$pent Millennial

BBQ Mac & Cheese

spentmillennial Avatar
spentmillennial

Anyone who knows me knows how much I LOVE mac and cheese. Definitely one of my favorite foods. And my favorite thing to do is to make my own homemade mac and cheese. I like to mix up the classic mac and cheese recipe to keep things interesting. 

Recently, I tried adding a BBQ twist with some plant-based chicken, and it turned out to be a hit! My partner says it is his new favorite type of mac and cheese. 

Here’s how I make i: 

Ingredients: 

  • 3 TBSP BUTTER
  • 1 PACKET OF BOXED MAC AND CHEESE POWDER (or extra shredded cheese if you don’t have the powder)
  • 3 CUPS OF ELBOW NOODLES
  • 2 CUPS OF VEGETABLE BROTH/STOCK (add more as needed)
  • 2 CUPS OF WHOLE MILK (add more as needed)
  • SEASONINGS to taste (PEPPER, SEASON-ALL, etc.)
  • 1-2 CUPS OF SHREDDED CHEDDAR CHEESE (adjust based on if you used cheese powder)
  • 2 FROZEN CHICKEN (PLANT-BASED) PATTIES
  • BBQ SAUCE – to taste

Directions:

  1. Bake the Plant-Based Patties: Follow the instructions on the packaging to bake the CHICKEN PATTIES until they’re golden and crispy.
  2. Prepare the Mac & Cheese:
    • While the PATTIES are baking, heat 3 TBSP of BUTTER in a skillet over medium heat.
    • If you have the MAC AND CHEESE POWDER, stir it into the melted BUTTER to create a cheesy roux. If not, you can substitute with flour.
    • Add 3 CUPS OF ELBOW NOODLES to the skillet.
    • Pour in 2 CUPS OF VEGETABLE STOCK and 2 CUPS OF WHOLE MILK, making sure the pasta is covered. Bring this to a boil over medium-high heat.
    • Season to taste with PEPPER, SEASON-ALL, or your favorite spices.
    • Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer until the pasta is cooked. Keep an eye on it and add more MILK or BROTH as needed to maintain a creamy consistency.
  3. Prepare the Chicken:
    • Once the PLANT-BASED CHICKEN PATTIES are done, remove them from the oven and cut into strips or squares.
    • Toss the CHICKEN pieces in BBQ SAUCE until they’re well-coated.
  4. Finish the Pasta:
    • When the pasta is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1-2 CUPS OF SHREDDED CHEDDAR CHEESE until the cheese is melted and the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
    • Top the creamy mac and cheese with the BBQ CHICKEN pieces. Drizzle with more BBQ SAUCE if you like it extra saucy.
  5. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Plate your delicious creation, maybe add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or extra cheese on top if you’re feeling fancy.
    • Dig in and enjoy the blend of creamy, cheesy, and tangy flavors!

Give it a try. Feel free to mix it up with your own favorite protein and seasonings. Let me know what you think and if you have any other favorite ways to mix up classic mac and cheese

Leave a comment