Smoked Mac and Cheese
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Smoked Mac and Cheese with a bacon-breadcrumb topping is deliciously rich and creamy. Enjoy some for dinner or serve it at your next cookout! It can be thrown together in a few easy steps, and clean-up is a breeze since it’s made from start to finish in the same pan.
Silky smooth sauce coats every nook and cranny of tender macaroni noodles, and a crispy topping of bacon and panko breadcrumbs adds just enough interest to every bite.
While the flavors are simple, every inch of this dish is infused with just the right amount of smokiness to keep you coming back for more.
Throw a pan of this smoked mac n cheese in with a brisket, crispy chicken wings, or some baby back ribs for an easy feast. It’s enough to feed plenty of guests, or simply cook once to enjoy leftovers throughout the week!
Why you’re going to love it!
- Simple ingredients. Everything is fresh and you might have most of it on hand.
- Can be doubled. Make a big batch of sauce, then smoke everything in aluminum pans.
- Irresistible flavor. Believe me, you’ll be going back for seconds and thirds.
Key ingredients and substitutions
- Pasta — Stick with smaller noodles for this recipe so the sauce can really shine. You can’t go wrong with classic elbow macaroni, but medium shells or even radiatore make a great substitute.
- BBQ Dry Rub — The blend of sweet and spicy really takes this smoked mac n cheese to the next level. It’s entirely optional, though, so you can leave it out if you prefer or replace it with freshly grated Parmesan instead.
- Cheese — I love the combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack, but feel free to get creative with other varieties. A good rule is to use one aged variety for flavor and one younger variety that’s nice and melty.
tips
- When preparing meats for the smoker, save a couple tablespoons of sweet BBQ dry rub for this crumb topping. Or, mix up a big batch to keep in your pantry so you always have some on hand.
- Bagged shreds may be more convenient, but they don’t melt properly due to additives that prevent clumping. Always buy a fresh block and shred it by hand – you won’t regret it!
Special supplies needed
- Smoker — Ours is electric, but any kind will work for this smoked mac and cheese recipe. Be familiar with your model so you can make adjustments if needed.
- Cast iron skillet — Safe to use from start to finish and helps retain every ounce of flavor.
How to make smoked mac n cheese
STEP 1 | Prepare the cheese sauce
- In a cast iron skillet, whisk together melted butter and flour until the color darkens slightly and bubbles start to form.
- Add the dairy a little at a time, whisking constantly, until smooth and thickened. Then, add the seasoning.
- Transfer the pan off of the burner and stir in the cheese, allowing the residual heat to melt it completely.
STEP 2 | Stir in noodles
- I recommend cooking the macaroni to al dente since it will continue to soften in the smoker.
- You may want to stir in a few spoonfuls at a time to ensure everything is evenly coated. This also prevents the sauce from spilling over the sides of the pan.
STEP 3 | Add the topping
- Combine the panko breadcrumbs and bacon crumbles with melted butter and BBQ rub until well coated.
- Sprinkle evenly over the top of the skillet.
STEP 4 | Smoke
- Add your wood chips to the loader, then place the cast iron skillet on whichever rack is most convenient.
- An hour is plenty of time to infuse just enough smoky flavor. Any longer and the noodles will absorb too much smoke, creating an unpleasant aftertaste.
tips
- Use a mild flavored wood for this smoked mac and cheese recipe. Hickory or apple are my favorites, but pecan or maple would work as well.
- Prepare this dish from start to finish in the same cast iron skillet, or transfer the cheesy noodles to a disposable aluminum pan before adding the topping and placing in the smoker.
Serving suggestions
Enjoy a bowl of this on its own, and add a simple green salad if you want to lighten things up.
It’s also the perfect side for your favorite smoked meat, since you can slide it in the smoker as that finishes.
Frequently asked questions
While I wouldn’t recommend preparing it entirely in advance, you can get the recipe started beforehand if needed.
Follow the recipe up until adding the topping, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to get cooking, make the breadcrumb mixture and sprinkle it over the top before smoking.
It’s also best to let the pan warm on the counter for about 30 minutes first, otherwise the chill will lower the temperature in the smoker.
Yes, but it will take longer for the liquid to thicken. You would also need to increase the amount of flour so it’s equal to the amount of butter, which will also aid in thickening.
This really comes down to preference, but there are a few varieties that seem to be the top choices.
Cheddar, either sharp or white, is a great foundation to build on. Pair that with something that melts nicely, like Gruyere, Havarti, Fontina, and Muenster.
Gouda has a natural smoky flavor with a hint of nuttiness, but it’s also very rich and pungent. A little white cheddar or even cream cheese can help mellow it out while still letting the flavor come through.
Smoked Mac and Cheese: behind the recipe
I absolutely love the smokiness that bacon adds to cheesy pasta, but I wondered if smoking the entire dish would transform it into something even more delicious.
Turns out, I was right! There’s just enough smokiness in every bite for it to be interesting without being overwhelming.
Plus, it allows you to skip the oven and keep your kitchen cool in the summer.
Smoked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 8-oz. box elbow macaroni
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese shredded
- ¾ cup panko bread crumbs
- 5 slices bacon fried crisp and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons sweet BBQ rub optional
Instructions
- Preheat an electric smoker to 225 degrees.
- Cook the macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water per the package directions.
- Meanwhile, in a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Add the flour and stir with a whisk until no lumps remain. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, stirring until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Stir in the dry mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until smooth. Drain the macaroni and add to the skillet, stirring until evenly coated.
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and place in a small bowl. Stir in the panko breadcrumbs, bacon, and BBQ rub, if using. Sprinkle this mixture evenly on top of the macaroni and cheese skillet.
- Transfer the macaroni to the smoker and add wood chips (hickory or apple) to the wood chip loader. Cook for 1 hour, until hot through and through.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Life Love and Good Food does not claim to be a registered dietician or nutritionist. Nutritional information shared on this site is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
Got this on the smoker right now. Followed the recipe as a base then made it my own. Used marble cheddar cheese but next time will use different cheeses for a different flavor. Can’t wait to eat!!!
Oh seriously, this was so amazing and that dry rub seasoning did take it over the top!!
This is SUCH a good recipe! Everyone loved it and my only complaint is that there were no leftovers! Thank you for sharing!
Oh my word, I cannot wait to make this recipe! It has all the comfort food feels without the indoor heat!
The smoke flavor gives this classic dish a whole new list of reasons to fall in love with mac and cheese over and over again!