Mission BBQ Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

If there’s one thing I can never say no to, it’s a warm, cheesy bowl of Mission BBQ Macaroni and Cheese, especially when it’s got a garlicky twist that reminds me of that dreamy Wendy’s Garlic Parm Sauce.

This homemade version of this Mission BBQ Macaroni and Cheese Recipe takes the creamy richness of your favorite fast-food flavor and folds it right into a baked mac that’s got everything you want: comfort, a little zing, and a whole lotta cheese, with Mission BBQ Meatloaf.

It’s not just any mac. It’s loaded with layers-Velveeta for the creamy, smoked cheddar for the bold, and sharp cheddar to keep it honest. This one tastes like a cross between Wendy’s Garlic Parm dip and that buttery mac from Mission BBQ… and y’all, it’s next level.

What Does Mission BBQ Macaroni and Cheese Taste Like?

Rich, creamy, and smoky with just the right pop of garlic and cheese-that’s what you’re getting here. The garlic-parm vibe ties everything together like a big ol’ warm hug.

It starts with that soft, melty goodness from Velveeta and cream, then you get that bold cheddar bite and the smoky sharpness in the finish.

Imagine taking a spoonful and getting hit with garlic, butter, smoke, and a cheesy pull that just won’t quit. This is a crowd-pleaser. Potlucks, weeknight dinners, backyard BBQs-this one belongs there.

Ingredients Required for Mission BBQ Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Mission BBQ Macaroni and Cheese

• 3 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 ½ cups milk
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup Colby & Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 6–8 oz Velveeta cheese, shredded (use less if you want it less creamy)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (optional if you don’t like strong cheese)
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup smoked cheddar cheese, shredded (a must!)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Paprika (optional, for color)

Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need

1. Large pot (for boiling macaroni)
2. Medium saucepan (for cheese sauce)
3. Whisk and Measuring cups & spoons
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Baking dish (9×13 works great)
6. Cheese grater and Oven

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes
Yields: 6–8 servings

Copycat Mission BBQ Mac and Cheese Recipe

Simply follow the steps given below to make your Mission BBQ Macaroni and Cheese at home

1. Boil the Pasta:
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add your elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (around 7–8 minutes). Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Creamy Base:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the milk and heavy cream. Slowly stir in Velveeta, Colby Jack, and sharp cheddar. Let it melt completely into a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Whisk the Eggs:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs well. This helps bind the whole dish while baking.

4. Combine Everything:
Slowly whisk a bit of the warm cheese sauce into the eggs to temper them (you don’t want scrambled eggs!). Then pour in the rest of the sauce, add your pasta, and toss it all together. Fold in the smoked cheddar last-it brings that signature BBQ-style taste.

5. Bake It Up:
Pour the mixture into your greased baking dish. Sprinkle with paprika if you like a little color and flavor kick. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25–30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.

Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Mission BBQ Macaroni and Cheese

1. With BBQ Pulled Pork on Top
Oh, y’all-this one’s a favorite at our house. We’ll warm up some tender pulled pork, drizzle it with sweet BBQ sauce, and pile it right over a scoop of that creamy mac. The smoky meat and garlicky cheese? Just divine.

2. Next to Grilled Chicken Thighs
We’ve done this at cookouts more times than I can count. Char-grilled chicken thighs, juicy and crisp, pair so well with the richness of the mac. Especially if you’ve seasoned the chicken with a little garlic and paprika-it all comes together like magic.

3. Topped with Crispy Bacon Crumbles
Trust us on this: a handful of freshly cooked, crumbled bacon over the top takes it to another level. We like to add it just after baking so it stays crunchy. That smoky crunch with the creamy cheese? Game changer.

4. With Roasted Broccoli or Brussels Sprouts
Sometimes we try to balance the indulgence with a veggie or two. Roasting broccoli or Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of sea salt gives a crisp edge that cuts through all that cheese in the best way.

5. Served Inside a Bread Bowl
If you’ve never tried this-you gotta. Hollow out a crusty bread roll and fill it up with hot mac. We did this once for a family movie night and folks were asking for it again the next day!

6. Topped with Hot Sauce or Sriracha
For the spice lovers at our table, a little splash of hot sauce adds a zing that wakes it all up. We’ve found that even just a few drops of Sriracha brings out the garlic and sharp cheddar beautifully.

7. With a Side of Fried Chicken
Southern comfort at its finest. Crispy fried chicken paired with this garlic parm mac? Y’all, it’s like Sunday dinner on a plate. We usually do this combo when the whole family’s over-it disappears fast!

8. As a Base for Mac & Cheese Nachos
This might sound wild, but hear us out-we once spooned this mac onto a bed of tortilla chips, added jalapeños, more cheese, and baked it until bubbly. It’s like nachos met comfort food and fell in love.

9. With Sweet Cornbread on the Side
There’s something about the combo of savory, garlicky cheese and a slice of soft, sweet cornbread. We always save a little mac to pair with leftover cornbread the next day-it’s even better after the flavors have settled.

10. Under Mission BBQ Potato Salad
One slow Sunday morning, we threw a fried egg and Mission BBQ Potato Salad on top of leftover mac and cheese… and it was unbelievable. That runny yolk melting into the cheese? Try it once-you’ll be hooked.

