If you are looking for something that is the best combination of creamy, cheesy goodness that you live from the restaurants. Then you are at the right place, where you can meet your desire. Mission BBQ Mac and Cheese Recipe is a perfect combination of cream and cheese. This recipe is made with simple ingredients like elbow macaroni, cheddar, and butter. The best part is, it is quick to prepare and perfect for dinner or family gatherings.
This recipe brings the rich and smoky flavor of BBQ style mac and cheese right into your kitchen. It is warm, filling, and full of flavor. This recipe can bring a smile on your face by ready in just a few minutes.
What is Mission BBQ Mac and Cheese?
Tasty Mission BBQ Mac and Cheese is a creamy and cheesy pasta dish. It is made with elbow macaroni cooked in a rich cheese sauce, usually with cheddar and mozzarella cheese. The dish is baked with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. It is called “Mission BBQ” because it tastes like the mac and cheese you get at Mission BBQ restaurants, which have a smoky and tasty flavor.
Key Details
Total Servings
6 Person
Cuisine
American
Calories
450 (approx.)
Course
Main Course, Dinner & Breakfast
Preparation Time
15 mins
Cooking Time
25 mins
Total Time
40 mins
What Makes Mission BBQ Mac and Cheese Recipe Special?
Mission BBQ Mac and Cheese is special because of its creamy and cheesy sauce with a little smoky flavor. It uses sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese for a rich taste. The crunchy breadcrumb topping adds a nice texture. Also, the recipe is easy to make at home and tastes just like the popular BBQ restaurant version. This combination of creamy, cheesy, and crispy makes it extra delicious.
Mission BBQ Mac and Cheese Ingredients
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 lb elbow macaroni
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ tsp smoked paprika
1 cup whole milk
Required Kitchen Tools
Large pot
Colander (for draining pasta)
Saucepan
Whisk
Baking dish
Mixing spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Grater (for shredding cheese)
Oven mitts
Preparation Steps for Mission BBQ Mac and Cheese Recipe
Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of water with a little salt.
Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just tender (al dente). It will take about 8 minutes.
Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to make a smooth paste (this is called a roux).
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking. Keep stirring until the sauce starts to thicken.
Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add the Cheese
Turn the heat to low.
Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
Keep stirring until all the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Mix Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce.
Stir well so every piece of pasta is coated with the cheesy sauce.
Bake the Mac and Cheese
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Pour the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish.
Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
Finish in the Oven
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Cooking Tips
Cook Pasta Al Dente: Boil the macaroni until it is just firm, not too soft. It will cook more in the oven.
Use Warm Milk and Cream: Let the milk and cream sit out for a few minutes before using. This helps make a smoother cheese sauce.
Melt Butter Fully: Make sure the butter is fully melted before adding the flour to avoid lumps in the sauce.
Whisk Sauce Constantly: Keep whisking while making the cheese sauce so it does not burn or clump.
Shred Cheese Fresh: Use block cheese and shred it yourself for better melting and taste. Pre shredded cheese has added powder that can make sauce grainy.
Season Cheese Sauce Well: Taste the sauce before mixing it with pasta. Add more salt, pepper, or paprika if needed.
Use Breadcrumbs Sparingly: Do not overload the topping. A thin layer gives a nice crunch without drying the dish.
Let It Rest After Baking: Wait 5 minutes after baking before serving. This helps the sauce thicken and keeps it from being runny.
Storage Guideline
It is important to store leftover mac and cheese the right way so it stays fresh, tasty, and safe to eat. If not stored properly, it can spoil quickly and lose its creamy texture. Good storage helps you enjoy the leftovers later without wasting food or flavor. Here are some easy guidelines are given below:
Cool Before Storing: Let the mac and cheese cool down to room temperature before putting it in the fridge.
Use an Airtight Container: Store it in a sealed container to keep it from drying out and to protect it from smells in the fridge.
Refrigerate Quickly: Put leftovers in the fridge within 2 hours after cooking. It is safest to keep it cold.
Store for Up to 3–4 Days: You can keep it in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. After that, it is best to throw it away.
Reheat Properly: Warm it up in the microwave or oven. Add a splash of milk before reheating to bring back the creamy texture.
Freeze for Longer Storage: If you want to keep it longer, freeze it in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months.
Label Your Container: Always write the date on the container so you know when you stored it.
Ingredients Substitutions
Sometimes you may not have all the ingredients at home, or you may want to use what is already in your kitchen. That is why ingredient substitutions are helpful. They make cooking easier and more flexible. Here are some easy substitutions are given below:
You can change Cheddar cheese with colby cheese.
You can change Breadcrumbs with crushed crackers.
You can change Garlic powder with fresh minced garlic.
Serving Recommendations
Serving recommendations help you enjoy your copycat mac and cheese even more by pairing it with the right side dishes and drinks. Good combinations bring out the flavors and make your meal balanced and complete. Here are some tasty and delicious recommendations are given below:
Flavor twists are a fun way to make your Homemade mac and cheese more exciting and special. They help you change the taste just a little or even create a whole new version of the dish. Adding a flavor twist can make your meal more interesting and match your own taste or mood. Here are some tasty flavor twist are given below:
Add Crumbled Bacon: Mix crispy bacon into the mac and cheese for a smoky, salty bite.
Mix in BBQ Sauce: Stir in a few spoonfuls of your favorite BBQ sauce for that classic Mission BBQ flavor.
Spice It Up: Add chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes for some heat.
Use Smoked Cheese: Try smoked cheddar or smoked Gouda for a richer, deeper flavor.
Add Caramelized Onions: Cook onions slowly until golden brown, then stir them into the cheese sauce for sweetness.
Top with Crushed Chips: Instead of breadcrumbs, try crushed BBQ chips or cheese crackers for a crunchy and flavorful topping.
Add Veggies: Mix in steamed broccoli, peas, or roasted red peppers to add color and nutrition.
Make It Meaty: Add shredded chicken, pulled pork, or diced ham to turn it into a full meal.
FAQs
Yes! You can use cheeses like Colby, Monterey Jack, or smoked Gouda. Just make sure they melt well and match your taste.
Add a splash of milk before reheating and stir well. This helps bring back the creamy texture.
Yes, you can prepare it a day before. Store it in the fridge and bake it when you are ready to serve.
Yes, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
You can use crushed crackers, cornflakes, panko, or even crushed BBQ chips for a crunchy topping.
Conclusion
This delicious Mission BBQ Mac and Cheese recipe gives you restaurant style taste in your own kitchen. It is a perfect combination of cream, cheese, and full of flavor. With just a few steps and common ingredients, you can enjoy a warm, cheesy, and comforting meal. This recipe is perfect for family dinner or any special occasion. You can make it by following simple preparation steps. Try it once, and it may become your new favorite.
Homemade Mission BBQ Mac and Cheese – Easy & Delicious
This delicious Mission BBQ Mac and Cheese recipe gives you restaurant style taste in your own kitchen. It is a perfect combination of cream, cheese, and full of flavor. With just a few steps and common ingredients, you can enjoy a warm, cheesy, and comforting meal. This recipe is perfect for family dinner or any special occasion. You can make it by following simple preparation steps. Try it once, and it may become your new favorite.
Have you ever tried making a Mini Waffle Maker Recipe at home? It is super easy and fun to make. These little waffles are soft inside, crispy outside, and ready in just a few minutes. You only need simple ingredients like flour, egg, milk, and butter. Whether it is breakfast time or snack time, this…
Do you want to try making your own Bill Miller Fried Chicken Recipe at home? This recipe is a great way to enjoy tasty, crispy fried chicken just like the one from the restaurant. It is made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. The coating is full of flavor and gives…
Have you ever wondered how to make IHOP Steak Tips Recipe at home? This recipe is simple to make and can quickly be ready. This recipe gives you juicy steak bites with full of flavor. The meat is seasoned with spices, coated in oil and sauce, then cooked until perfectly tender. You do not need…
Have you ever tried the homemade Hatchet Hall Cornbread Recipe with Honey Butter? It is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and buttery flavors all in one bite. The cornbread is soft on the inside with a slight crisp on the outside, giving it that homemade charm. The honey butter adds an extra layer of…
Have you ever tried Bordeaux-Style Cookies and wondered how to make them at home? These cookies are a perfect combination of light, crispy, and full of buttery sweetness. That is perfect with tea, coffee, or as a snack anytime. The Bordeaux Cookies Recipe is simple and uses basic ingredients you probably already have in your…
Have you ever tried a Bagel Dip Recipe that is creamy, meaty, and full of flavor? This dip is a delicious mix of sour cream, mayonnaise, herbs, and chopped dried beef. It is perfect for parties, family get-togethers, or even as a snack. The best part is you do not need to cook anything. Just…
