Smoked Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in the smoky, creamy delight of Smoked Macaroni and Cheese, the ultimate comfort food elevated with rich flavors and a golden, bubbly crust. This recipe takes classic mac and cheese to the next level by infusing it with a bold, smoky essence using wood chips and slow cooking in a smoker or grill. A velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, creamy gouda, and nutty parmesan is seasoned with smoked paprika and mustard powder for a tantalizing depth of flavor. Topped with crunchy, golden panko bread crumbs, this dish offers a perfect balance of textures. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or craving a cozy weeknight meal, this smoked mac and cheese is guaranteed to impress your guests and become a family favorite. Serve it as a side or enjoy it as the star of the table—you can't go wrong!

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 3 cups Whole milk
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gouda cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Dry mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
• 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 cups Wood chips for smoking (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your smoker or grill to 225°F (107°C). If you're using a grill, set it up for indirect cooking and prepare wood chips for a smoky flavor.

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar, gouda, and grated parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Add the smoked paprika, dry mustard powder, salt, and pepper to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl, ensuring the pasta is fully coated.

Step 8

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased 9x13-inch aluminum or cast-iron baking dish.

Step 9

In a small bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs with olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle the crumbs over the macaroni and cheese.

Step 10

Place the baking dish in your smoker or grill, close the lid, and let it cook for 30–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. If using a smoker, add wood chips according to the manufacturer's instructions for a rich, smoky flavor.

Step 11

Carefully remove the dish from the smoker or grill and let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2442.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5456.1

Total Fat 324.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 183.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 891.8mg	0%
Sodium 7148.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 411.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.8g	0%
Total Sugars 47.8g
Protein 209.0g	0%

Vitamin D 394.1IU	0%
Calcium 4441.5mg	0%
Iron 22.3mg	0%
Potassium 1675.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.1%

Protein: 15.5%

Carbs: 30.5%