Are you looking for an easy way to make delicious smoked mac and cheese?
You’re in the right place!
In this TheGrillingDad.com article, you’ll learn:
- Ingredients you’ll need
- Tips for making the best smoked mac and cheese
- Step by step guide to smoked mac and cheese
- And much more!
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Easy Smoked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Mac and cheese is a favorite comfort food for many and smoked mac and cheese is sure to please.
This recipe creates a rich, creamy macaroni and cheese that is topped with a crisp, smoky panko.
For smoked mac and cheese, it is important to get the perfect blend of texture and taste.
How to Make Smoked Mac and Cheese
If this isn’t your first rodeo with smoking foods, you’ll know that soft, porous foods like mac and cheese smoke quickly.
This makes it a great side for smoked prime rib roast or smoked brisket.
You can throw together this mac and cheese while your meat rests!
Tips for the Best Smoked Mac and Cheese
- Cast iron- Cast iron is the key to a good smoked mac and cheese. You can take the pan from your stove top to your smoker, and finally to the table with no hassle.
- Keep the temperature low- Since it will cook so fast, you want to keep the temperature at 225 degrees. Otherwise you will end up with an overcooked, dry mess.
- Use mild wood- Avoid strong woods that will overpower the mac and cheese. Use cherry, apple, maple, or pecan.
- Mix it up- Experiment with additions to the mac and cheese to create the perfect side. You can add bacon, pulled pork, or even add your favorite seasonings to the panko topping.
Ingredients for Smoked Mac and Cheese
- 1 pound elbow macaroni, cooked
- ½ cup butter
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon mustard powder
- 2 cups half and half
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups gouda cheese
Bread Crumb Topping
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 tablespoons of your favorite seasoning rub
How to Make Smoked Mac and Cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Cook the macaroni noodles in a pot of salted water until they are al dente with a little bit of chew left in the noodles.
Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees while the pasta cooks.
Step 2: Make the Cheese
Using medium heat, heat the cast iron skillet and melt ½ cup of butter.
Whisk in the flour until it forms into a paste like substance. Mix in the mustard powder.
Pour the half and half into the cast iron pan, whisking the mixture while it cokes to a boil.
Reduce the heat and stir in the cream cheese until smooth.
Now whisk in the cheddar and gouda cheese until they are melted.
Once they are melted, turn the heat off and pour the noodles in, stirring to coat them.
Step 3: Make the Bread Crumbs
In a small bowl, mix the seasoning rub, melted butter, and panko bread crumbs together.
Sprinkle the mixture on top of the mac and cheese.
Step 4: Smoke It
Place the skillet in your smoker at 225 degrees and close the lid. Let it smoke for 1 hour.
You can let it smoke for up to 2 hours if you desire a smokier flavor.
Now you’re ready to serve a delicious side of smoked mac and cheese the whole family will love!
Easy Smoked Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- 1 Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
- Cherry, apple, maple, or pecan wood chips
- 1 lb Elbow macaroni, cooked
- 1/2 cup Butter
- 3 tbs Flour
- 1 tbs Mustard powder
- 2 cups Half and half
- 4 oz Cream cheese
- 3 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1.5 cups Shredded gouda cheese
Bread Crumb Topping
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup Butter
- 2 tbs Your favorite seasoning rub
Optional Mix-Ins
- Crumbled bacon
- Shredded crab
- Shredded lobster
- Chopped jalapenos
- Shredded chicken
- Diced ham
- Sauteed onion
- Pulled pork
- Chorizo
Optional Toppings
- Breadcrumbs
- Crumbled bacon bits
- Fresh shredded cheese
- Crushed potato chips
- Crushed butter crackers
- Scallions
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees
Make The Pasta
- Boil the macaroni noodles in a pot of salted water until they are al dente.
Make the Cheese
- Using medium heat, heat the cast iron skillet and melt ½ cup of butter.
- Whisk in the flour until it forms into a paste like substance.
- Then, mix in the mustard powder.
