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