Description
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this smoked mac and cheese recipe. Five simple secrets guarantee a creamy, smoky, and irresistibly cheesy dish that will wow your family and guests at any gathering.
Ingredients
1 pound elbow macaroni
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded gouda or smoked gouda cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
In a large pot over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream. Cook, stirring, until slightly thickened.
Stir in cheddar, gouda, and Parmesan until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Fold in the cooked macaroni until evenly coated.
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch aluminum pan.
For a crunchy topping, combine panko and melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
Place the pan in the smoker and smoke uncovered for 1 hour, or until bubbling and golden.
Let cool slightly before serving for the creamiest texture.
Notes
For extra flavor, mix in cooked bacon, jalapeños, or your favorite smoked meats. Use wood chips like hickory or apple for the best smoky taste.
- Prep Time: PT20M
- Cook Time: PT1H
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Smoke
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 85mg