Get ready to indulge in a creamy, dreamy bowl of smoked mac and cheese recipe that will warm your heart! This recipe combines al dente pasta with a rich, velvety cheese sauce, all kissed by the smoky goodness of your grill. With a blend of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella, plus a hint of garlic powder and a splash of non-alcoholic apple cider vinegar for tang, every bite is pure bliss. Top it off with a crunchy breadcrumb layer, and you’ve got a dish that’s perfect for cozy nights or gatherings with friends!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Trust me, you’re going to love the smoky flavor that elevates classic mac and cheese!
- This one’s a game-changer for your next BBQ or family gathering.
- It’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying—comfort food at its finest!
- Easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself to something special!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Side Dish |
| Cuisine | American-inspired comfort food |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Hot and cheesy right off the cob! |
Ingredients
- Elbow Macaroni – the classic pasta choice that holds the cheese sauce beautifully.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese – adds a rich, tangy flavor that elevates the dish.
- Monterey Jack Cheese – provides creaminess and a mild taste for balance.
- Smoked Gouda Cheese – infuses a delightful smoky flavor that enhances the overall dish.
- Butter – adds richness and helps create a smooth cheese sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour – thickens the cheese sauce for a creamy texture.
- Milk – combines with cheese to create a luscious sauce.
- Mustard Powder – adds a subtle tang that brightens the flavors.
- Garlic Powder – enhances the savory profile of the dish.
- Onion Powder – contributes depth and flavor to the cheese sauce.
- Smoked Paprika – adds a hint of smokiness and a pop of color.
- Salt – essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- Black Pepper – adds a touch of heat and complexity.
- Breadcrumbs – for a crunchy topping that contrasts with the creamy mac and cheese.
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Recipe
Get ready to dive into a creamy, smoky delight! Follow these steps for the perfect smoked mac and cheese recipe.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Collect elbow macaroni, shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella), butter, milk, flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Once the sauce thickens, add shredded cheese, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until melted and creamy.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Prepare for Smoking
Preheat your smoker to 225°F. Transfer the mac and cheese to a cast-iron skillet or a disposable aluminum pan.
Step 7: Smoke the Dish
Place the skillet in the smoker. Smoke for about 1 hour, stirring halfway through for even flavor.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the smoker, let cool slightly, and serve warm. Enjoy your smoky, cheesy masterpiece!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
•Use a blend of cheeses for depth; try sharp cheddar and creamy gouda.
•Cook pasta al dente; it will absorb flavors while smoking.
•Add a dash of smoked paprika for an extra smoky kick.
•Experiment with different wood chips; hickory or applewood work great.
•Let it rest before serving; this helps the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve
- Top with crispy breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color.
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or veggies for a balanced meal.
- Pair with a tangy barbecue sauce for a flavor boost.
- Offer a side of garlic bread for extra comfort.
- Enjoy with a fresh garden salad to lighten things up.
- Serve in individual ramekins for a fun, personal touch.
- Mix in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added nutrition.
- Drizzle with hot sauce for those who love a kick.
- Try it as a filling for stuffed peppers or baked potatoes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your smoked mac and cheese recipe fresh:
- Allow it to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
For long-term storage, follow these steps:
- Cool the mac and cheese completely.
- Portion it into freezer-safe containers.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating
To enjoy your leftovers:
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Add a splash of milk for creaminess if needed.
FAQs
What type of cheese works best for smoked mac and cheese?
For a creamy and flavorful smoked mac and cheese recipe, a blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese works wonders. The sharp cheddar adds a nice bite, while mozzarella contributes to the creaminess. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like gouda or Monterey Jack for added depth!
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Cavatappi, shells, or even penne can add a fun twist to your smoked mac and cheese recipe. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente for the best texture. smoked mac and cheese recipe
How can I make my smoked mac and cheese spicier?
If you love a kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce. You can also mix in some hot sauce or smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor. Adjust the spice level to your taste for a perfect balance!
Can I prepare smoked mac and cheese recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the mac and cheese up to the baking stage, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the smoker or oven until bubbly and golden. This makes it a great option for gatherings! smoked mac and cheese recipe
Final Thoughts
There you have it, your very own smoked mac and cheese recipe! This dish is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate that brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy nights in. So gather your loved ones, fire up that smoker, and dive into this creamy, cheesy delight. Enjoy every bite, and remember, the best recipes are the ones shared with friends!
smoked mac and cheese recipe
Equipment
- 1 large pot for boiling pasta
- 1 Saucepan for making cheese sauce
- 1 cast-iron skillet or disposable aluminum pan for smoking the mac and cheese
- 1 Smoker set to 225°F
Ingredients
Pasta
- 2 cups Elbow Macaroni the classic pasta choice that holds the cheese sauce beautifully.
Cheese
- 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese adds a rich, tangy flavor that elevates the dish.
- 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese provides creaminess and a mild taste for balance.
- 1 cup Smoked Gouda Cheese infuses a delightful smoky flavor that enhances the overall dish.
Sauce Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons Butter adds richness and helps create a smooth cheese sauce.
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour thickens the cheese sauce for a creamy texture.
- 2 cups Milk combines with cheese to create a luscious sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Mustard Powder adds a subtle tang that brightens the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder enhances the savory profile of the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder contributes depth and flavor to the cheese sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika adds a hint of smokiness and a pop of color.
- to taste Salt essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- to taste Black Pepper adds a touch of heat and complexity.
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping that contrasts with the creamy mac and cheese.
Instructions
Gather Your Ingredients
- Collect elbow macaroni, shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella), butter, milk, flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook the Pasta
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
Add the Cheese
- Once the sauce thickens, add shredded cheese, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until melted and creamy.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Prepare for Smoking
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F. Transfer the mac and cheese to a cast-iron skillet or a disposable aluminum pan.
Smoke the Dish
- Place the skillet in the smoker. Smoke for about 1 hour, stirring halfway through for even flavor.
Serve and Enjoy
- Remove from the smoker, let cool slightly, and serve warm. Enjoy your smoky, cheesy masterpiece!