Recipe: BBQ Brisket Sliders with Jalapeno Mac & Cheese

A gourmet twist on comfort food, these sliders feature tangy fall-apart brisket drizzled with BBQ sauce on soft pillowy honey slider buns, topped with creamy and spicy jalapeno mac & cheese. Prepare for an unforgettable flavor experience!

By: Mallory Austin

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 3 hrs+

Servings: 20 sliders

Ingredients

For the BBQ Brisket

• 3-4 lb. Beef Brisket
• 3/4 cup barbecue sauce (e.g., Stubb’s Sweet Heat, or your favorite brand)
• Additional barbecue sauce for basting and topping sliders
• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 3/4 cup of water

For the Skillet Jalapeno Mac & Cheese

• 1 box (16 oz dry) cavatappi pasta or other preferred short pasta
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1/2 teaspoon each fine sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (4 oz) pickled jalapenos, drained (the kind typically used for nachos)
• 1 small fresh jalapeno, diced (remove seeds and membranes for less heat)
• 2 1/2 cups of shredded cheese blend (recommend Sharp Cheddar, Swiss, and Pepper Jack)
• A little extra shredded cheese for sprinkling on top (optional)
• Butter for greasing the cast iron skillet
• 20 Wonder Bread’s Honey Slider Rolls or other soft slider rolls of your choice

Instructions

Preparing the Brisket

1. Preheat your oven to 300ºF (150°C). This low and slow temperature is crucial for tender brisket.
2. Prepare the BBQ sauce mixture: In a medium bowl, thoroughly whisk together the 3/4 cup barbecue sauce, 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce, and 3/4 cup of water until all ingredients are well combined.
3. Roast the brisket: Line a large roasting pan with a generous piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil, ensuring you have enough overhang to fully wrap the brisket later. Place the beef brisket onto the foil. Evenly spread the prepared BBQ sauce mixture over the entire surface of the meat. Tightly wrap the brisket in the aluminum foil, creating a securely sealed package to trap all the moisture and flavors during cooking.
4. Bake for 3 hours if you have a 3-pound roast. For every additional pound of meat, add approximately one more hour of baking time. The brisket should be fork-tender.
5. Finish under the broiler: Carefully open the aluminum foil package, exposing the top of the brisket. Lightly baste the top of the brisket with a little additional BBQ sauce. Turn your oven to broil and place the roasting pan under the broiler for just a few minutes (keep a very close eye on it!) to achieve a beautiful caramelized crust.
6. Allow brisket to rest: Remove from the oven and let the brisket rest, still loosely covered with the foil, for at least 20 minutes before carving. This critical step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor. Carve the brisket against the grain into approximately 1/4-inch strips.

Crafting the Skillet Jalapeno Mac & Cheese

1. While the brisket is resting, begin preparing the mac & cheese to ensure everything is hot and ready at the same time.
2. Pre-heat your oven to 350ºF (175°C) if you plan to bake the mac and cheese.
3. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add a generous sprinkling of salt to the water. Cook the cavatappi pasta according to package directions until it is al-dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside while you prepare the rich cheese sauce.
4. Prepare the roux: Melt the 3 tablespoons of butter in a large, oven-safe skillet (a cast-iron skillet is ideal) or a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and stir continuously with a whisk for 1-2 minutes until the mixture (known as a roux) is lightly browned and smells slightly nutty. This will thicken your sauce.
5. Create the cheese sauce base: Gradually whisk in the 1 cup of whole milk and 1 cup of evaporated milk, pouring slowly to ensure a smooth consistency and prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is completely smooth. Season with the 1/2 teaspoon each of fine sea salt and fresh cracked pepper.
6. Thicken the sauce: Increase the heat to medium-high and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and begins to gently bubble. This usually takes about 6 minutes.
7. Add cheese and jalapenos: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the 2 1/2 cups of shredded cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Fold in both the drained canned pickled jalapenos and the fresh diced jalapeno.
8. Combine and bake (optional step): Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir gently until all the pasta is well coated and swimming in the creamy sauce. If not already in an oven-safe skillet, transfer the mixture to a well-buttered cast iron skillet or baking dish. Sprinkle with a bit more shredded cheese on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mac and cheese is gloriously browned and bubbly. For an extra crisp topping, place it under the broiler for just a few minutes, watching very closely to prevent burning.
9. Serve immediately for ultimate creaminess: For an even creamier mac and cheese, you can choose to skip the full baking step in the oven. Instead, after combining the pasta and sauce, simply place the skillet under the broiler for just a few minutes to brown the top (again, watch carefully!), then serve it right away.

