Brisket Mac and Cheese

This Brisket Mac and Cheese is filled with creamy, melty goodness from 3 cheeses and tender brisket all baked up to perfection.
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This Brisket Mac and Cheese is the ultimate flavor explosion that’ll leave you begging for seconds. The creamy, cheesy goodness from Monterey jack, smoked gruyere and sharp cheddar gets a serious upgrade with the addition of slow-cooked brisket all baked up to perfection. It’s a bomb fusion of savory and cheesy, all wrapped up in a gooey, cheesy blanket boos. Trust me, this brisket mac and cheese recipe ain’t your average mac and cheese. Get ready for cheese pulls galore.

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Beef brisket mac and cheese being lifted from a white casserole dish to serve

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Y’all I can’t even lie. I have some bomb macaroni and cheese recipes on my website. This one is up there as one of my faves. It hits hard boos. Mac and cheese is already super indulgent on its own but when you fold in some brisket, it gets taken to new heights. You get the smoky flavor of the brisket blending with the tender pasta and super melty cheesy goodness. So grab some brisket from your fave bbq spot or at the grocery store and get into this. It’s a hit y’all.

The Lowdown on The Best Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe

Closeup of Jocelyn in pink dress smiling

Cuisine Inspiration: Southern Vibes

Primary Cooking Method: Baking

Dietary Info: Contains dairy. Can be made gluten-free with ingredient swaps.

Key Flavor: Smoky, Cheesy, Melty, Tender, Meaty Goodness

Skill Level: Easy y’all (No Sweat Fam!)

Listen, when you combine smoky tender brisket, the best blend of spices and the creamiest cheese sauce made with three different cheeses, it’s flavor overload.

I know the recipe may seem like it has a ton of different steps but it ain’t hard at all boos. Once you get that roux started, it gets easier and easier.

I guarantee if you make this baby and serve it at your next game day, book club meeting or even as an offbeat Thanksgiving side, it will be the biggest hit of the party.

Ingredients you’ll need to make Brisket Macaroni and Cheese

Brisket, shredded cheeses, milk, macaroni pasta, butter, seasonings in bowls on white countertop
  • Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Smoked Gruyere: This cheesy trio stays giving sharpness, nutty flavor, creamy texture, melty perfection and a hint of smoky vibes all in one.
  • Spices: We combine salt, black pepper, onion and garlic powder, dry mustard, smoked paprika and cayenne. They bring serious flavor to the party, balancing smokiness, aromatic notes, heat, and a touch of tang and heat.
  • Butter and Flour: This is the base for a smooth, rich roux which thickens up the cheesy sauce.
  • Whole Milk and Heavy Cream: This combo is undefeated when creating an extra creamy and luxurious sauce.
  • Elbow Macaroni: We gotta have the mac for a mac and cheese right? This classic pasta is perfect for soaking up all that cheesy goodness.
  • Chopped Brisket: Tender, smoky brisket takes this mac to the next level of BBQ magic.

How to make Brisket Mac and Cheese

Shredded cheeses in a glass bowl on white countertop
1
In a large bowl, mix up sharp cheddar, Monterey jack, and smoked gruyere.
Mixed spices in a glass bowl on white countertop
2
In a medium bowl, combine salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, dry mustard, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix until combined and set aside.
Flour being mixed into butter creating a roux
3
Heat a pot over medium heat, add butter. Once it is melted, stir in flour and whisk until a blonde roux is formed.
Milk and seasoning added to a roux in a pot on white countertop.
4
Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of the seasoning mix, then slowly pour in the whole milk, while stirring to prevent any lumps.
Cream, seasoning and cheese being added to a pot on white countertop.
5
Stir in heavy cream, seasoning mix and a third of the cheese blend, cook for 3-5 minutes constantly stirring until cheese melts and sauce is smooth and thick enough to coat a spoon.
Pasta being added to a cheese sauce in a pot
6
Stir in macaroni.
Macaroni being tossed with cheese sauce
7
Combine until the cheese sauce coats the pasta.
Half of macaroni in a casserole dish with brisket sprinkled on top
8
Pour half the macaroni into a baking dish then evenly sprinkle half the brisket, then a third of the cheese on top boos.
Cheese and brisket filled mac in a white casserole dish before baking on white countertop
9
Repeat with the final layer adding remaining cheese and brisket.
Completed brisket macaroni and cheese right out of the oven on white countertop.
10
Bake in the oven at 375 for 22-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly bubbling around the edges. Cool for 10 minutes before serving then get ready for the best mac you will ever taste!

What to serve with this Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe

Corn chips on a platter with one inside a bowl with guacamole
Guacamole with chips are the perfect way to get this party started.
A pile of delicious golden fried cauliflower tossed in buffalo sauce and topped with green onions against white parchment paper
Buffalo fried cauliflower is a delish and flavorful twist on buffalo wings that is a must for your holiday party.
Jerk party wings coated in a honey garlic sauce scattered on parchment paper with glaze nearby
Honey garlic jerk wings are so saucy and absolutely delish.
A close up of caramel corn in a gray speckled bowl ready to devour
A bowl of caramel corn is the perfect snack to enjoy on a game day while indulging in brisket mac.

