We’ve all gathered around the grill at community BBQs where good times and great food go hand in hand. Our Community BBQ Mac N Cheese recipe adds a smoky twist to the classic comfort dish making it a crowd-pleasing favorite for potlucks and family feasts.
It’s inspired by those shared traditions that bring people together and it’s easier to prepare than you think. With our simple steps you’ll create a creamy cheesy delight that elevates any outdoor event.
Ingredients
In our Community BBQ Mac N Cheese recipe, we select high-quality ingredients that blend creamy textures with smoky, barbecue-inspired flavors to elevate your gatherings.
- Elbow Macaroni: 16 ounces (dry), uncooked – boil this as the base for our hearty pasta.
- Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons, melted – use this first to create a rich roux for the sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour: ¼ cup – whisk this into the butter to thicken our sauce.
- Whole Milk: 2 cups, warmed – add gradually after the roux for a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded – incorporate this next for its bold, smoky taste that ties into the BBQ theme.
- Smoked Gouda Cheese: 1 cup, shredded – melt this in for an extra layer of authentic barbecue flavor.
- BBQ Sauce: ½ cup, your favorite brand – stir in towards the end to infuse sweet and tangy notes.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon – season with this for a subtle, aromatic depth.
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon, smoked variety preferred – sprinkle to enhance the grilled essence of our community favorite.
- Salt and Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon each, to taste – adjust after combining all elements for balanced seasoning.
- Optional Toppings: ½ cup breadcrumbs, toasted, and ¼ cup chopped green onions – add these last for a crispy finish before baking.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our Community BBQ Mac N Cheese, we rely on essential kitchen tools that ensure smooth preparation and a perfectly smoky, creamy result. Below, we list the key equipment in the order of use, helping us transition seamlessly from boiling pasta to baking the final dish.
- Large pot: For boiling the elbow macaroni to al dente perfection, ensuring it holds up well under the rich cheese sauce.
- Colander: To drain the cooked macaroni efficiently, preventing excess water that could dilute flavors.
- Medium saucepan: Ideal for creating the creamy base with unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, and whole milk, allowing for even heat distribution.
- Whisk: Essential for smoothly incorporating the flour into the butter and blending in cheeses like sharp cheddar and smoked gouda for a velvety texture.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the sauce and mixing in seasonings such as garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper without scratching cookware.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate for measuring ingredients like BBQ sauce and spices, guaranteeing the bold, smoky flavors we love in this recipe.
- Baking dish (9×13 inch): A must for assembling and baking the mac n cheese, where optional toppings like toasted breadcrumbs and chopped green onions add a crispy finish.
- Oven: Preheated to 375°F, it bakes the dish to golden bubbly goodness, enhancing the community BBQ vibe for potlucks and gatherings.
- Grater: If using block cheeses, this tool shreds sharp cheddar and smoked gouda quickly for easy melting and optimal creaminess.
With these tools at hand, we’re set to bring our recipe to life efficiently and enjoy the shared traditions of this hearty dish.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our high-quality ingredients and essential equipment, let’s create our smoky, Community BBQ Mac N Cheese step by step. We promise a creamy, flavorful result that’s perfect for any gathering.
Prep
First, we bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 16 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain using a colander and set aside to prevent overcooking. Next, we grate 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of smoked gouda cheese for smooth melting, and measure out 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of whole milk, 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. For added crunch, we prepare optional toppings by toasting 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden, and finely chop 1/4 cup of green onions.
Cook
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, we melt the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Whisk in the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to form a roux, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color and releases a nutty aroma. Gradually pour in the 2 cups of whole milk while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency. We then stir in the grated sharp cheddar and smoked gouda cheeses along with the 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, blending until the cheeses melt into a gooey, smoky sauce that coats the back of a spoon.
Assemble and Serve
In a large mixing bowl, we combine the drained macaroni with the hot cheese sauce, tossing gently to coat each noodle evenly for a rich, cheesy bite. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out smoothly, and sprinkle on the toasted breadcrumbs and chopped green onions for a crispy, flavorful topping. Preheat our oven to 375°F and bake the dish for 20-25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown, allowing the smoky aromas to fill the kitchen. Finally, we remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving warm portions that deliver a comforting, melty texture with a hint of BBQ tang.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make our Community BBQ Mac N Cheese even more convenient for potlucks and gatherings, we can prepare key components in advance while preserving its smoky, creamy goodness. This approach allows us to focus on enjoying the event rather than last-minute cooking.
