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Smoked Mac and Cheese

Smoked Mac and Cheese

This Smoked Mac and Cheese takes classic comfort food to the next level with a rich, creamy cheese sauce infused with a subtle smoky flavor. Finished with a golden, crispy topping, it’s the perfect side dish for BBQs, cookouts, or anytime you want bold, indulgent flavor.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: Serves: 6–8 people

Ingredients

Scale

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.
  • Author: Emma
  • 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
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