Recipe Substitutions

  • Cheeses: Grab some mild cheddar, Colby jack, mozzarella or even regular Gruyere.
  • Brisket: Go with shredded short ribs or use shredded smoked chicken.
  • Macaroni: Other pastas like rigatoni or cavatappi work well too boos.
  • Whole Milk: To keep the creamy texture, go with a half-and-half or even a heavy cream if you want it to be super rich.

Recipe Variations and Additions

  • Gluten-Free: Replace the flour with 1:1 ratio gluten-free flour and the pasta with your fave gluten-free pasta brand. Make sure to grab one that is made with brown rice or chickpea so it holds up well.
  • Drizzle it Up: Add a drizzle of this chipotle bbq sauce over the top for some big punches of flavor.
  • Add a Kick: Drizzle in some hot sauce or add some cayenne or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • Top it Off: Add some crunchy texture but sprinkling crushed Fritos, tortilla chips or toasted breadcrumbs to the top of your mac.
Brisket macaroni and cheese being lifted from a casserole dish to serve on white countertop

Expert Tips and Tricks for making the best beef brisket mac and cheese

  1. Grab Quality Brisket: I like to grab brisket at my neighborhood bbq spot. And that’s pretty easy to do in Texas where the brisket is super on point boos. But if you don’t have a fave barbecue hang out, your grocery store will also have some options of ready made smoked brisket you can use as well.
  2. Grate The Cheese Yourself: Don’t grab the pre-shredded because it has chemical agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
  3. Make it Smooth: Whisk consistently so you don’t get any clumps and the cheese sauce is creamy and light.
  4. Al Dente: Make sure your macaroni isn’t overcooked. Undercook by 1-2 minutes before adding the sauce so the mac doesn’t turn out mushy.
  5. Chill Out: Let your mac rest at least 10 minutes before serving it up.
Scooped up brisket mac and cheese ready to serve

How to store & reheat brisket macaroni and cheese

Cool down any leftovers then add to an airtight container and pop in the fridge. When you want to reheat, transfer the mac to a greased baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

How long will it last in the fridge?

It will last for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze brisket mac and cheese?

Absolutely boos! Let the mac chill completely then add to a freezer bag and add the date to it. It should last for up to 3 months. When you want to indulge again, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven with instructions above.

A large white bowl of the best brisket mac and cheese recipe on a white countertop

Frequently asked questions

What cut of brisket is best to use for this mac and cheese?

Grab leaner cuts of smoked meat to add to your mac and cheese.

Can I make this mac and cheese with brisket ahead of time?

Yep for sure boos. You can make ahead before baking and just store in the fridge the day before. Just bring back to room temp before you bake it up.

How can I make sure my brisket mac doesn’t end up dry?

The best way to make sure it ends up cheesy and moist is to not overbake it. You want the cheese to be all melty and bubbly on the top.

A close up of a bowl of brisket mac ready to enjoy

Y’all this brisket mac and cheese is so lit. That tender brisket coupled with that irresistible cheese sauce and delish pasta is pretty much my dream dinner scenario. I know you will love it too. So get into this recipe and let me know how it turns out for you.

More Mac and Cheese recipes

Beef brisket mac and cheese being lifted from a white casserole dish to serve

Brisket Mac and Cheese

This Brisket Mac and Cheese is filled with creamy, melty goodness from 3 cheeses and tender brisket all baked up to perfection.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Main Course
Servings: 14 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar shredded
  • 2 cups monterey jack shredded
  • 1 cup smoked gruyere shredded
  • 3 teaspoons Kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoons dry mustard
  • ยฝ teaspoons smoked paprika
  • ยผ teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ยผ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 ยพ cups whole milk
  • 2 ยผ cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 lb. elbow macaroni cooked to al dente
  • 1 lb. smoked brisket pre-cooked, chopped

Instructions

  • In a large bowl combine sharp cheddar, monterey jack, and smoked gruyere.
  • In a medium bowl combine salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, dry mustard, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix until combined and set aside.
  • Preheat oven to 375ยฐF. Heat a large 5 quart pot over medium heat, add butter, once butter is melted stir in flour and mix with a whisk until a blonde roux is formed.
  • Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of the seasoning mix, then slowly pour in the whole milk, while stirring to prevent any lumps. Stir in heavy cream, seasoning mix and a third of the cheese blend, cook for 3-5 minutes constantly stirring until cheese melts and sauce is smooth and thick enough to coat a spoon.
  • Stir in macaroni until the cheese sauce coats the pasta.
  • Pour half the macaroni into a 9 x 13 baking dish then evenly sprinkle half the brisket, then a third of the cheese.
  • Then repeat for the final layer. Bake in the oven for 22-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly bubbling around the edges.
  • Cool for 10 minutes before serving and serve immediately.

Notes

How to store & reheat brisket macaroni and cheese

Cool down any leftovers then add to an airtight container and pop in the fridge. When you want to reheat, transfer the mac to a greased baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

How long will it last in the fridge?

It will last for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze brisket mac and cheese?

Absolutely boos! Let the mac chill completely then add to a freezer bag and add the date to it. It should last for up to 3 months. When you want to indulge again, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven with instructions above.

Nutrition

Calories: 535kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 119mg | Sodium: 825mg | Potassium: 339mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1167IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 427mg | Iron: 1mg
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Filed Under:  Comfort Food, Cooking Methods, Oven, Pasta, Super Bowl and Game Day Party

Comments

    1. Absolutely you can go with smoked chicken, pulled pork or even short ribs or leftover pot roast.

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