Assemble the Ultimate Sliders

1. Optional: Toast the slider buns. For an extra layer of flavor and texture, lightly toast the cut sides of your slider buns. Place them face down on a buttered skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes until they are golden brown and slightly crisp.
2. Layer your sliders: Begin by placing a generous portion of the carved, succulent BBQ brisket onto the bottom half of each slider bun. Drizzle with a little extra BBQ sauce for added moisture and an intensified flavor. Top with a hearty scoop of the creamy, spicy jalapeno mac & cheese, then carefully place the top half of the bun. Serve these delightful sliders warm and prepare for everyone to ask for more!

Notes

For the best possible results and ease of preparation, a sturdy cast-iron skillet and a reliable roasting pan are highly recommended for this recipe. These items significantly aid in the cooking process, particularly for achieving optimal tenderness with the brisket and the perfect texture for the mac & cheese. However, if you don’t have these specific items, feel free to use suitable replacement cookware as needed.

Tips for Perfect BBQ Brisket Sliders and Mac & Cheese

• Choosing Your Brisket: For these sliders, opt for a beef brisket flat cut, typically weighing between 3-4 pounds. A piece with a decent fat cap is preferable as it adds moisture and flavor during the long cooking process.
• Resting is Key: Do not skip the resting step for the brisket. This crucial period allows the meat fibers to relax and the internal juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and incredibly moist final product.
• Slicing Against the Grain: Always slice the cooked brisket against the grain. This is paramount for achieving maximum tenderness and ensures the meat is easy to bite and chew.
• Customizing Heat in Mac & Cheese: For a milder mac and cheese, ensure you completely remove all seeds and white membranes from the fresh jalapeno. For more significant heat, you can leave some seeds in the fresh jalapeno or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
• Cheese Blend Exploration: Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese blends for the mac and cheese. Other great melting cheeses like smoked Gouda, Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp white cheddar can work wonderfully.
• Make-Ahead Options: The brisket can be cooked a day in advance. Once cooked and rested, you can slice or shred it and store it in an airtight container with some of its cooking liquid or extra BBQ sauce in the refrigerator. Gently reheat in the oven or on the stovetop over low heat, adding more BBQ sauce as needed to prevent drying. The mac and cheese is best made fresh but can be gently reheated with a splash of milk or cream to restore its luscious creaminess.

Variations & Serving Suggestions

Get creative and make these sliders your own! Here are a few ideas to customize and complement your meal:

• Different BBQ Sauces: Experiment with various BBQ sauces. A smoky chipotle BBQ sauce can add an extra depth of flavor and kick, or a tangy Carolina-style mustard-based sauce can offer a completely different, delightful flavor profile.
• Additional Toppings: Elevate your sliders further with extra toppings. Consider adding crispy fried onions, thinly sliced red onion for a pungent crunch, or a dollop of creamy coleslaw directly onto the brisket for added texture and a refreshing contrast.
• Bun Alternatives: While honey slider rolls are perfect, potato rolls or brioche buns can also make excellent, soft, and slightly sweet bases for these sliders.
• Perfect Side Dishes: Serve these hearty sliders with classic BBQ sides like smoky baked beans, sweet corn on the cob, a fresh green salad, or simply extra portions of the incredible jalapeno mac & cheese.
• Spice It Up Even More: For those who truly love intense heat, consider adding a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the brisket before broiling, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mac and cheese sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I prepare the brisket ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can cook the brisket a day or two in advance. Once cooked and rested, slice or shred it and store it in an airtight container with some of its cooking liquid or extra BBQ sauce in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop over low heat, adding more BBQ sauce as needed to prevent it from drying out.

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet for the mac & cheese?

No problem at all! You can prepare the cheese sauce in any large pot or heavy-bottomed skillet. When it’s time to combine with the pasta and bake (if you choose to bake it), simply transfer the mixture to any regular oven-safe baking dish.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover brisket and mac & cheese separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating the brisket, a low oven temperature with a splash of broth or BBQ sauce works best to retain moisture. Reheat mac & cheese gently on the stovetop with a little milk or cream to restore its creamy texture.

Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Yes, certainly! To significantly reduce the heat, ensure you completely remove all seeds and membranes from the fresh jalapeno. You can also reduce the amount of pickled jalapenos or omit them entirely, though they do add a nice tangy flavor. Alternatively, using a milder cheese blend can also temper the spice.