By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on July 30, 2023 | Last Updated on August 19, 2023
This dinosaur bbq mac and cheese recipe is full of flavor and perfect for any occasion. It’s a classic comfort food dish that can be made in less than an hour.
This creamy, cheesy macaroni will surely become one of your go-to recipes. Whether you’re looking for a side dish or a main course, this savory meal will please even the pickiest eater. The smoky flavor of dinosaur bbq sauce adds a unique twist to this classic dish.
In this recipe guide, I’ll show you how to make dinosaur bbq mac and cheese that will have your family and friends asking for seconds. Read on to learn the ingredients, step-by-step instructions and tips for making this delicious dish!
What is dinosaur bbq mac and cheese?
Dinosaur BBQ is a widely celebrated American chain restaurant, renowned for its signature dish – Dinosaur BBQ Mac and Cheese. This mouthwatering classic comfort food consists of a combination of cheesy elbow macaroni, smoky BBQ sauce, lemon pepper, mustard, sugar and Tabasco sauce all blending together to create a truly irresistible creamy and cheesy delight that’s certain to have everyone’s taste buds begging for more!
What does it taste like ?
This dish is creamy, cheesy and smoky all at once. The dinosaur bbq sauce adds a unique flavor that pairs perfectly with the sharp cheddar, Colby, American and Pecorino Romano cheeses. The lemon pepper, mustard, sugar and Tabasco round out the flavors for a truly delicious macaroni and cheese dish.
How did I first get introduced to dinosaur bbq mac and cheese?
I was first introduced to dinosaur bbq mac and cheese by a friend who raved about it while ordering it at a dinosaur bbq restaurant. As soon as it was brought out of the kitchen it looked so inviting and flavorful that I decided to give it a try.
I took the first bite of this delightful dish and I was pleasantly surprised by the flavor it had. The smoky bbq sauce combined with the creamy and cheesy pasta was a heavenly combination. I knew from that moment on, this would be one of my all-time favorite recipes! I instantly knew I had to recreate this recipe at home so I could enjoy it whenever I wanted.
So after some online research and tweaking of the ingredients, I have been able to make a dish that closely resembles the one served in the dinosaur bbq restaurant.
The best part of this dish is that it’s so easy to make.So if you’re in the mood for something new and exciting, giving this dish a try is definitely something to consider.
How to make dinosaur bbq mac and cheese?
Making dinosaur bbq mac and cheese is easy to do at home. The key thing you need to focus on is getting the right ratios of ingredients. This will ensure that you get a creamy, cheesy and smoky dish with an amazing flavor.
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Ingredients
- Vegetable Oil: Used to sauté vegetables and add flavor.
- Onions: diced small for added texture and flavor.
- Green Pepper: seeded and diced small, adds flavor and texture.
- Garlic: minced or chopped fine, adds a nice kick of flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: used as a thickening agent to create a creamy sauce.
- Water: needed to thin out the sauce mixture.
- Half and Half: Provides richness, creaminess, and depth of flavor to the cheese sauce.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: shredded for use in the cheese sauce. Adds sharpness and complexity of flavors.
- Colby Cheese: shredded for use in the cheese sauce. Adds a mild, buttery flavor.
- American Cheese: shredded for use in the cheese sauce. Provides a creamy, melty texture.
- Pecorino Romano Cheese: shredded for use in the cheese sauce. Adds nuttiness and saltiness to the dish.
- Kosher Salt: used to season the cheese sauce and macaroni pasta dish.
- Lemon Pepper: adds zest and brightness to dishes.
- Sugar: used to balance out saltiness of ingredients in the recipe.
- French’s Yellow Mustard: adds pungent zip of flavor to dishes; can be substituted with other types of yellow mustard.
- White Vinegar: adds a tangy note and brightens up flavors in dishes.
- Tabasco Sauce: adds heat/spice to dishes; can be substituted with other types of hot sauces.
- Elbow Macaroni: the pasta used for this dish. Cooks quickly and provides an al dente texture when done correctly.
- Cheddar Cheese: shredded for use as a topping on the macaroni dish. Adds color and sharpness of flavor.
- Pecorino Romano Cheese: shredded for use as a topping on the macaroni dish. Provides nuttiness, saltiness, and richness to the finished product.
Step by step instructions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
Step 3
Add the onions and green pepper to the skillet and cook for 4 minutes or until softened, stirring occasionally.
Step 4
Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute before removing from the heat.
Step 5
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the flour and water until smooth.
Step 6
Gradually add the half and half, stirring constantly over medium-high heat until thickened (about 5 minutes).