Preparing the Dish Ahead
Follow these steps to assemble our recipe up to 24 hours in advance:
- Cook the macaroni early: Boil the elbow macaroni until al dente as outlined in our main instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, then toss with a tablespoon of oil to prevent clumping. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This ensures the pasta retains its perfect texture when you’re ready to combine it with the sauce.
- Make the cheese sauce in advance: Prepare the roux by melting the unsalted butter and whisking in the all-purpose flour. Gradually add the whole milk to create the base, then stir in the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Once smooth, remove from heat and let it cool completely before stirring in the sharp cheddar cheese, smoked gouda cheese, and BBQ sauce. Store the sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. By keeping the sauce chilled, we maintain its rich, gooey consistency for effortless reheating.
- Assemble the full dish: Combine the cooked macaroni with the prepared cheese sauce in your 9×13 inch baking dish. Add optional toppings like toasted breadcrumbs and chopped green onions if desired, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate the assembled dish for up to 24 hours. This step locks in the smoky BBQ tang and cheesy flavors, making it easy to bake fresh for your community event.
Storage and Reheating Tips
For optimal results, we recommend the following guidelines to ensure our Community BBQ Mac N Cheese stays fresh and flavorful:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 48 hours for sauce alone; up to 24 hours for assembled dish | Keep temperatures at or below 40°F. Avoid freezing as it can alter the creamy texture of the cheese sauce. |
| Reheating Instructions | Varies by component | If reheating the sauce, warm it gently on the stove over low heat while whisking to restore creaminess. For the full assembled dish, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to reach room temperature, then bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. |
By following these make-ahead strategies, we ensure every bite of our Community BBQ Mac N Cheese delivers that irresistible, melty perfection without the rush.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing our Community BBQ Mac N Cheese recipe as a simple way to elevate gatherings. It’s all about creating those warm shared moments that bring folks together.
Give it a try at your next event and watch it become a favorite in your routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Community BBQ Mac N Cheese?
Community BBQ Mac N Cheese is a smoky twist on the classic mac and cheese recipe, perfect for potlucks and family gatherings. It combines creamy cheese sauce with BBQ flavors, using ingredients like elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, and spices for a rich, comforting dish. This recipe highlights shared traditions and easy preparation to enhance outdoor events.
What ingredients are needed for this recipe?
You’ll need elbow macaroni, unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, whole milk, sharp cheddar cheese, smoked gouda cheese, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Optional toppings include toasted breadcrumbs and chopped green onions. These high-quality ingredients create a creamy, smoky mac and cheese that’s simple yet flavorful.
How do I prepare Community BBQ Mac N Cheese?
Start by cooking elbow macaroni until al dente. Make a roux with butter and flour, then add milk, cheeses, and BBQ sauce to create a smooth sauce. Mix in the macaroni, transfer to a baking dish, add toppings, and bake at 375°F until bubbly and golden. The whole process takes about 45-60 minutes for a melty, smoky result.
What equipment is required to make this dish?
You’ll need a large pot for boiling macaroni, a colander for draining, a medium saucepan for the sauce, a whisk for blending, a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, and a 9×13 inch baking dish. Also, use a grater for shredding cheese and preheat your oven to 375°F.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the macaroni and cheese sauce in advance, then store them separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Assemble the dish just before baking to keep it fresh. This make-ahead option makes it ideal for potlucks, saving time while preserving the smoky, creamy texture.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store assembled but unbaked mac and cheese in the fridge for up to 24 hours, or freeze cooked portions for up to 3 months. For reheating, bake refrigerated leftovers at 375°F until hot, or use the microwave for smaller servings. Always cover to prevent drying, and stir if needed for even heating.
Why is this recipe great for gatherings?
This BBQ Mac N Cheese adds a smoky, flavorful twist to traditional comfort food, making it a crowd-pleaser for potlucks and outdoor events. It’s easy to prepare in advance, serves a large group, and features customizable toppings for added appeal. Plus, it emphasizes shared traditions, fostering a sense of community at any gathering.