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brisket mac and cheese - featured image

Savory Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe with Crispy BBQ Onion Straws

  • Author: Lena
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A comforting and indulgent mac and cheese loaded with smoky brisket and topped with crispy BBQ onion straws, blending creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures for a perfect crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 200 g)
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 100 g)
  • 2 cups whole milk (use 2% for lighter version)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups cooked beef brisket, shredded (about 300 g)
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp BBQ seasoning blend (smoked paprika, brown sugar, chili powder)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 cups)

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 bowl, toss thinly sliced yellow onion with ½ cup flour, BBQ seasoning, and ½ tsp salt until well coated.
  3. Pour about 2 cups vegetable oil into a deep skillet or fryer and heat to 350°F (175°C). Test with a small piece of onion; it should sizzle immediately but not burn.
  4. Fry onion straws in small batches for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently until golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Set aside.
  5. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste and smells slightly nutty (roux).
  6. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 5-6 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  7. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
  9. In a skillet, warm shredded brisket with BBQ sauce over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until heated through and coated.
  10. Combine cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and BBQ brisket in a large bowl or pot. Stir gently to combine evenly.
  11. Spoon mac and cheese into serving bowls or casserole dish. Top generously with crispy BBQ onion straws. Optionally, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to meld flavors and warm through.

Notes

Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F for crispy onion straws. Avoid pre-shredded cheese for better melting. For gluten-free, substitute flours accordingly. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives. Fry onion straws fresh for best crunch; leftovers lose crispiness.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximatel
  • Calories: 600
  • Fat: 35
  • Carbohydrates: 45
  • Protein: 30

Keywords: brisket mac and cheese, BBQ onion straws, comfort food, cheesy mac and cheese, smoky brisket, crispy onion straws, easy dinner, crowd-pleaser

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Find it online: https://neurioxdesign.com/savory-brisket-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-crispy-bbq-onion-straws-easy-and-perfect/