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Smoked Mac and Cheese

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This Smoked Mac and Cheese is an ultra-creamy, smoky comfort food dish loaded with cheddar, gouda, and sharp cheddar cheeses. Finished with a crispy panko topping and a hint of smoked paprika, it’s perfect as a hearty side or a main course for your next cookout or holiday meal.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 people

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 8 ounces gouda cheese, shredded
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 3½ cups half and half
  • 8 tablespoons salted butter
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 24 ounces elbow macaroni (about 1½ boxes)
  • 2 cups panko bread crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • Fresh chopped chives, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your smoker to 180°F and let it warm for 15 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, combine half and half, butter, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and black pepper. Mix well, then pour into a 12-inch cast iron skillet.
  3. Place the skillet on the smoker grate, close the lid, and smoke for 45 minutes.
  4. While the sauce is smoking, bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook the macaroni 3 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside in a large bowl.
  5. Shred all the cheeses and add to the pasta. Stir to combine.
  6. Remove the cream sauce from the smoker and whisk it well.
  7. Increase smoker temperature to 325°F and preheat for 15 minutes.
  8. Pour the cream sauce into the pasta mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
  9. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch foil grill pan and spread evenly.
  10. Top with panko bread crumbs and place the pan in the smoker. Close the lid and smoke for 1 hour.
  11. Remove from the smoker and let rest for 5 minutes.
  12. Sprinkle smoked paprika and fresh chives on top before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt and texture—pre-shredded cheese may contain anti-caking agents.
  • For deeper flavor, use applewood or hickory pellets/chips in your smoker.
  • To make ahead, assemble the dish up to the final smoke and refrigerate. Smoke when ready to serve.
  • Add cooked bacon or jalapeños for extra flavor variations.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course, Side, Side Dish
  • Method: Smoking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/12 of recipe
  • Calories: 580
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 440 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 21 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/smoked-mac-and-cheese/