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Savory Loaded Smoked Brisket Mac and Cheese

smoked brisket mac and cheese - featured image

A rich and hearty comfort food combining smoky brisket with creamy mac and cheese, perfect for cozy dinners and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup smoked gouda cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups smoked beef brisket, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour and stir constantly for about 2 minutes until smooth and bubbling.
  3. Slowly pour in warm whole milk while whisking continuously. Cook until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 6-8 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in sharp cheddar and smoked gouda cheeses until melted and smooth. Add Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
  5. Toss cooked macaroni and chopped smoked brisket into the cheese sauce, folding gently to coat evenly.
  6. If using, mix panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese for the topping.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumb topping evenly over the surface.
  8. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes after baking. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

If sauce thickens too much before baking, stir in a splash of milk to loosen. For deeper smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke. Let the dish cool slightly before serving to set the cheese sauce. Breadcrumb topping loses crunch after refrigeration; add fresh breadcrumbs or broil before serving leftovers.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked brisket, mac and cheese, comfort food, smoky, cheesy, baked mac and cheese, brisket recipe