Print

Savory Smoked Brisket Mac and Cheese Casserole

smoked brisket mac and cheese casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy comfort food casserole combining smoky brisket with creamy mac and cheese, perfect for potlucks and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
  • 2 cups smoked brisket, shredded or chopped
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk, warmed
  • 2 cups (200 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (100 grams) shredded smoked gouda
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) panko breadcrumbs, toasted
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes to form a roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in the warmed whole milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and smoked gouda until melted and smooth.
  6. Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked macaroni with the chopped smoked brisket. Pour the cheese sauce over and fold gently until evenly coated.
  8. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Sprinkle toasted panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
  10. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Toast panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet with a little butter for extra crunch and nutty aroma. If breadcrumbs brown too fast during baking, loosely cover casserole with foil halfway through. Cook macaroni just shy of al dente to avoid mushy texture after baking. Use gluten-free flour and pasta to make gluten-free. Use dairy-free milk to make dairy-free. Dijon mustard brightens the cheese sauce flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked brisket, mac and cheese, casserole, comfort food, easy recipe, potluck dish, cheesy, smoky

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/savory-smoked-brisket-mac-and-cheese-casserole-recipe-easy-and-delicious/