Description
The ultimate comfort food gets a smoky BBQ upgrade with this rich, creamy, and flavor-packed smoked mac and cheese recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (16 oz) elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded smoked gouda cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
- 1 tsp paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Boil elbow macaroni to al dente, drain, and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk into a roux.
- Gradually add milk and heavy cream, whisking until thickened.
- Turn off heat and stir in cream cheese, cheddar, gouda, and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Combine pasta and cheese sauce in a disposable aluminum tray or cast-iron skillet.
- Top with panko breadcrumbs and sprinkle paprika if using.
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F using applewood or hickory pellets.
- Place tray in smoker uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, rotating halfway through.
- Let rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Shred your own cheese for best melt. For added flavor, mix in bacon, jalapeños, or brisket before smoking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Smoker
- Cuisine: American BBQ
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: smoked mac and cheese, BBQ sides, pellet grill recipes, gouda mac and cheese