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Smoked Mac and cheese

Smoked Mac and Cheese: A Creamy BBQ Comfort Classic

Smoked Mac and Cheese brings a smoky twist to a classic comfort food, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners and BBQs.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Pasta
Cuisine: BBQ
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni can swap with any short pasta
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter replace with margarine for dairy-free
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour gluten-free blend works well
  • 2 cups half-and-half can use whole milk and heavy cream
  • 8 ounces cream cheese mascarpone is a good alternative
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese use mild cheddar for softer taste
  • 1 cup smoked gouda cheese use regular or smoked gouda
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard honey mustard can be used
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika regular paprika can be milder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder use fresh minced garlic for more flavor
For the Topping
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs regular breadcrumbs can be used
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter olive oil can replace for plant-based
  • sweet BBQ rub optional, customize with favorite spice mix

Equipment

  • smoker
  • medium saucepan
  • Large pot
  • skillet or aluminum pan
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat the smoker to 225°F using mild wood chips like pecan or apple wood.
  2. Bring salted water to a boil, add elbow macaroni, and cook until just shy of al dente (7-8 minutes). Toss with 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter.
  3. Melt remaining butter in a medium saucepan and whisk in all-purpose flour to create a smooth roux for 1 minute.
  4. Gradually whisk in half-and-half until smooth and thickened (3-5 minutes). Add cream cheese, cheddar, gouda, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
  5. Fold cheese sauce into cooked macaroni, ensuring even distribution. Transfer to a greased skillet or aluminum pan.
  6. Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and optional BBQ rub, then sprinkle over mac and cheese.
  7. Place in preheated smoker for 45-60 minutes until top is golden brown and bubbly.
  8. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow sauce to set.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 10IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 8mg

Notes

This Smoked Mac and Cheese is a perfect crowd-pleaser for family gatherings and BBQs. Customize the cheese blend for a personal touch.

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