Barbecue Ribs Mac Cheese (Print-Friendly Version)
Creamy mac and cheese combined with tender, smoky barbecue ribs for a hearty meal.
# Ingredients Required:
→ Pork Ribs and Seasoning
01 -
1 rack pork ribs (900-1350 g)
02 -
2 teaspoons salt
03 -
1 teaspoon black pepper
04 -
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
05 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 -
1 teaspoon onion powder
07 -
480 ml barbecue sauce
→ Pasta
08 -
450 g elbow macaroni
→ Cheese Sauce
09 -
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (about 56 g)
10 -
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30 g)
11 -
720 ml whole milk
12 -
200 g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
13 -
100 g mozzarella cheese, shredded
14 -
1 teaspoon mustard powder
15 -
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
16 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Topping
17 -
120 ml panko breadcrumbs
18 -
30 g grated Parmesan cheese
# Detailed Directions:
01 -
Set the oven temperature to 150°C to prepare for slow cooking the ribs.
02 -
Evenly rub salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder onto both sides of the pork ribs.
03 -
Place the ribs on a baking tray, cover with foil, and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone.
04 -
Remove foil, generously brush ribs with barbecue sauce, then increase oven temperature to 190°C and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
05 -
While ribs cook, boil elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes, then drain and set aside.
06 -
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stir in flour, and cook for one minute while stirring to form a roux.
07 -
Gradually whisk in milk to the roux, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook until the sauce thickens slightly. Then reduce heat and add cheddar and mozzarella, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
08 -
Incorporate mustard powder, optional cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce according to taste.
09 -
Mix the cooked macaroni thoroughly with the cheese sauce until the pasta is completely coated.
10 -
Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a broiler-safe casserole dish or cast-iron skillet and preheat the broiler.
11 -
Combine panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan and evenly sprinkle over the macaroni and cheese.
12 -
Place under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes until breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.
13 -
Remove ribs from oven, allow to rest a few minutes, then slice into individual ribs.
14 -
Arrange the barbecue ribs around or on top of the macaroni and cheese to create an impressive presentation.
# Helpful Advice:
01 -
Adjust barbecue sauce quantity to suit personal taste. For increased heat, use more cayenne pepper. Ensure ribs are tender before combining with the macaroni and cheese.