Mission BBQ Mac and Cheese Recipe
Mission BBQ Mac and Cheese is a creamy dish made with elbow macaroni and a smooth cheese sauce. It’s topped with crunchy breadcrumbs for extra texture.
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese
- Elbow macaroni = 2 cups
- Sharp cheddar cheese shredded = 4 cups
- Mozzarella cheese shredded = 1 cup
- Parmesan cheese grated = 1/4 cup
- Whole milk = 3 cups
- Heavy cream = 1/2 cup
- Unsalted butter = 1/4 cup
- Flour all-purpose = 1/4 cup
- Garlic powder = 1 teaspoon
- Onion powder = 1 teaspoon
- Mustard powder = 1 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper = to taste
For the Topping
- Panko breadcrumbs = 1 cup
- Parmesan cheese grated = 1/4 cup
- Unsalted butter melted = 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch dish. Boil elbow macaroni until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Melt 1/4 cup butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and cream until smooth. Cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens. Add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, and stir until melted. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well combined. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use Fresh Cheese: Grate your own cheese for the best melt.
- Season Well: Add salt and pepper to taste for extra flavor.
- Cook Pasta Right: Make sure the pasta is just a little firm.
- Make It Early: You can prepare it ahead and bake it later.
- Add Crunch: Sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top for a crispy finish.