Imagine diving into a bowl of smoked mac and cheese, where each bite is a luscious blend of creamy comfort and bold, smoky flavors. It’s more than just a dish; it’s an experience that wraps you in warmth and satisfaction, making it the perfect dish to indulge in any time you need a little extra love, especially when it’s baked in a cast iron skillet!
Plus, it has just the right hint of smoky flavor from being cooked in a backyard smoker. Smoked mac and cheese is an absolutely delightful dish that will not only warm your heart but also satisfy all your cravings.
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Smoked Mac and Cheese Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a mouthwatering smoked mac and cheese to take your backyard BBQ to the next level! After years of refining my recipe, I can confidently say that this dish is a game-changer for any summer gathering. I’ve had so much fun experimenting with different cheeses, milk, creams, toppings, and more to find the ultimate flavor combo! Every ingredient truly impacts the flavor in this delicious smoked mac and cheese recipe.
It’s all about discovering that wonderful mix of flavors and textures! It’s a delightful balance that enhances each bite without overshadowing the smoked mac and cheese’s subtle richness. If you’ve spent some time with your smoker, you’ve likely discovered that certain foods—especially those that are porous, wet, or soft—absorb smoke like a sponge! This is fantastic news if you’re looking to wow your guests with smoked mac and cheese alongside a juicy smoked brisket or tender beef shoulder.
Now, I’m thrilled to share my carefully crafted recipe! I’ve shared all my tips and insights so you can enjoy this to the fullest. Picture this: the rich, smoky flavor dancing harmoniously with luscious, creamy goodness.
Once your big cuts of meat have rested for about an hour, pop your smoked mac and cheese right into the smoker! No need to sweat over preheating the grill. It’s such an easy and tasty way to elevate your meal!
How to Make Smoked Mac and Cheese Recipe?
Enough talk about how tasty this dish is; let’s dive straight into the mouthwatering process! If you’re ready to elevate your smoked mac and cheese game, buckle up for a flavorful adventure. Here’s how to make the best-smoked mac and cheese you’ve ever had—each step is packed with goodness, and by the end, you’ll have a comforting, smoky masterpiece that will leave everyone craving more. Let’s get cooking!
Smoked Mac and Cheese Ingredients
- 1 pound of elbow macaroni noodles, cooked up perfectly just like the package suggests
- 4 Tablespoons flour
- 1 Tablespoon mustard powder
- ½ cup butter
- 2 cups half and half
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 ½ cups gouda cheese
- 3 cups cheddar cheese
Delicious Breadcrumb Topping
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 2 Tablespoons of my secret blend (brown sugar, Salt and pepper, and smoked paprika) (feel free to add your favorite spices)
Hey there! Check out the awesome video below for a mouthwatering smoked mac and cheese Pit Boss lovers will adore! Enjoy!
Instructions for the Best Smoked Mac and Cheese
- Preheat and Boil the noodles. First, let’s get that smoker ready! Preheat it to a cozy 225 degrees F. While that’s warming up, go ahead and prepare the noodles following the package instructions. Cook them until they’re perfectly al dente (this means they retain some chewiness and texture but are not overly soft).
- Make a roux. First, let’s warm up a skillet on medium heat! Once it’s nice and warm, Grab some butter—1/2 cup will do! Toss it in and let it melt away. Then grab a whisk and mix in some flour until you get a smooth, thin paste. Finally, go ahead and sprinkle in that mustard powder and give it a good whisk! It’ll blend in beautifully.
- Finish making the sauce. Take your time adding the half-and-half while whisking away—this is where the magic happens! Bring that delicious sauce to a nice gentle boil, and watch it come together beautifully. Next, lower the heat and add the cream cheese, whisking until smooth. Finally, add the cheddar and Gouda cheese, stirring until both completely melt. If you’re a fan of smoked Gouda mac and cheese, you’ll definitely want to stick with only Gouda!
- Add the noodles to the sauce. Once you’ve turned off the heat, gently stir the cooked macaroni noodles into the mixture and watch as the creamy cheese sauce beautifully coats them. It’s like giving them a warm hug!
- Make the breadcrumb topping. In a cozy little bowl, combine the crunchy bread crumbs, rich melted butter, and a dash of my secret blend to create a delightful topping. Once mixed, sprinkle this golden blend generously over the smoked mac and cheese, adding an irresistible crunch that will elevate your dish to a whole new level of deliciousness!
- Smoke. Pop the skillet in the smoker and let it smoke for about 1 hour. If you’re in the mood for a more robust, smoky flavor, feel free to go for up to 2 hours! Just a heads-up, though—the noodles will pick up that delicious smokiness pretty fast.
- Enjoy. Carefully remove the smoked mac and cheese from the smoker, letting the delicious aroma fill the air. Don’t wait too long—serve it up while it’s still warm and the cheese is perfectly melty!
Tips for Cooking the Perfect Smoked Mac and Cheese
Before you dive into the delicious journey of making a smoked mac and cheese recipe, here are some essential tips! Get ready to savor every moment and achieve a mouthwatering result that will leave everyone asking for more!