- Pour the half and half into the cast iron pan, whisking the mixture while it cooks to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and stir in the cream cheese until smooth.
- Now, whisk in the cheddar and gouda cheese until they are melted.
- Once the cheese is melted, turn the heat off and pour the noodles in, stirring to coat them.
Make the Bread Crumbs
- In a small bowl, mix the seasoning rub, melted butter, and panko bread crumbs together.
- Sprinkle the mixture on top of the mac and cheese.
Smoke It
- Place the skillet in your smoker at 225 degrees and close the lid and let it smoke for 1 hour.
- You can let the mac and cheese smoke for up to 2 hours if you desire a smokier flavor.
Can You Make Smoked Mac and Cheese Ahead of Time?
If you are making other smoked dishes for a BBQ, you may not have time or space to make the smoked mac n cheese at the same time as the meat. When this is the case, it is no problem to make smoked mac and cheese in advance and keep it in the fridge. When you are ready to serve it, just heat it in the oven for 30 minutes at 300°F or until its hot and melty.
Can You Freeze Smoked Mac and Cheese?
It is possible to freeze smoked mac and cheese as long as your transfer it to a freezer safe dish (such as an aluminum pan) before placing it in the freezer. It will stay fresh for 3 months from the day you made it when stored in the freezer.
Smoked Mac and Cheese Variations
Smoked Mac and Cheese Toppings
Everyone knows the best part about smoked mac and cheese is the toppings!
- Breadcrumbs
- Crumbled bacon bits
- Fresh shredded cheese
- Crushed potato chips
- Crushed butter crackers
- Scallions
Smoked Mac and Cheese Mix-Ins
Besides just toppings, you can also adjust this recipe by adding your own delicious mix-ins before you smoke it!
- Crumbled bacon
- Shredded crab
- Shredded lobster
- Chopped jalapenos
- Shredded chicken
- Diced ham
- Sauteed onion
- Pulled pork
- Chorizo
How to Serve Smoked Mac and Cheese
Smoked mac and cheese is best served as a side at your next BBQ. While you can make it as a main dish, we love setting it next to our homemade burnt ends!
You can also serve it with burgers, steak, or even some brisket!
What is the Best Wood for Smoking Mac and Cheese?
Mac and Cheese goes great with mild and medium woods. While we use hickory for our recipe, cherry, pecan, or even apple will work as well! Just stay away from the really strong woods, as the smokiness will overpower the cheese!
How Long Does it Take to Smoke Mac and Cheese?
Mac and Cheese is best when smoked for about an hour, but you can leave it on longer if you prefer a stronger smoke flavor!
How to Store Smoked Mac and Cheese
The best way to store smoked mac and cheese is by putting it in an airtight container and placing it in the fridge once it has cooled. You will want to consume the leftovers within 3 to 4 days.
Smoked Mac and Cheese Expert Tips
- Cook your pasta only al dente to ensure it doesn’t overcook in the smoker.
- Don’t use strong smoky flavor woods for smoked mac and cheese as it will quickly become overpowered by the smoke flavor.
- Add toppings and mix ins as you see fit. Don’t be afraid to try them all!
Easy Smoked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni cooked
- ½ cup butter
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon mustard powder
- 2 cups half and half
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups gouda cheese
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 tablespoons of your favorite seasoning rub
Instructions
- Cook the pasta al dente.
- Preheat the smoker to 225°F.
- Melt the butter in a cast iron skillet mixing in the flour until it forms a roux. Add in the mustard powder, then the half and half.
- Whisk the mixture until it boils, then reduce, and stir in the cream cheese until smooth.
- Next, mix in the cheddar and gouda cheeses. Once they melt, turn off the heat and add in the pasta.
- Mix the bread crumbs, butter, and seasoning rub together in a bowl and sprinkle it on top of the mac and cheese.
- Place the cast iron skillet in your smoker and smoke for one to two hours, depending on how smoky you want it to be.
- Remove from the smoker and serve!
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