Smoked mac and cheese is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food that will impress your friends and family. This recipe combines creamy, cheesy macaroni noodles with a smoky flavor that will satisfy any craving. Whether you are a seasoned smoker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and produces impressive results every time.
To get started, you will need a few basic ingredients and some essential cooking equipment. You only need a large pot for boiling the noodles, a medium saucepan for making the cheese sauce, a 9×13-inch baking dish, and a smoker. With these tools and a little time and effort, you can create a mouthwatering dish that will surely be a hit at any gathering.
How to make Smoked Mac and Cheese
Follow these steps, and you’ll have a smoked mac and cheese meal that people will rave about for years!
Step 1: Preheat your smoker
Step 2: Boil the noodles
Step 3: Make The Sauce
Thicken the sauce
Whisk in 1/4 cup of flour until smooth paste forms. The flour and butter should be combined until they form a smooth, even mixture with no lumps. This step is crucial because it helps to ensure that the sauce will be smooth and creamy rather than lumpy or grainy.
Add milk and whisk
Slowly whisk in 2 cups of milk, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce the heat to low. As you whisk in the milk, continuously stir to prevent the roux from clumping. Once the milk is fully incorporated, and the mixture has come to a boil, reduce the heat to low to prevent the sauce from scorching.
Add cheese
Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until it is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. The cheese should be added gradually until it is fully melted and evenly distributed throughout the sauce. If the cheese is added too quickly or not stirred in well, it can cause the sauce to become clumpy or grainy.
Step 4: Add cooked noodles
Step 5: Transfer to baking dish
Step 6: Make crunchy topping
Step 7: Smoke Your Mac And Cheese
Serve the mac and cheese warm. Enjoy!
6 Tips for the best Smoked Mac and Cheese
1. Use a good quality cheese
Choose a cheese made explicitly for melting, such as cheddar, gouda, or fontina. These types of cheese will melt smoothly and create a creamy, rich sauce.
2. Preheat the smoker
Preheat the smoker to the correct temperature before adding the mac and cheese. This will help to eliminate any hot or cold spots within the smoking chamber and ensure that the mac and cheese cook evenly.
3. Use a baking dish that is large enough
Make sure to use a baking dish that is large enough to hold the mac and cheese comfortably. If the baking dish is too small, the mac and cheese may boil over or become overcooked.
4. Don’t overcook the noodles
Be sure to cook the noodles until they are al dente, meaning they still have a bit of chew and texture (but not too soft). Overcooked noodles can become mushy and may not hold their shape well in the finished dish.
5. Experiment with different types of wood
Different types of wood can add unique flavors to smoked mac and cheese. Try using different types of wood, such as cherry, apple, or oak, to see which flavors you like best.
6. Adjust the smoking time to your preference
If you prefer a more robust smoke flavor, you can smoke the mac and cheese for up to 2 hours. Keep your smoking time closer to 1 hour for a more subtle smoke.
Smoked Mac and Cheese side dishes
Smoked Brisket – This classic barbecue favorite is a natural match for smoked mac and cheese. The rich, savory flavor of the brisket complements the creamy, cheese-laden noodles perfectly.
Smoked Pork Ribs (321 Ribs) – Another barbecue classic, pork ribs are a great choice to pair with smoked mac and cheese. The sweet, smoky flavor of the ribs balances out the richness of the mac and cheese, making for a satisfying meal.
Smoked Chicken – For a lighter option, smoked chicken is a great choice to pair with smoked mac and cheese. The tender, moist meat complements the creamy noodles beautifully.
Grilled Vegetables – If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, grilled vegetables are a great choice to pair with smoked mac and cheese. Grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant all work well, as do roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes.
Salad – For a refreshing contrast to the decadent, creamy mac and cheese, a simple green salad is a great choice. Add some grilled chicken, smoked salmon, or sliced vegetables for a complete meal.
Baked beans – For a classic barbecue side dish, baked beans are a great choice to pair with smoked mac and cheese. The smoky, savory flavor of the beans complements the creamy noodles perfectly.
Cornbread – Cornbread is a great choice to pair with smoked mac and cheese for a sweet and savory side dish. The moist, crumbly texture and sweet corn flavor of the cornbread contrast beautifully with the creamy, cheese-laden noodles.
Best Beer To Pair With Smoked Mac And Cheese
This comfort classic, kissed by the smoky goodness of the grill, is a delight for your taste buds. But to truly elevate your cheesy experience, you need the perfect beer companion. Let’s explore the top beer pairings that will make your mac and cheese even more fantastic!
Wheat Beer
Wheat beer, with its light and slightly fruity character, is like a ray of sunshine for your Smoked Mac and Cheese. The subtle sweetness of wheat beer complements the creamy, cheesy goodness of the dish, creating a flavor harmony that’s simply delightful. Its effervescence cleanses your palate, making every spoonful of mac and cheese feel like a refreshing flavor adventure. This pairing is as easy-breezy as a sunny day and as tasty as a comfort food hug.
IPA (India Pale Ale)
IPA, the hoppy adventurer of the beer world, is up for the challenge when it comes to your mac and cheese. Its bold hoppy flavors and citrusy zing cut through the creamy richness, creating an exciting contrast that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. This pairing is like a flavor adventure, where each cheesy bite is met with a burst of hoppy excitement. The IPA’s refreshing bitterness and fruity notes elevate the overall experience, making your mac and cheese even more satisfying.
Amber Ale
Amber ale is like the friendly neighbor who knows how to bring out the best in your Smoked Mac and Cheese. Its malty sweetness and balanced hops create a delightful harmony with the smoky, creamy dish. The caramel notes in amber ale enhance the rich, cheesy flavors, making every bite feel like a flavor explosion. This pairing is like a cozy, flavor-filled chat with a good friend, comforting and utterly satisfying.
Related Recipes
Smoked Mac And Cheese Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Smoker Pellets (apple or cherry)
- 1 Baking Dish
- 1 Large Pot
Ingredients
- 1 pound macaroni noodles
- ½ cup unsalted butter, divided
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups chredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 pinch of table salt
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit using a mild hardwood such as cherry or apple.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook macaroni noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in 1/4 cup of flour until a smooth paste forms.
- Slowly whisk in 2 cups of milk, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce the heat to low.
- Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until it is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked noodles to the cheese sauce and stir until they are coated.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of melted butter, 1/2 cup of panko bread crumbs, and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Place the baking dish in the smoker and smoke for 1 hour.
- Serve the mac and cheese warm. Enjoy!