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Smoked Mac and Cheese

Smoked mac and cheese, creamy and rich, is pure comfort food made right in a cast iron skillet.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Baked Macaroni and Cheese, cheese, Smoked Macaroni
Servings: 10 Serving
Calories: 837kcal
Author: Margaret

Equipment

  • 1 Smoker I highly recommend this pellet grill!

Ingredients

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup smoked gouda cheese shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
  • 1 tsp mustard powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp butter melted

Instructions

  • Cook Pasta: Boil macaroni until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Make Sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk and cream. Simmer until thick. Stir in seasonings and cheeses.
  • Assemble: Mix pasta with cheese sauce. Top with buttery panko breadcrumbs.
  • Smoke: Smoke uncovered at 225°F for 45–60 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  • Serve: Enjoy hot with optional garnishes.

Video

Notes

Don’t overcook the pasta: It continues to cook while smoking.
Use a mix of cheeses: Sharp cheddar for flavor, gouda for smokiness, Monterey Jack for creaminess.
Low and slow smoke: Keeps it creamy and prevents the sauce from breaking.
Choose mild wood: Strong woods like mesquite can overpower the cheese flavor.