Description
This Smoked Mac and Cheese recipe is a game-changer, featuring a creamy cheese sauce infused with smoky flavors. Whether cooked on a smoker or in the oven with smoked cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with grilled meats or as a standalone star at the dinner table.
Ingredients
For the Cheese Sauce:
- Elbow macaroni: 1 lb (cooked al dente)
- Butter: 4 tbsp
- All-purpose flour: 4 tbsp
- Whole milk: 3 cups
- Heavy cream: 1 cup
- Cheddar cheese: 2 cups, shredded (preferably smoked cheddar)
- Monterey Jack cheese: 1 cup, shredded
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, grated
- Cream cheese: 4 oz, softened
Seasoning:
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp
- Cayenne pepper: 1/4 tsp (optional for heat)
For Topping:
- Panko breadcrumbs: 1 cup
- Butter: 2 tbsp, melted
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Lower the heat and stir in cream cheese until smooth.
- Add shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
-
Season the Sauce:
- Stir in salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
-
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, mixing until fully coated.
-
Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and smoked paprika.
-
Smoke the Mac and Cheese:
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a cast-iron skillet or aluminum pan. Spread the breadcrumb topping evenly over the top.
- Place the skillet on the smoker and smoke for 1 hour, or until the top is golden and crispy.
-
Serve:
- Remove from the smoker and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- No Smoker? Use smoked cheese in the sauce or add a few drops of liquid smoke for a similar flavor.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the mac and cheese ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before smoking.
- Protein Additions: Add smoked sausage, bacon, or pulled pork for extra heartiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish, Side Dish
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Smoked mac and cheese, smoked cheese recipe, barbecue mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, smoked pasta dish, comfort food