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The Best Smoked Mac and Cheese

Easy Smoked Mac and Cheese

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. Experiment with mix-ins and toppings to the mac and cheese to create the perfect side.
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Calories: 5975
Ingredients Equipment Method

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

Equipment

  • 1 Cast Iron Skillet

Method
 

  1. Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees
Make The Pasta
  1. Boil the macaroni noodles in a pot of salted water until they are al dente.
Make the Cheese
  1. Using medium heat, heat the cast iron skillet and melt ½ cup of butter.
  2. Whisk in the flour until it forms into a paste like substance.
  3. Then, mix in the mustard powder.
  4. Pour the half and half into the cast iron pan, whisking the mixture while it cooks to a boil.
  5. Reduce the heat and stir in the cream cheese until smooth.
  6. Now, whisk in the cheddar and gouda cheese until they are melted.
  7. Once the cheese is melted, turn the heat off and pour the noodles in, stirring to coat them.
Make the Bread Crumbs
  1. In a small bowl, mix the seasoning rub, melted butter, and panko bread crumbs together.
  2. Sprinkle the mixture on top of the mac and cheese.
Smoke It
  1. Place the skillet in your smoker at 225 degrees and close the lid and let it smoke for 1 hour.
  2. You can let the mac and cheese smoke for up to 2 hours if you desire a smokier flavor.