Craving a creamy, cheesy comfort dish with a smoky kick? This irresistible smoked mac and cheese recipe combines velvety cheddar, rich smoked gouda, and crispy panko topping for the ultimate BBQ side dish. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or indulging in a cozy meal, this recipe is a must-try!
Ingredients and Preparation Steps
What You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- ½ cup butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp ground mustard powder
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1½ cups smoked gouda cheese, shredded
Topping:
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp BBQ seasoning
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside. This prevents it from becoming mushy when combined with the cheese sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
Next, melt ½ cup butter in a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat. Stir in the flour and mustard powder, whisking until smooth. Gradually add half-and-half while continuously stirring. Once thickened, add cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and smoked gouda, mixing until the sauce is velvety and smooth.
Step 3: Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce
After that, fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every noodle is coated in rich, creamy goodness.
Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and BBQ seasoning. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese for an extra crispy topping.
Step 5: Smoke to Perfection
Finally, preheat your smoker to 225°F. Place the skillet inside, close the lid, and smoke for 1 hour until the top is golden and crispy, with a subtle smoky aroma.
The Best Time to Savor Your Smoked Mac and Cheese
There’s nothing like enjoying a warm, smoky bowl of mac and cheese straight from the smoker. The rich, velvety texture combined with the crispy panko topping creates the perfect balance of creaminess and crunch. This dish is ideal for summer BBQs, cozy family dinners, or as a hearty side at your next cookout. Pair it with smoked meats, grilled vegetables, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Looking for more comforting dishes? Try our Beef Pot Pie or Chicken Shepherd’s Pie!
Frequently Asked Questions About Smoked Mac and Cheese
Can I make this recipe without a smoker?
Yes! If you don’t have a smoker, bake the mac and cheese in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly. While you won’t get the same smoky flavor, adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke can help mimic it.
What type of wood chips should I use?
Mild woods like apple, cherry, or pecan work best for smoking mac and cheese. If you prefer a stronger smoky flavor, try hickory or mesquite.
Can I use a different cheese blend?
Absolutely! While cheddar and smoked gouda create a perfect balance of creaminess and smokiness, you can experiment with gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Colby for different flavors.
How do I prevent my mac and cheese from drying out?
To keep it creamy, make sure the cheese sauce is slightly looser before smoking. You can also stir in a little extra half-and-half before serving.
For more mac and cheese tips, check out this expert guide on smoked mac and cheese.
Pro Tips for Perfect Smoked Mac and Cheese
Want to take your smoked mac and cheese to the next level? Follow these expert tips for the best results:
- Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s smoothness. Shred your own for a creamy texture.
- Keep the heat low: Avoid overheating the cheese sauce, as high temperatures can cause the cheese to become grainy.
- Experiment with wood flavors: Applewood and cherrywood offer a mild sweetness, while hickory and mesquite provide a bolder smoky taste.
- Preheat the smoker properly: Ensure your smoker is at 225°F before adding the mac and cheese for even cooking.
- Customize the toppings: Try mixing in crushed Ritz crackers or crumbled bacon for extra texture.
- Adjust the smokiness: If you prefer a stronger smoky flavor, let the mac and cheese sit in the smoker for up to 90 minutes instead of 1 hour.
- Stir halfway through: If needed, gently stir the mac and cheese at the 30-minute mark to ensure even smoking.
- Add a spicy kick: Mix in diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your smoked mac and cheese while keeping it delicious:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Place cooled mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating in the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F, cover the mac and cheese with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Reheating on the stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, and add a bit of milk or half-and-half to maintain the creamy texture.
- Reheating in the microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, and add a little extra cheese or milk to refresh the sauce.
Perfect Pairings for Smoked Mac and Cheese
Looking for the best sides and main dishes to serve with your smoked mac and cheese? Here are some mouthwatering pairings:
- BBQ Ribs: The smoky, fall-off-the-bone ribs perfectly complement the creamy mac and cheese.
- Grilled Chicken: A lighter protein option that balances out the richness of the dish.
- Smoked Brisket: A classic BBQ pairing that enhances the smoky flavors.
- Grilled Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus add a fresh and slightly charred contrast.
- Coleslaw: A crisp, tangy slaw helps cut through the cheesiness.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up the extra cheesy sauce.
- Tomato Salad: A fresh tomato and basil salad balances the richness with acidity.
Want more comfort food ideas? Try our Beef Pot Pie or Chicken Shepherd’s Pie!
Now that you have the perfect smoked mac and cheese recipe, it’s time to fire up your smoker and give it a try! The combination of creamy cheese sauce, crispy panko topping, and smoky goodness is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Have you tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments how it turned out! Do you prefer adding extra toppings like crispy bacon or jalapeños? We’d love to hear your favorite variations!
For a creative twist, consider serving this smoked mac and cheese in individual ramekins for a fun, personal touch at dinner parties. You can also turn it into a delicious mac and cheese burger topping for an unforgettable BBQ experience.
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends and family on social media! Tag us with #TastyThinks so we can see your delicious creations. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more mouthwatering recipes straight to your inbox!
Happy cooking!
Print
Smoked Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 8
Description
Craving comfort food with a smoky twist? This creamy mac and cheese, kissed with a hint of smoke and topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs, is your new go-to dish!
Ingredients
– 1 lb elbow macaroni
– ½ cup butter
– 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1 tbsp ground mustard powder
– 2 cups half-and-half
– 4 oz cream cheese
– 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1½ cups smoked gouda cheese, shredded
– 1 cup panko bread crumbs
– ¼ cup melted butter
– 2 tbsp BBQ seasoning
Instructions
1. First, preheat your smoker to 225°F and cook the macaroni until al dente.
2. Next, in a 12-inch cast iron skillet, melt ½ cup butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to create a roux, then whisk in mustard powder.
3. After that, gradually add half-and-half, stirring continuously. Once combined, add cream cheese, cheddar, and gouda, stirring until smooth.
4. Then, fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring even coating.
5. In a small bowl, mix panko bread crumbs with ¼ cup melted butter and BBQ seasoning. Sprinkle this over the mac and cheese.
6. Finally, place the skillet in the smoker, close the lid, and smoke for 1 hour until golden and bubbly.
Notes
For a spicier kick, mix diced jalapeños into the cheese sauce before adding the macaroni.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 1
- Category: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Calories: 837kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 56g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Protein: 30g