Description
Discover how to make the best smoked mac and cheese with our comprehensive guide. Includes tips, recipes, and variations for a delicious smoky twist on a classic.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients List
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup gouda cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Preheat the Smoker: Preheat your smoker to 225°F and prepare the wood chips.
Making the Cheese Sauce
- Melt Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add Flour: Stir in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste (roux).
- Add Milk and Cream: Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add Cheese: Once the mixture is smooth and thickened, add the shredded cheddar and gouda cheeses. Stir until melted and combined.
- Season: Add salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to combine.
Assembling and Smoking
- Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Mix until the pasta is fully coated.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a cast iron skillet or baking dish.
- Add Breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Smoke the Mac and Cheese: Place the dish in the smoker and smoke for 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Final Touch
- Cool and Serve: Allow the smoked mac and cheese to cool for about 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of additional smoked paprika before serving.
Notes
- Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheese combinations like adding smoked gouda, fontina, or gruyere for unique flavors.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy variation.
- Vegetarian Option: Include vegetables like roasted bell peppers, caramelized onions, or spinach for a vegetarian version.
- Meaty Add-Ins: For a heartier dish, mix in smoked bacon, ham.