheese blend.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Yes—add a pinch of cayenne or swap a portion of the Monterey Jack for pepper jack cheese. You can also stir in chopped jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce before serving for more heat.
Can I prepare Brisket Mac and Cheese ahead of time?
You sure can! Assemble everything except for the panko topping, store covered in the fridge, and add the topping right before baking. This makes it a fantastic choice for busy days or entertaining.
How do I prevent my cheese sauce from turning grainy?
The real secret here is patience—keep the heat low when melting cheese and add it gradually, stirring until smooth before adding more. This keeps your Brisket Mac and Cheese luxuriously creamy every time.
Final Thoughts
When you’re after pure comfort, there’s nothing quite like Brisket Mac and Cheese. It’s the perfect marriage of decadent cheesy noodles and smoky brisket, ideal for laid-back gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights at home. Give it a try, share it with people you love, and watch it become a fast favorite that everyone asks for again and again!
Print
Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Brisket Mac and Cheese recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender smoked brisket, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded smoked brisket
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
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For the Topping:
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and cook the macaroni: Preheat the oven to 375°F. 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 and bake: Fold in macaroni and brisket, transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumb mixture, and bake until golden.
- Rest and garnish: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use leftover smoked brisket for best flavor.
- You can substitute the cheeses with gouda or pepper jack for a twist.
- To make ahead, prepare everything except the topping and bake when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
