Macaroni and Cheese (Dinosaur BBQ)
It does NOT get better than this. This is SUPER rich and cheesy. Not for the faint of heart! Dinosaur BBQ's mac and cheese has been featured on TV and in magazines as the best mac and cheese in the country. I think they are right.
It does NOT get better than this. This is SUPER rich and cheesy. Not for the faint of heart! Dinosaur BBQ's mac and cheese has been featured on TV and in magazines as the best mac and cheese in the country. I think they are right.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 cups water
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 cups half-and-half
- 4 ounces flour
- 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons tabasco sauce
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper
- 1 1/2 cups onions diced
- 3/4 cup green pepper diced
- 14 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 5 ounces colby cheese shredded
- 10 ounces american cheese shredded
- 4 ounces pecorino romano cheese shredded
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard french's
- 1 1/2 lbs elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons pecorino romano cheese
- Carbohydrate 89.1695823264487 g
- Cholesterol 302.618319446463 mg
- Fat 105.236985931103 g
- Fiber 2.9087966128001 g
- Protein 54.2834810428067 g
- Saturated Fat 60.961755143675 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving(s) (823g)
- Sodium 1338.59563150518 mg
- Sugar 86.2607857136486 g
- Trans Fat 5.30686975525225 g
- Calories 1509 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat oil in a large pot.
- Add onions and peppers; cook until they are translucent.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in flour.
- Add water and half-and-half.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
- Using an immersion blender, puree this mixture until it is smooth (*if using a regular blender, work in batches, filling the pitcher only half-full, since the liquid will be hot).
- Slowly add cheeses to warm pureed mixture, making sure all cheese is melted before adding more.
- Once cheese is completely melted, add salt, lemon pepper, sugar, mustard, vinegar and Tabasco.
- Stir to combine.
- Cook 1 1/2 pounds of dried elbow macaroni in boiling water, according to manufacturer's instructions. Cook until al dente, not completely soft.
- Combine hot, cooked pasta and sauce in large mixing bowl; stir well to combine.
- Pour entire mixture into a greased 10-inch-by-12-inch pan (or a 9-inch-by-13-inch one).
- Top with 8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons of Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Place under broiler until top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Serve immediately.
My Ultimate Mac and Cheese Adventure: A Culinary Journey
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present demands of a demanding career. But there's one dish that always manages to bring a smile to my face and a sense of warmth to our dinner table: macaroni and cheese. This isn't just any mac and cheese; this is the legendary Dinosaur BBQ Mac and Cheese, a dish so rich, so cheesy, it's practically a culinary masterpiece.
I first encountered this legendary dish during a family vacation to the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que restaurant. My initial reaction was one of sheer disbelief. Could macaroni and cheese really be this good? The answer, my friends, is a resounding yes! The creamy, perfectly seasoned sauce clung to each strand of pasta, the cheeses melting together in a symphony of flavor. It was a revelation; a creamy, cheesy dream come true. The texture was perfect, each bite a harmonious blend of smooth, comforting indulgence. It was a life-changing experience in the world of comfort food, an epiphany that changed the way I viewed this seemingly simple dish.
Since that unforgettable first taste, I've made it my mission to recreate the magic at home. It took a few tries, several adjustments to the recipe, but I've finally perfected my own version, one that captures the essence of the Dinosaur BBQ experience. The key, I've discovered, lies in the quality of the ingredients and the meticulous attention to detail. The right blend of cheeses, the careful simmering of the sauce, the perfect al dente cook of the macaroni—all contribute to a final product that's more than just a meal; it’s an experience.
The Cheese is King: Don't skimp on the cheese! The rich, sharp cheddar, creamy Colby, and the tangy American all work together to create a truly unforgettable flavor profile. And the Pecorino Romano? It adds a salty, nutty depth that elevates the entire dish to another level. This is not the time for budget brands; invest in high-quality cheeses for a truly decadent outcome.
The Sauce: The Heart of the Matter: The sauce is the soul of this macaroni and cheese. It's a creamy, dreamy blend of cheeses, milk, and spices that coats every noodle in a luscious embrace. The secret lies in creating a roux—a mixture of butter and flour—and slowly whisking in the milk and cream. This process creates a smooth, velvety sauce that forms the foundation of this culinary masterpiece. Patience is key here; rushing this stage can lead to a lumpy, uneven sauce.
Macaroni Mastery: The pasta, too, plays a crucial role in the overall success of the dish. I prefer to use elbow macaroni, but you could use other short pasta shapes if you prefer. The most important thing is to cook the pasta perfectly al dente—meaning it should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it. Overcooked macaroni will result in a mushy texture, ruining the harmony of the creamy sauce.
The Broiling Touch: Finally, the broiling is the final act that elevates this macaroni and cheese from good to extraordinary. The broiler adds a golden-brown crust to the top, creating a beautiful contrast in texture and flavor, making the cheesy top bubbly and irresistible.
This Dinosaur BBQ inspired Macaroni and Cheese is more than just a recipe; it's a celebration of comfort food elevated to an art form. It's a dish that has brought joy and satisfaction to my family and countless others, proving that even the simplest dishes can be transformed into culinary masterpieces with a little bit of love, attention to detail, and really, really good cheese.
Beyond the Bowl: This isn't just a weeknight meal; it's perfect for potlucks, parties, and family gatherings. Its rich flavor and decadent texture always make it a crowd-pleaser. I've served it at countless gatherings, and every time, it's the first dish to disappear. It's a testament to the power of good food to bring people together.
So, the next time you're looking for a truly satisfying, comforting, and delicious meal, give this Dinosaur BBQ Mac and Cheese a try. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen, a culinary journey that will transport you to a place of pure cheesy bliss.
