Irresistible Smoked Mac and Cheese Recipe for BBQ Lovers

Cooking is like a love affair; sometimes it’s passionate and fiery, while other times it’s comforting and cozy. Picture this: a creamy, cheesy, smoky concoction bubbling away, filling your kitchen with an aroma that makes even the most reluctant eaters come running. That’s what you can expect with my Smoked Mac and Cheese Recipe for BBQ—a dish that will make your taste buds tango and your heart sing.

I remember the first time I prepared this masterpiece for a family gathering. As soon as that first spoonful hit my mouth, I knew we had found our new favorite BBQ side dish. Everyone was asking for seconds, thirds, and even fourths! Trust me, this dish has the power to turn any mundane backyard BBQ into a culinary celebration.

My cousin once said this recipe was so good that he’d fight anyone for the last serving—good thing there was plenty to go around!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: For more inspiration, check out this delicious lunch ideas recipe.

• Macaroni Pasta: Use elbow macaroni or any pasta shape you prefer; just ensure it’s sturdy enough to hold the cheese sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds richness; feel free to mix in some mild cheddar for balance.
• Smoked Gouda: This cheese brings that beloved smoky flavor; it’s worth splurging on quality here.
• Milk: Whole milk is best for creaminess; don’t skimp on this ingredient.
• Butter: Unsalted butter enhances flavor while allowing you to control saltiness; use fresh butter for the best results.
• Flour: All-purpose flour thickens the sauce well; ensure it’s sifted to avoid clumps.
• Spices (Paprika & Mustard Powder): A pinch of smoked paprika adds depth, while mustard powder gives a subtle zing.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: These create a crunchy topping; toast them lightly before sprinkling for extra flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all flavors; adjust according to your taste preferences.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by gathering all your ingredients and utensils. Set up your smoker according to the manufacturer’s instructions and preheat it to 250°F (120°C).

Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot with a pinch of salt. Add macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Create the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Stir in flour until golden brown. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth—trust me, it will be glorious!

Add Cheeses and Spices: Lower heat and mix in cheddar and gouda until melted. Sprinkle in smoked paprika and mustard powder for that extra kick. Taste-test! Adjust salt and pepper as needed—don’t be shy!

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce gently until every piece is coated in cheesy goodness. Yes, it should look divine right now.

Prepare for Smoking!: Transfer your creamy mixture into an oven-safe dish. Top with panko breadcrumbs for crunch; drizzle with melted butter if you’re feeling indulgent.

Smoke It Up!: Place the dish in your preheated smoker. Close the lid and let it smoke for about 1 hour until bubbly and golden brown on top—your neighbors will envy you.

Savor Every Bite!: Remove from the smoker carefully (it will be hot!). Let it cool slightly before serving—this may be tough because of the heavenly aroma wafting through your kitchen.

Now you have created something spectacular! Enjoy this Smoked Mac and Cheese Recipe for BBQ at your next gathering or simply treat yourself after a long week—you deserve it!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling your pasta until al dente while preparing the cheese sauce on the side. This keeps everything fresh and ready for that glorious smoky finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gouda or Pepper Jack for a spicy kick. Adding crispy bacon or jalapeños can elevate your dish even further!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm and melty again, adding a splash of milk if needed.

Cooking this smoked mac and cheese recipe for BBQ reminded me of a family reunion where everyone raved about my dish. It felt great to share such joy through food!

FAQ

Can I use store-bought cheese sauce?

While possible, homemade sauce offers richer flavors than store-bought options. For more inspiration, check out this hearty dinner options recipe.

How long do I smoke the mac and cheese?

Smoke it for about 30-45 minutes until it’s bubbly and infused with flavor.

What type of pasta works best?

Elbow macaroni is traditional, but cavatappi or shells add fun texture!

Print

Smoked Mac and Cheese

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• Author: platesdaily
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Smoked Mac and Cheese is a creamy, smoky delight that elevates any BBQ gathering. This indulgent dish combines perfectly cooked macaroni with a rich cheese sauce featuring sharp cheddar and smoked gouda, topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs for an irresistible crunch. Simple to prepare yet stunningly delicious, it’s sure to become a crowd favorite at your next backyard cookout.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup smoked gouda cheese, shredded
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare your smoker to 250°F (120°C).
2. Cook macaroni in salted water until al dente (7-8 minutes), then drain.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until golden brown.
4. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth, then mix in cheddar and gouda until melted.
5. Add smoked paprika and mustard powder; season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
7. Transfer to an oven-safe dish, top with panko breadcrumbs, and drizzle with melted butter if desired.
8. Smoke for about 1 hour or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Side
• Method: Smoking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Experiment with different cheeses like Pepper Jack for added spice or incorporate crispy bacon for extra flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat in an oven at 350°F.