#DisneyMagicMoments: Cooking Up the Magic – Brisket Mac ‘n Cheese Recipe from A Touch of Disney at Disney California Adventure Park

From the Disney Parks Blog and written by: Karen McClintock

Who doesn’t love cheesy, creamy mac ’n cheese? Our Disney chefs fancied up this classic comfort dish by topping with smoked barbecue brisket, pickled red onions, and crispy fried shallots – YUM! We just had to get the recipe to share on Disney Parks Blog – it is a crowd-pleaser for sure!

This plate of comfort is currently offered at Smokejumpers Grill during A Touch of Disney and will remain on the menu at the reopening of Disneyland Resort on April 30. Be sure to plan ahead and mobile order through the official Disneyland mobile app for added convenience and to promote contactless payment. Here is a link for additional details on mobile order.

For guests with tickets to A Touch of Disney, be sure to check
out our Foodie
Guide for a list
of all the new items and favorite classic dishes from around the resort at this limited-capacity ticketed experience.

Brisket Mac ‘n Cheese from Smokejumpers Grill at Disney California Adventure Park
Serves 6

PICKLED RED ONIONS

• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon coarse salt

CRISPY FRIED SHALLOTS

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup canola oil, for frying

SMOKED BEEF BRISKET

• 1 pound smoked beef brisket (see Cook’s Note below)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

MAC ‘N CHEESE

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• Coarse salt, to taste
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• Black pepper, to taste

TOPPING

• 1 cup favorite barbecue sauce

FOR PICKLED RED ONIONS:

1. Place thinly sliced red onions in mixing bowl. Combine white vinegar, sugar, and salt in small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
2. Carefully pour over onions. Cool to room temperature.
3. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

FOR FRIED SHALLOTS:

1. Heat oil in frying pan until it reaches 350°F.
2. Combine flour, cornstarch, and salt in small bowl.
3. Dip shallots in cornstarch mixture and shake off excess coating.
4. Fry in hot oil for 1 minute, until crispy.
5. Drain on paper towels. Set aside.

FOR SMOKED BRISKET:

1. Shred or chop smoked beef brisket. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat large skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes, until hot. Add brisket and cook for 3 minutes, until hot.
3. Keep warm until ready to serve.

FOR MAC ‘N CHEESE:

1. Cook macaroni in salted water, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Melt butter in Dutch oven over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until smooth and light brown in color.
3. Slowly add milk, whisking to break up any lumps that form. Whisk until milk begins to simmer. Reduce heat to low. Add shredded cheddar and cream cheese. Whisk until smooth. Stir in macaroni. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
4. Keep warm until ready to serve.

TO SERVE:

Scoop mac ‘n cheese onto each plate. Add smoked brisket. Top with drizzle of barbecue sauce, pickled red onions, and fried shallots.

COOK’S NOTE: You can smoke your own brisket at home following directions for your particular smoker or simply pick up sliced smoked brisket from your favorite barbecue restaurant.

Note: Always use caution when handling sharp objects and hot contents. Please supervise children who are helping or nearby. This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version.

Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe. 

Stay connected with Disney Parks Blog for more delicious Disney recipes, and be sure to share the magic with other Disney fans using the hashtag #DisneyMagicMoments. Happy cooking!

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