- Keep your smoker temperatures low. If you go over 225 degrees F, your noodles might get overcooked, and your dish could end up a bit dry.
- Feel free to experiment and change things around! This smoked mac and cheese serves as a fantastic base for various flavor additions, such as bacon, green chiles, or lobster. Get creative!
- Use cast iron. A cast iron skillet effortlessly transitions from stovetop to smoker and then to dinner table, minimizing hassle and reducing the number of dishes needed. Its ample surface area lets your smoked mac and cheese absorb plenty of smoky flavor.
Storage Options for your Smoked Mac and Cheese
- Use Airtight Containers:
Once your smoked mac and cheese has cooled down, go ahead and scoop it into some airtight containers. If you’re storing leftovers, it’s best to divide them into smaller portions, making it easier to reheat later.
- Use Plastic Wrap or Aluminum Foil:
Don’t worry if you don’t have airtight containers on hand; just wrap your smoked mac and cheese tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help keep the air out and your food fresh. It’s a simple trick to ensure your leftovers stay delicious!
- Refrigeration
If you’re planning to enjoy your mac and cheese within the next 3 to 5 days, be sure to pop it in the refrigerator! To maintain freshness, keep the temperature below 40°F (4°C).
- Freezing for Long-Term Storage
For extended storage, you can freeze smoked mac and cheese. Store it in containers suitable for freezing or heavy-duty freezer bags, allowing some space for expansion. It can generally be frozen for 2 to 3 months.
Reheating your Smoked Mac and Cheese
- Reheat Safely: Warm it up by popping it in the oven, keeping the temperature at 350°F (175°C) until it’s nice and hot throughout. If you want to bring back that creamy texture, just add a little splash of milk!
Serve Creamy Smoked Macaroni and Cheese
It’s time to savor the deliciousness when the cheese is fully melted and bubbling with a rich, golden hue! This creamy, indulgent dish pairs beautifully with smoky, tender ribs, succulent lobster, or any meal that tickles your taste buds. I served the Smoked Mac and Cheese alongside juicy Alice Springs chicken, and the combination was simply fantastic, creating a delightful harmony of flavors that left everyone wanting more! Enjoy every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long to Smoke Mac and Cheese?
Place the skillet filled with creamy goodness in the smoker and let it bask in that smoky flavor for about one hour. If you prefer a stronger smoky flavor, extend the time to 2 hours. Just keep in mind that the noodles will absorb that delicious smokiness fairly quickly.
How to Store Smoked Mac and Cheese?
To store smoked mac and cheese properly, follow these steps:
Let it Cool: Let your delicious smoked mac and cheese cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes after cooking. This little step helps avoid condensation in the storage container, so your dish stays nice and creamy instead of soggy.
Recipe Card
How to Make the Perfect Smoked Mac and Cheese?
This creamy and rich smoked mac and cheese is topped with a crunchy panko crust that adds a fun texture. It has a lovely hint of smokiness, making it unique.
8
servings20
minutes1
hour837
kcal1
hour20
minutesKeep your screen On! You don't want to miss anything
Ingredients You’ll Need!
1 pound elbow macaroni noodles, cooked up perfectly just like the package suggests
4 Tablespoons flour
1 Tablespoon mustard powder
½cup ½ cup butter
2 cups half and half
4 ounces cream cheese
1 ½cups gouda cheese
3 cups cheddar cheese
- Delicious Breadcrumb Topping
¼cup butter
1 cup bread crumbs
2 tablespoons of my secret blend (brown sugar, Salt and pepper, and smoked paprika)
Recommended Products
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron SkilletSo useful!
Traeger Pellet Grill and SmokerPerfect!
DI ORO Silicone Spatula SetA Must Have!
365 by Whole Foods MarketGreat!
Elbow macaroni noodlesCooks perfectly, Taste great!
Land O Lakes Salted Butter Half SticksMy go-to butter.
Steps to Follow!
- Let’s kick things off by preheating our smoker to a delightful 225°F while we cook those noodles to perfection—just al dente!
- Next, in a skillet, let’s melt 1/2 cup of butter and whisk in some flour along with a hint of mustard powder for that extra zing.
- Now, gradually stir in half-and-half, bringing it to a gentle boil, then blend in cream cheese and your choice of melted cheddar and Gouda.
- Once you’ve mixed those delicious noodles into the cheesy goodness, it’s time to prepare a scrumptious topping! Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and seasoning, then sprinkle it generously over your dish.
- Pop the skillet in the smoker for about an hour, and then it’s time to savor this warm, mouthwatering masterpiece! Enjoy!
Notes
- The nutritional information is based on the specific ingredients and brands I used, so please check your own labels for accuracy.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 837kcal
- Fat: 56g
- Saturated Fat: 34g
- Cholesterol: 171mg
- Sodium: 877mg
- Potassium: 231mg
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Vitamin A: 1665IU
- Vitamin C: 1mg
- Calcium: 701mg
- Iron: 3.1mg
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