Macaroni and Cheese Dinosaur Bbq
Take your classic comfort food to the next level with this playful and indulgent Macaroni and Cheese Dinosaur BBQ recipe! Perfectly al dente elbow macaroni is smothered in a rich and creamy blend of sharp cheddar and smoked gouda, then baked to golden perfection under a crispy panko breadcrumb topping. The star of this dish? Saucy, BBQ-coated dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets that add a smoky, tangy twist and an extra dose of fun. Combining creamy, smoky, crunchy, and sweet flavors, this family-friendly recipe is as delicious as it is whimsical, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. Serve it for dinner, game nights, or special occasions—it’s comfort food with a delightful prehistoric flair!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Elbow macaroni
- 3 tbsp Butter
- 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 2.5 cups Whole milk
- 0.5 cups Heavy cream
- 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1.5 cups Smoked gouda, shredded
- 12 pieces Dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets
- 0.5 cups BBQ sauce
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp Olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions, usually 7-8 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the macaroni cooks, prepare the cheese sauce. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese and smoked gouda in batches, stirring until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Combine the drained macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing well. Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the topping by combining the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
Bake the mac and cheese in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and bubbly on top.
While the mac and cheese is baking, cook the dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets according to the package instructions (bake or air fry).
Toss the cooked nuggets in BBQ sauce until they are evenly coated.
Once the mac and cheese is baked, remove it from the oven and top with the BBQ-coated dinosaur nuggets.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy your smoky, cheesy BBQ treat with a fun twist!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
889 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 48.6 g | 62% | |
| Saturated Fat | 25.5 g | 128% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 128 mg | 43% | |
| Sodium | 1244 mg | 54% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 78.2 g | 28% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.6 g | ||
| Protein | 34.7 g | 69% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.7 mcg | 9% | |
| Calcium | 627 mg | 48% | |
| Iron | 4.1 mg | 23% | |
| Potassium | 409 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