Some Tips on This Mission BBQ Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

1. Cook the pasta just right.
Don’t overcook the macaroni! Boil it until it’s just soft, not mushy. That way it won’t get soggy when it bakes.

2. Shred your own cheese.
If you can, use a grater and shred the cheese yourself. It melts better than the kind in the bag.

3. Use smoked cheddar. Always.
That smoky cheese makes the whole thing taste special. It’s the secret flavor that makes people say “wow!”

4. Whisk the eggs real good.
Beat the eggs until they’re smooth. Then slowly add a little warm cheese sauce to them first so they don’t scramble. We want creamy, not chunky!

5. Stir while the cheese melts.
Keep stirring the sauce so the cheese doesn’t stick or burn at the bottom. Stirring makes it smooth and happy.

6. Taste before baking.
Take a little bite before it goes in the oven. Add salt or pepper if you think it needs more flavor.

7. Use a big mixing bowl.
When you’re mixing everything-pasta, eggs, cheese-do it in a big bowl so nothing spills over the sides.

8. Sprinkle a little paprika on top.
This isn’t just for taste, it makes the top look pretty and golden when it bakes.

9. Let it cool for a few minutes.
After baking, let the dish sit for 5-10 minutes. It’ll thicken up and be easier to scoop out.

10. Add some fun toppings!
Want a little crunch? Sprinkle some crushed crackers or toasted breadcrumbs on top before baking. Yummy!

How to Store and Reheat Mission BBQ Macaroni and Cheese?

If you’ve got leftovers (and that’s a big “if”), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven with a splash of milk to bring back that creamy texture.

You can also freeze portions for later-just make sure it’s cooled completely before wrapping it up. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight and reheat low and slow in the oven.

Common Queries on This Mission BBQ Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Mission BBQ Macaroni and Cheese that people often ask.

1. What is in Mission BBQ mac and cheese?

Oh, Mission BBQ’s mac and cheese? It’s heavenly. Their version is super rich and creamy, made with a smoked cheddar that gives it that deep, BBQ flavor. From what we’ve tasted (and we’ve had it a lot), it’s got a blend of cheeses, elbow macaroni, and it’s baked to get those perfect golden edges. No shortcuts-just scratch-made goodness.

2. Is barbecue sauce in mac and cheese good?

Surprisingly… yes! We were skeptical at first too, but that sweet and smoky flavor from BBQ sauce can really jazz up a plain mac and cheese. If you’re using something like Mission BBQ’s Tupelo Honey Heat or a smoky hickory sauce, it gives the creamy mac a nice contrast. Just don’t overdo it-a drizzle on top or stirred in gently is all you need.

3. How to reheat Mission BBQ mac n cheese?

We’ve done this a few times and here’s what works best:
Pop it in the microwave with a splash of milk (to loosen it up) and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat it in 30-second bursts until it’s hot.
If you’ve got time, the oven’s even better-cover it with foil and reheat at 325°F for about 15–20 minutes. Keeps that baked texture intact.

4. Can I skip the Velveeta cheese in this recipe?

You can, but we wouldn’t recommend it if you’re going for that extra creamy texture. Velveeta melts beautifully and makes the sauce silky smooth. If you’re not a fan, just use more cream and shredded cheddar, but it may come out a bit less rich.

5. What does smoked cheddar add to the mac and cheese?

Oh, smoked cheddar is the game changer. It adds this bold, slightly tangy flavor with a hint of smokiness-just like BBQ pit-style mac. It’s what makes this dish feel like you ordered it from a legit BBQ joint.

6. Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this recipe?

We’ve done it in a pinch, but fresh grated cheese always melts smoother and tastes better. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can mess with the texture. If you’ve got the time, grate your own-it’s worth it!

7. How spicy is this garlic parm mac and cheese?

Not spicy at all! It’s more garlicky and creamy than anything else. But if you’re like us and enjoy a little kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce before baking. Totally optional.

8. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! We often prep the whole thing a day ahead, cover it tight, and pop it in the fridge. When it’s time to serve, just bake it straight from the fridge-add about 10 extra minutes to your bake time.

9. How do I make this mac and cheese less rich?

This one’s definitely indulgent, but if you’re looking to lighten it up, you can cut back on the Velveeta, use just milk instead of cream, and skip the eggs. It won’t be quite as decadent, but still delicious.

10. Can I freeze the leftovers Mission BBQ Macaroni and Cheese?

Yep, we freeze it all the time! Let it cool completely, then portion it out into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. Add a splash of milk while reheating to get that creaminess back.

This Wendy’s Garlic Parm-inspired mac and cheese is the kind of dish that doesn’t last long on the table-everyone keeps coming back for seconds (and thirds). It’s rich, flavorful, and full of heart. Whether you’re throwing it together for Sunday dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or just craving something indulgent and satisfying, this one’s for you.

So go ahead-grab your favorite cast iron dish, preheat that oven, and make your kitchen smell like cheesy, garlicky heaven. Trust me, it’ll taste like home.

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