Irresistibly Smoky Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe for Soul Comfort

Comfort food reaches new heights with this smoky mac and cheese that blends rich, creamy textures and bold flavors.

Cheese lovers will adore how this recipe transforms a classic dish into something extraordinary.

Sharp cheddar melts seamlessly with smoked gouda, creating depth and complexity.

The pasta absorbs the luxurious sauce, ensuring every bite delivers maximum satisfaction.

Crispy bacon bits add a delightful crunch and smoky undertone that elevates the entire experience.

Subtle hints of paprika complement the cheese’s robust profile.

You’ll want to savor this indulgent mac and cheese that promises to become a new dinner favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients to Make Smoked Mac and Cheese Shine

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that cradles cheese perfectly, choose high-quality pasta with ridges to hold more sauce.
• Salt: Enhances pasta's natural flavor during boiling, use kosher or sea salt for best taste.

• Butter: Provides rich, velvety foundation for the sauce, select unsalted for better flavor control.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates smooth roux and thickens sauce, ensure fresh and lump-free.
• Whole Milk, Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious creaminess, use full-fat versions for maximum richness.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds deep, balanced background flavor without overwhelming the cheese.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces subtle smoky undertone, choose high-quality Spanish or Hungarian varieties.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Balances and elevates overall taste, freshly ground pepper recommended.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Provides sharp, tangy base flavor, select aged varieties for more complexity.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Offers smooth melting quality, choose block cheese and shred fresh.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty depth, select freshly grated for best texture.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates crispy golden topping, look for Japanese-style breadcrumbs for maximum crunch.

Tools for Creating That Smoky Cheese Texture

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta in salted water.
• Colander: Perfect for draining pasta after cooking.
• Large saucepan: Needed for creating creamy cheese sauce.
• Whisk: Crucial for mixing flour, smoothing sauces, and preventing lumps.
• Cast-iron skillet or aluminum pan: Key for smoking and serving mac and cheese.
• Small bowl: Used for mixing breadcrumb topping.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helpful for accurate ingredient amounts.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring pasta and cheese sauce.

How to Bake and Smoke Macaroni and Cheese

• Fire Up the Smoker

Set your smoker to a cozy 225°F using apple, cherry, or hickory wood for mouthwatering flavor.

• Cook Pasta Perfectly

Boil pasta in salted water until it’s tender and delicious, then drain and set aside.

• Craft Creamy Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour until golden, then slowly pour in milk and cream. Stir in seasonings and cheeses until silky smooth.

• Build Your Mac and Cheese

Mix pasta with the luscious cheese sauce until every noodle is generously coated.

• Prepare for Smoking

Transfer the cheesy mixture to a smoker-safe pan and top with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

• Smoke to Perfection

Place the pan in the smoker and let it cook for 1-2 hours. Give it a gentle stir halfway through to enhance the smoky goodness.

• Serve and Enjoy

Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes, then dive into this incredible smoky, creamy masterpiece.

Extra Cheese Blends That Boost Flavor

• Choose mild woods like apple or cherry for a subtle smoky flavor that doesn't overpower the cheese's richness.
• Prepare the mac and cheese a day ahead, refrigerate, and smoke just before serving to enhance flavor development and convenience.
• Mix different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, and monterey jack for a complex, creamy taste profile.
• Swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives and use lactose-free cheese for those with dietary restrictions. For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with whole milk and reduce butter quantity.
• Experiment with toppings like crispy bacon bits, diced jalapeños, caramelized onions, or fresh herbs to add extra texture and flavor dimensions to the classic dish.

Serve Smoked Mac for Potlucks or Backyard Meals

• Smoky Side Symphony: Pair this indulgent mac and cheese with tangy coleslaw to balance the rich, creamy texture and add a fresh crunch.
• Protein Power-Up: Serve alongside grilled or smoked chicken, pulled pork, or crispy bacon to create a hearty and satisfying meal that amplifies the smoky flavor profile.
• Green Freshness Boost: Add a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the mac and cheese's richness and provide a vibrant, nutritious complement to the dish.
• Beverage Harmony: Complement the smoky notes with a cold craft beer, crisp white wine, or a refreshing iced tea that helps cleanse the palate between creamy bites.

Best Ways to Save and Reheat Macaroni and Cheese

• Store leftover mac and cheese in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish remains fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before transferring to prevent moisture buildup.
• Package mac and cheese in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen mac and cheese maintains quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Revive chilled mac and cheese in the oven for best texture. Preheat to 350°F, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess, and cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Divide leftovers into individual serving sizes before storing. This approach allows convenient single-serving reheating and reduces waste. Use clear containers to easily track quantity and freshness date.

Smoky Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy “smoked mac and cheese” promises a flavor journey with rich, smoky undertones and indulgent cheese blends. Comfort meets culinary artistry in this hearty dish you’ll crave from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (lb) elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded gouda (or smoked gouda for extra flavor)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 2 tablespoons (tbsps) butter, melted
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon (tsp) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (tsp) onion powder
• ½ teaspoon (tsp) smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon (tsp) smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon (tsp) black pepper
• ½ teaspoon (tsp) salt

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Instructions

1. Smoker Preparation: Ignite the smoker to a precise 225°F, selecting apple, cherry, or hickory wood for optimal flavor infusion.
2. Pasta Transformation: Immerse pasta in heavily salted water, cooking until perfectly al dente, then drain thoroughly.
3. Sauce Crafting: Gently melt butter in a spacious saucepan, whisk in flour until achieving a golden roux, then progressively incorporate milk and cream while continuously stirring to create a velvety base.
4. Seasoning Elevation: Blend garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper into the thickening sauce, then fold in an array of shredded cheeses until achieving a luxuriously smooth consistency.
5. Mac and Cheese Assembly: Meticulously fold cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring complete and even coating.
6. Smoking Preparation: Transfer the mixture into a smoker-safe cast-iron skillet, optionally crown with a crispy topping of panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan.
7. Flavor Infusion: Position the pan in the smoker, allowing 1-2 hours of gentle smoking until the surface turns golden and contents bubble enthusiastically, stirring midway to maximize smoky depth.
8. Serving Finale: Allow a brief resting period before presenting this smoke-kissed delicacy.

Notes

• Choose mild woods like apple or cherry for a subtle smoky flavor that complements the cheese without overpowering it.
• Whisk the cheese sauce constantly and use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth, creamy texture without breaking.
• Cover the mac and cheese with foil if it starts to dry out during smoking, and stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Mix different cheeses like sharp cheddar, gruyère, and smoked gouda for a more complex and rich flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Smoking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg