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Mission BBQ Mac and Cheese Recipe

Mission BBQ Mac and Cheese Recipe

Discover how to make the ultimate Mission BBQ Mac and Cheese with our easy, step-by-step recipe. Perfectly creamy, smoky, and irresistibly delicious!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Colander
  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Baking dish
  • Cheese grater (unless you’re buying pre-shredded cheese)

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz Elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons Butter
  • 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
  • 2 cups Whole milk
  • 2 cups Cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup Smoked Gouda shredded
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs

Instructions
 

Preparing the Pasta

  • Boil the Pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Put in a little salt and the elbow pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente.
  • Drain: Once cooked, drain the pasta using a colander and set it aside. Remember, overcooked pasta is a mission failure!

Creating the Cheese Sauce

  • Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  • Add Flour: Whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, but don’t let it brown.
  • Pour Milk: Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens.
  • Cheese Time: Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and smoked Gouda until smooth and creamy.
  • Season: Add the BBQ sauce, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.

Combining and Baking

  • Mix Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce. Ensure every macaroni is swimming in cheesy goodness.
  • Bake: Place the macaroni and cheese in a baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for a crispy finish.
  • Bake at 350°F: Place in a preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Notes

  • Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for various flavors. Just make sure they’re good melters!
  • BBQ Sauce: Pick your favorite BBQ sauce for this recipe. A smoky, slightly sweet sauce works best.
  • Crunchy Topping: For an extra crunch, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling them on top.
Keyword Mission BBQ Mac and Cheese Recipe