We all know and love mac and cheese, but have you ever tried BBQ mac and cheese? This recipe takes the classic comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness. Imagine a rich, creamy, and tangy mac and cheese loaded with shredded BBQ meat and seasoned with BBQ sauce. It’s a flavor explosion that will have you coming back for seconds!
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why this BBQ mac and cheese is a must-try. The combination of the smoky BBQ flavors with the creamy and cheesy mac and cheese creates a harmony that will satisfy your taste buds like never before. It’s a hearty and indulgent dish that brings comfort and joy to your plate.
Key Takeaways
How to Create BBQ Mac and Cheese Magic
Making BBQ mac and cheese is easier than you might think. Here’s how you can whip up this mouthwatering dish:
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Gather your ingredients. You’ll need macaroni, BBQ meat (pork or chicken), cheese, BBQ sauce, milk, heavy cream, butter, flour, salt, and pepper.
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Preheat the oven and prepare the pan. Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13 pan.
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Cook the macaroni. Boil the macaroni in salted water until it’s al dente. This should take around 8-9 minutes. Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside in a large bowl.
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Create the cheesy sauce. In a separate pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes until the flour becomes toasty. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream mixture, allowing it to simmer until thickened. This process usually takes about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese and BBQ sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Combine it all. Pour the sauce over the cooked macaroni and stir until the pasta is well-coated. Add the BBQ meat and stir it in too.
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Bake to perfection. Transfer the mixture into the greased baking pan and top it with more BBQ meat, BBQ sauce, and cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and irresistible.
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The finishing touch. For that beautiful golden crust on top, switch the oven to broil for 3-4 minutes until the cheese gets a lovely brown color. Take it out of the oven, drizzle more BBQ sauce on top, and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips and Suggestions
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Pasta perfection. While elbow macaroni is the classic choice for mac and cheese, feel free to experiment with other short pasta shapes like bow tie or penne.
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Cheesy goodness. Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal for this recipe, but you can also use other shredded cheeses like Jack or mozzarella to add different flavors and textures.
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Al dente is the way to go. Be sure to cook the pasta al dente. Overcooking it can result in a soggy final dish.
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Season from the start. Add flavor to your macaroni by cooking it in heavily salted water right from the beginning.
Serving Suggestions
BBQ mac and cheese is a star on its own, but it also loves good company. Pair it with some delectable sides to create a memorable meal. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
- Cornbread Muffins
- Honey Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls
- Creamed Corn
- Seasoned Air Fryer Asparagus
Can You Prepare It in Advance?
Absolutely! This BBQ mac and cheese is just as delicious when reheated. If you have leftovers, simply let the dish cool and store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for around four days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it at 360F with the top covered in foil for around 15 minutes.
So, what are you waiting for? Get your BBQ on and dive into the ultimate comfort food experience with BBQ mac and cheese. It’s a dish that will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more!
Remember, if you want to taste some amazing BBQ mac and cheese without the hassle of cooking it yourself, check out Rowdy Hog Smokin BBQ.
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