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bbq mac and cheese

BBQ Mac and Cheese

This bbq mac and cheese recipe combines tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs with creamy stovetop macaroni, baked under extra cheese and finished with a BBQ sauce drizzle. The ultimate comfort food for any occasion.
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Course Main Course
Servings 8 Servings

Ingredients
  

For the Ribs

  • 1 rack ribs about 4 ribs
  • 2 tsp salt
  • ¾ tsp paprika
  • ½ tbsp sofrito
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
  • 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • ¼ tsp cumin
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup

For the Mac and Cheese

  • 3 cups macaroni pasta
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1¼ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
  • ½ tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper to taste
  • ½ tsp salt

For the Topping

  • 1 –1½ cups shredded cheese extra cheddar or Colby Jack
  • BBQ sauce to drizzle

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

  • In a bowl, combine salt, paprika, sofrito, cayenne, Cajun seasoning, cumin, minced garlic, and maple syrup.
  • Rub generously over the ribs, cover, and refrigerate overnight to lock in flavor.
  • Preheat oven to 280°F. Place ribs on a foil lined pan, cover with foil, and bake for about 4 hours, until tender and pull-apart.
  • Remove from oven, discard bones, and chop meat into bite size pieces. Reserve any juices for added flavor.

Step 2: Make the Mac and Cheese

  • Cook macaroni until al dente in salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux; cook 1–2 minutes until golden.
  • Slowly whisk in heavy cream and milk, stirring until smooth and thickened.
  • Add cheddar and Colby Jack, stirring until melted and creamy.
  • Season with paprika, Cajun seasoning, cayenne, and salt.
  • Stir in cooked pasta until fully coated.

Step 3: Assemble & Bake

  • Preheat oven to 400°F.
  • Transfer mac and cheese and chopped rib meat into a cast iron skillet or oven-safe dish.
  • Top with an extra layer of shredded cheese.
  • Bake for 10 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
  • Remove from oven and finish with a drizzle of your favorite BBQ sauce.
Keyword bbq, bbq mac and cheese, dinner, mac and cheese, ribs
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