Step 7
Add all of the cheeses to the saucepan and stir until completely melted.
Step 8
Stir in salt, lemon pepper, sugar, yellow mustard, white vinegar and Tabasco sauce.
Step 9
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the macaroni according to package instructions until just al dente.
Step 10
Drain the macaroni and return it to the pot.
Step 11
Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni and stir to combine.
Step 12
Add the cooked vegetables to the macaroni and cheese and stir until completely incorporated.
Step 13
Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a 9×13 baking dish and top with the remaining 8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons of Pecorino Romano cheese.
Step 14
Bake in a preheated oven for 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Step 15
Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips
• For a richer flavor, you can substitute whole milk for the half and half in this recipe.
• You can also add cooked bacon, diced ham, or crumbled sausage to this macaroni and cheese for added flavor and texture.
• For a spicy kick, add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the macaroni and cheese before baking.
Dinosaur BBQ Mac and Cheese Recipe
Equipment
- stove
- bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil
- 1 1/2 cups Onions diced
- 3/4 cup Green Pepper seeded and diced
- 14 ounces Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 1 teaspoon chopped Garlic
- 4 ounces All-Purpose Flour
- 3 cups Water
- 3 cups Half and Half
- 4 ounces Pecorino Romano Cheese shredded
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Tabasco Sauce
- 5 ounces Colby Cheese shredded
- 10 ounces American Cheese shredded
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 2 teaspoons Lemon Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 2 teaspoons French's Yellow Mustard, or other Yellow Mustard, of choice
- 2 teaspoons White Vinegar
- 1 1/2 pounds Elbow Macaroni
- 8 ounces Cheddar Cheese shredded, to top
- 2 tablespoons Pecorino Romano Cheese shredded, to top
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Add the onions and green pepper to the skillet and cook for 4 minutes or until softened, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute before removing from the heat.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the flour and water until smooth.
- Gradually add the half and half, stirring constantly over medium-high heat until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Add all of the cheeses to the saucepan and stir until completely melted.
- Stir in salt, lemon pepper, sugar, yellow mustard, white vinegar and Tabasco sauce.
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the macaroni according to package instructions until just al dente.
- Drain the macaroni and return it to the pot.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni and stir to combine.
- Add the cooked vegetables to the macaroni and cheese and stir until completely incorporated.
- Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a 9×13 baking dish and top with the remaining 8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons of Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven for 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute whole milk for the half and half in this recipe.
- You can also add cooked bacon, diced ham, or crumbled sausage to this macaroni and cheese for added flavor and texture.
- For a spicy kick, add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the macaroni and cheese before baking.
Nutrition Information
What to serve with dinosaur bbq mac and cheese?
This creamy mac and cheese pairs well with a variety of dishes. Try serving it with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken or pork chops, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal. You can also top this dish with diced tomatoes and fresh herbs for a light meal.
How to store leftover dinosaur bbq mac and cheese?
You can store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the macaroni and cheese back into a baking dish and heat until warmed through.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Pregnant women should always consult their healthcare provider before consuming any type of food. This dish contains cheese, which is a potential source of listeria and other bacteria that can be harmful during pregnancy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Yes, you can use any combination of cheeses that you would like for this recipe. Just make sure that you use a total of 21 ounces of cheese in the dish for the best results.
How long will this dish stay fresh in the refrigerator?
Leftover mac and cheese will last up to 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the macaroni and cheese in a freezer-safe container or bag and store in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat until warmed through.
Is this dish vegan-friendly?
No, this dish is not vegan-friendly due to the use of cheese and dairy products in the recipe. However, you can substitute these ingredients with vegan-friendly alternatives such as dairy-free cheese and plant-based milk.
How can I make this dish spicier?
You can add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the macaroni and cheese before baking for a spicy kick. You can also add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or your favorite hot sauce to the cheese sauce for added heat.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the macaroni and cheese ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. When ready to cook, just preheat the oven and bake as directed.
Wrapping Up
This dinosaur bbq mac and cheese is a creamy, cheesy delight that’s sure to please everyone in your family. The creamy cheese sauce, al dente macaroni, and crunchy topping make this dish a hit. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your tastes by adding cooked bacon or sausage for added flavor, jalapeños for some spice, or diced tomatoes for a touch of color.
Our easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients will help you make this macaroni and cheese and it will surely become a family favorite!
Hope you have enjoyed learning about dinosaur bbq mac and cheese! With my tips and tricks, you’ll be able to make a delicious meal that is sure to please everyone. So if you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner idea or just want something special, give this dish a try!
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
