Ingredients
1 lb elbow macaroni
4 tbsp butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk (warmed)
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded gouda (or smoked gouda for extra flavor)
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup grated parmesan
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt & black pepper (to taste)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
Preheat Smoker:
Set your smoker to 225°F using hickory, apple, or cherry wood.
Cook Pasta:
Boil macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make Cheese Sauce:
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes (roux).
Slowly add warm milk and cream, whisking until smooth and thickened.
Add Cheese & Seasoning:
Stir in cheddar, gouda, mozzarella, and parmesan.
Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Combine:
Fold cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
Prepare Topping:
Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.
Smoke It:
Transfer mac and cheese to a cast iron skillet or foil pan.
Sprinkle breadcrumb topping evenly over the top.
Place in smoker and cook for 45–60 minutes, until bubbly and slightly crispy.
Notes
💡 Cooking Tips
- Use smoked gouda for a deeper smoky flavor without over-smoking.
- Don’t overcook the pasta—it will continue cooking in the smoker.
- Stir halfway through smoking if you want extra creamy texture.
- Keep the smoker temperature low to prevent drying out the cheese sauce.
🔄 Variations
- BBQ Pulled Pork Mac: Add shredded pulled pork on top before smoking.
- Bacon Lovers: Mix in crispy bacon bits for extra richness.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Lobster Mac & Cheese: Fold in cooked lobster for a gourmet twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and flour alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 18g