Smoked Mac and Cheese – A Special Recipe for Cheese Lovers!

In this article, you will learn how to cook delicious smoked mac and cheese. This step-by-step recipe with photos, videos, and a list of toppings will amaze your guests!
By
Jeremy Bivens
Jeremy Bivens
Research Writer
Jeremy Bivens is a passionate writer and grilling enthusiast. He's been working as a freelance journalist for over 15 years now and has a particular interest in food writing read more
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Bruce Williams
Bruce Williams
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Claims that grilling is the art that he has been learning all his life long and is not planning to stop. Has been grilling for as long as he can remember. Author of numerous read more
Last updated: August 26, 2023
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Everyone often goes crazy for smoked mac and cheese! This easy side dish, which is often loaded with flavor, blesses many with its cheesy creamy and yummy taste. I mean, who can resist the temptation of obliging to a handful of a well-prepared cut? And with all made so well, this dish gets relatively better when you make use of some more fantastic recipe to bring out much of that quality taste and beautiful feeling that it’s meant to conjure.

Whether this dish is one of your favorites, you’ve smoked lots of meats and sides on your smoker, or you just developed a new flair for cooking Trusted Source No-cook recipes to keep you and your kitchen cool | The Washington Post None of these recipes involves even a little cooking — not a toaster, not a single pan, nothing to ignite any unwanted heat. www.washingtonpost.com , and you’re looking to start making use of that smoker you just got for yourself, it’s essential that you’re versed with how to make your smoked macaroni and cheese creamier and tastier.

How To Make Smoked Mac and Cheese

Smoked Mac and Cheese – A Special Recipe for Cheese Lovers!
Freshly cooked smoked mac and cheese covered with a golden crust.

Many seem to be fussy about how to smoke mac and cheese, but the thing is, you’ll be able to whip up this side dish quickly if you’ve been making use of a smoker for some time now. However, if you’re pretty new to smoking, you don’t need to worry too much about that because there are simple tips you can make use of to get your dish ready for consumption. Nevertheless, if you love smoking outdoors, you should consider getting one of thebest smoker under 1000 to make your smoking activity a smooth process. And if you can get your hands on some pellet packages, it would be pretty nice too for your dish’s unique smell and flavor.

Tips From The Chef

  • You need to prepare your mac and cheese to take on enough smoke, and for this, you must have plenty of surface area on your smoker. Thus, it’s recommended that you use cast iron. Experts recommend using Z GRILLS 700D because of its powder-coat, heavy-duty steel construction, and easy usage.
  • Be conscious of the temperatures you set. If you don’t want your mac and cheese to be dry and overcooked, make sure you avoid anything that’s beyond 225 degrees F. It’s advised that you keep the temperatures of your smoker low.
  • Be selective with your choice of wood. Pecan wood, maple wood, applewood, and cherry wood are great options you can go for. Or perhaps, use any mild wood that’s easily at your disposal.
  • Be creative. You have pulled pork, lobster, green chiles, bacon, and a host of other flavor additions to “ spice things up Trusted Source Spices and Herbs to Pump Up the Flavor | WebMD What’s in your spice rack? From oregano to curry, WebMD shows you how to cook with herbs and spices to add flavor without fat or salt. www.webmd.com ” for your favorite smoked gouda mac and cheese. So, don’t hold back from mixing things up a little bit.
  • Do well to add more Velveeta if you intend to make super cheesy mac and cheese.
  • If you want a creamy texture when making your mac and texture, a cup of milk or even a little bit more will do.

Choosing Cheese

While you’re planning to make your mac and cheese, cheeses that melt easily and offer a creamy, gooey texture should be your priority.

Although it’s your preferences that determine the best cheese for you in most cases, it’s recommended that you go for a mix of melting cheeses and flavor cheeses, balance strong flavors with light ones, use enough cheese, and select a wide range of melting cheeses while shopping for your cheese.

