BBQ Rib Mac and Cheese Platter Recipe – Ultimate Comfort Food

If you’re a fan of barbecue ribs and mac and cheese, then you’re in for a real treat with the BBQ Rib Mac and Cheese Platter. This dish takes two beloved comfort food staples and combines them into one delectable masterpiece. Imagine tender, smoky BBQ ribs nestled atop a creamy, cheesy mac and cheese – it’s a match made in culinary heaven!

The popularity of both barbecue and mac and cheese has grown tremendously in recent years, with each dish boasting its own devoted fan base. By bringing these two classics together, the BBQ Rib Mac and Cheese Platter creates a truly irresistible meal that’s perfect for family gatherings, backyard BBQs, or any occasion when you’re craving something downright indulgent.

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Ingredients for the BBQ Rib Mac and Cheese Platter

To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need a few key ingredients. For the main components, you’ll require a rack of barbecue ribs, macaroni pasta, and a selection of flavorful cheeses. Beyond that, you’ll also need milk, butter, and a variety of seasonings to bring everything together.

The main ingredients for the BBQ Rib Mac and Cheese Platter are:

• Barbecue Ribs: Choose a rack of pork or beef ribs that have been seasoned with your favorite BBQ rub and cooked to tender perfection.
• Macaroni Pasta: Elbow macaroni or another small, tubular pasta works best for the mac and cheese portion of the dish.
• Cheese: A blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses will create a rich, creamy cheese sauce.
• Milk and Butter: These dairy ingredients help bind the cheese sauce and give it a velvety texture.
• Seasonings: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper are essential for seasoning both the ribs and the mac and cheese.

For optional toppings and sides, you can consider adding bacon bits, chopped green onions, coleslaw, or cornbread to further enhance the BBQ Rib Mac and Cheese Platter.

Preparing the Barbecue Ribs

The key to a successful BBQ Rib Mac and Cheese Platter lies in the preparation of the barbecue ribs. Start by selecting the right cut – baby back ribs or St. Louis-style ribs both work excellently. To infuse the ribs with maximum flavor, you can either apply a dry rub or marinate them in a tangy, sweet BBQ sauce before cooking.

When it comes to cooking the ribs, you have a few options. Grilling them over indirect heat will impart a beautiful smoky char, while baking them in the oven allows for easy hands-off cooking. Whichever method you choose, be sure to cook the ribs low and slow, until they’re tender and practically falling off the bone.

To achieve the perfect BBQ ribs for your BBQ Rib Mac and Cheese Platter, follow these steps:

1. Prepare a dry rub by mixing together brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Generously coat the ribs with the dry rub, making sure to cover all surfaces.
3. Place the ribs in a baking dish or on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 300°F for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and pulling away from the bone.
4. Alternatively, you can grill the ribs over indirect heat for 2-3 hours, basting them with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
5. Once the ribs are cooked, let them rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and adding them to the mac and cheese platter.

Creating the Creamy Mac and Cheese

No BBQ Rib Mac and Cheese Platter would be complete without a luxuriously creamy mac and cheese. For the best flavor, choose a blend of cheeses like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. The cheddar will provide a classic cheesy taste, the mozzarella will lend a stringy, melty texture, and the Parmesan will add a subtle nutty note.

To make the cheese sauce, start by melting butter in a saucepan and whisking in an equal amount of all-purpose flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in warm milk, allowing the mixture to thicken before stirring in the shredded cheeses. Season the sauce with a dash of paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

Once the cheese sauce is ready, simply toss it with the cooked macaroni pasta until every nook and cranny is coated in the creamy, cheesy goodness. You can then transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish and top it with additional cheese, breadcrumbs, or even crispy bacon bits before baking until golden and bubbly.

Assembling the BBQ Rib Mac and Cheese Platter

The final step in creating this epic dish is to assemble the BBQ Rib Mac and Cheese Platter. Start by placing a generous portion of the cheesy mac and cheese in the center of a large serving platter or shallow baking dish. Carefully arrange the tender BBQ ribs on top of the mac and cheese, ensuring that each component is visible and accessible.

For a showstopping presentation, you can garnish the platter with additional toppings like chopped green onions, crispy fried onions, or a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce. Serve the BBQ Rib Mac and Cheese Platter family-style, allowing everyone to dig in and enjoy the irresistible combination of flavors and textures.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

The BBQ Rib Mac and Cheese Platter is a true crowd-pleaser, making it the perfect dish for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or any casual gathering with friends and family. To round out the meal, consider serving it with classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or a fresh garden salad.

As for beverages, this hearty dish pairs beautifully with a cold beer, an icy glass of iced tea, or even a refreshing lemonade. The combination of smoky, tangy, and creamy flavors in the BBQ Rib Mac and Cheese Platter can also be complemented by a bold red wine or a smooth bourbon cocktail.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers of the BBQ Rib Mac and Cheese Platter, don’t worry – it reheats surprisingly well. To store the dish, simply place the mac and cheese and ribs in separate airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat the mac and cheese in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. The ribs can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until they’re hot and crispy. You can also freeze the components individually for up to 3 months, making it easy to enjoy the BBQ Rib Mac and Cheese Platter on a future occasion.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• BBQ Bacon Mac & Cheese Waffle Sandwiches
• Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Mac & Cheese Bites
• Mozzarella-Stuffed BBQ Meatball Bombs
• Honey BBQ Bacon Chicken Cheese Bombs

FAQs for the BBQ Rib Mac and Cheese Platter

Conclusion

The BBQ Rib Mac and Cheese Platter is a true masterpiece of comfort food fusion. By combining the irresistible flavors of barbecue ribs and creamy, cheesy macaroni, you’ll create a dish that’s sure to delight your taste buds and satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or simply looking for a decadent meal to enjoy at home, this BBQ Rib Mac and Cheese Platter is a surefire hit that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill or oven, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate BBQ Rib Mac and Cheese Platter experience. Share your creations and experiences with us – we can’t wait to see how you’ve put your own unique spin on this delectable dish!

Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.