Smoked Mac and Cheese

Smoked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy, cheesy pasta with a bold, smoky flavor. This dish is perfect for backyard barbecues, cozy family dinners, or any gathering where you want to impress. The rich, smoky taste elevates traditional mac and cheese to new heights, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Whisk
• Cast iron skillet or aluminum foil pan
• Smoker or grill with smoking capabilities
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients Overview

• Pasta: Elbow macaroni is traditional, but cavatappi or shells also work well.
• Cheese: A combination of sharp cheddar, gouda, and mozzarella creates a rich, melty blend.
• Milk & Heavy Cream: For a luxuriously creamy sauce.
• Butter & Flour: The base of the roux that thickens the sauce.
• Seasonings: Mustard powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for depth.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Adds a crispy topping.
• Wood Chips: Hickory, apple, or cherry wood enhance the smoky flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 1 lb of pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Gradually add 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar, 1 cup of gouda, and 1 cup of mozzarella. Mix until smooth.
5. Add 1 teaspoon each of mustard powder, paprika, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Toss the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
2. Transfer the mixture to a cast iron skillet or aluminum foil pan.

4. Add the Topping

1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and mix with ½ cup of panko breadcrumbs.
2. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.

5. Smoke the Mac and Cheese

1. Preheat your smoker or grill to 225°F.
2. Add your choice of wood chips to create smoke.
3. Place the mac and cheese on the smoker and cook for 1–2 hours, or until the topping is golden brown and the dish is infused with a smoky aroma.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Keep it al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the smoker.
• Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that may affect the sauce’s texture.
• Experiment with wood chips: Different woods impart unique flavors. Hickory is robust, while applewood adds a sweet, mild touch.
• Add protein: Mix in smoked sausage,  or grilled chicken for a heartier meal.

What to Serve With This Recipe

• Grilled meats like ribs or brisket
• Roasted vegetables or a green salad
• Garlic bread or cornbread

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without a smoker?
Yes! Use a grill with indirect heat and a smoker box or foil packet filled with wood chips for a similar smoky effect.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the mac and cheese and refrigerate. Smoke it when ready to serve.

What cheeses work best?
A mix of melty cheeses like cheddar, gouda, gruyere, and mozzarella is ideal. Avoid overly hard cheeses like Parmesan.

Ingredients

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp butter (plus 2 tbsp for topping)
• 4 tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
• 1 cup shredded gouda
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• Wood chips for smoking

Instructions

1. Cook pasta until al dente.
2. Prepare cheese sauce by making a roux with butter and flour, then whisking in milk, cream, and cheeses. Add seasonings.
3. Combine pasta with cheese sauce and transfer to a skillet.
4. Top with buttered breadcrumbs.
5. Smoke at 225°F for 1–2 hours until golden and smoky.

Enjoy the rich and smoky goodness of Smoked Mac and Cheese, perfect for any occasion!

Smoked Mac and Cheese

Smoked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy, cheesy pasta with a bold, smoky flavor. This dish is perfect for backyard barbecues, cozy family dinners, or any gathering where you want to impress. The rich, smoky taste elevates traditional mac and cheese to new heights, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite.

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Equipment

• Kitchen Equipment Needed:
• Large pot
• Whisk
• Cast iron skillet or aluminum foil pan
• Smoker or grill with smoking capabilities
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp butter plus 2 tbsp for topping
• 4 tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
• 1 cup shredded gouda
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• Wood chips for smoking

Instructions

 

• Cook pasta until al dente.
• Prepare cheese sauce by making a roux with butter and flour, then whisking in milk, cream, and cheeses. Add seasonings.
• Combine pasta with cheese sauce and transfer to a skillet.
• Top with buttered breadcrumbs.
• Smoke at 225°F for 1–2 hours until golden and smoky.
• Enjoy the rich and smoky goodness of Smoked Mac and Cheese, perfect for any occasion!