Nevertheless, here are some of the best cheeses to use in mac and cheese:

  • Cheddar
  • Parmesan
  • Gruyere
  • Brie
  • Monterey Jack
  • Fontina
  • Smoked Gouda
Smoked Mac and Cheese – A Special Recipe for Cheese Lovers! 2

Smoked Mac and Cheese - Recipe

Smoked mac and cheese is a delectable dish enjoyed by many, and this article offers you a better recipe to enjoy your dish better and creamier.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Servings 8 people
Calories 837 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb. elbow macaroni
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups half & half
  • 1 tbsp mustard powder
  • 1.5 cups gouda
  • 3 cups cheddar
  • 4 oz. cream cheese
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions
 

  • Your mac and cheese will be done in some minutes if you follow these four simple steps below;
  • Cook macaroni noodles until they are al dente. You may want to use a hollow smoker for your cooking because this is what most people use to get an amazing result.
    Smoked Mac and Cheese – A Special Recipe for Cheese Lovers! 4
  • Now, use a large cast-iron skillet or a saucepan to make the cheese sauce.
    Smoked Mac and Cheese – A Special Recipe for Cheese Lovers! 6
  • Toss the pasta and sauce together.
    Smoked Mac and Cheese – A Special Recipe for Cheese Lovers! 8
  • Add a topping.
    Smoked Mac and Cheese – A Special Recipe for Cheese Lovers! 10

Video

Notes

  • Do not overcook the noodles. Overcooking the pasta will damage the texture of your pasta. Thus, it's recommended that you undercook the noodles.
  • Consider low smoker temperature. Cook at low temperature to prevent the pasta from drying out and get the pasta infused with some smoke flavor. According to most reviews, the Smoke Vault 24" is one of the most valuable choices for your cooking process because of its door thermometer, three damper valves, heat-control dials, and many other features.
  • Use cast iron. You can use disposable aluminum pans if you don't have cast iron — it's a good option, too, because it can also hold up well on the smoker.
  • Your mac and cheese are best enjoyed with flavor variations. You can put on a crunchy panko topping, add in green chilies, use up leftover brisket, or add pulled pork. You'll enjoy so much flavor when you add in a diced jalapeno and bacon pieces. Just note that there are several variations to this recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 837kcal

Nutrition

Mac and cheese contains a whole lot of needful nutrients for the body. And, they include:

  • Protein: 30g
  • Iron: 3.1mg
  • Calcium: 701mg
  • Vitamin A: 1665IU
  • Vitamin C: 1mg
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Potassium: 231mg
  • Sodium: 877mg
  • Fat: 56g
  • Saturated Fat: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 171mg
  • Carbohydrates: 57g

Mac and Cheese Toppings

To insulate the pasta and prevent it from drying out, do well to add some topping. And, you can try any of these:

  • Buttered Panko Breadcrumbs
  • Buttered Bacon Breadcrumbs
  • More shredded cheese
  • Butter crackers or finely crushed potato chips (if you’re super passionate about being creative)

Mix-Ins

  • Chopped or diced chorizo
  • Pulled pork
  • Sauteed onion and garlic
  • Frozen peas
  • Chopped or diced ham
  • Cooked and chopped or shredded chicken
  • Chopped or minced jalapeños
  • Cooked and crumbled bacon

Final Thoughts

Many have tried an array of flavors and textures with the diverse toppings, cream, bowls of milk, and cheeses they explore in their quest to perfect and refine their smoked mac and cheese recipe. Still, their plenty of trials and errors has never proven to serve as an assurance for a perfect piece. However, you can save yourself from the stress of going back and forth and make use of these simple tips and info that have been packed in this special recipe to help you enjoy your smoked mac and cheese better and more enjoyably!

References

1.
No-cook recipes to keep you and your kitchen cool | The Washington Post
None of these recipes involves even a little cooking — not a toaster, not a single pan, nothing to ignite any unwanted heat.
2.
Spices and Herbs to Pump Up the Flavor | WebMD
What’s in your spice rack? From oregano to curry, WebMD shows you how to cook with herbs and spices to add flavor without fat or salt.
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