Internet and friends – this is my all-time favorite smoked macaroni and cheese recipe! While I will share a few different recipe options. After all, why limit yourself to just one recipe? However, my “Fancy Smoked Mac and Cheese,” recipe is the literal best. I got it from a coworker who made it years ago and I haven’t stopped craving it on a regular basis ever sense.
Aside from going over how to make each recipe, I’ve also included a few tips and tricks to help you take your dishes from “good” to “great”.
How to Make Each Smoked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Each smoked macaroni and cheese recipe is a little bit different so I’d recommend trying them all out to see which version of this comfort food fav you like best. Remember that each recipe is a starting point. There’s nothing saying you can’t add a few more ingredients to get the taste you’re after. Fo for it. Experimenting is what makes cooking fun anyway. Okay, on with the recipes.
Fancy Smoked Mac and Cheese
This smoked macaroni and cheese recipe uses — panko bread crumbs—with a tried-and-true cooking method to produce one of the best mac and cheese you’ll ever have. Trust me! I have made this a million times.
It’s savory, gooey, and gooey with a perfect crumble of texture – which lots of Mac n cheese recipes are missing. Of course, it’s satisfying day or night, super filling, and you can easily make it for yourself or guests. Prefer to make your meal plans a bit more balanced? If so, I recommend pairing it with this Fresh Summer Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe. Then you will have some greens too. Here’s what you need.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. of elbow macaroni
- ½ cup of butter (for the macaroni)
- ¼ cup of butter (for the breadcrumb topping)
- 4 tbsp. of flour
- 1 tbsp. of mustard powder
- 2 ½ cups of half & half
- 4 oz. of cream cheese
- 3 cups of cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups of gouda cheese
- 1 cup of panko bread crumbs
- 2 tbsp. of sweet rub
Steps
- First, cook the noodles. This step is fairly straightforward. Just take a look at the package container and follow the package directions. Try to cook the noodles al dente, as this will give them the perfect texture for this recipe!
- Now, it’s time to preheat your smoker to 225° F. The wood you use will affect the final smoky flavor of your dish, so choose wisely! Maple, apple, and cherry are all great options.
- Next, heat your skillet. You’ll use the skillet to melt your butter. Whisk the flour in with the butter to create a smooth paste, then add in the mustard powder and whisk that as well.
- Add half and half to the mixture, then bring the sauce to a boil, whisking all the while. Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat.
- With the heat reduced, it’s time to add in a few more ingredients. Whisk the cream cheese in first, and continue whisking until it’s smooth. Repeat this process with your cheddar cheese and gouda cheese until everything is sufficiently melted together.
- Combine and stir the noodles. Stir the noodles with your cheese sauce until they’re entirely coated before moving to the next step.
- Melt ¼ of a cup of butter. Then, combine the butter with your panko bread crumbs and sweet rub to make your breadcrumb topping. Sprinkle this on top of the mac and cheese.
- Finally, it’s time to smoke your meal! Place your skillet in your smoker and smoke it for a minimum of one hour. If desired, you can leave it in there for up to two hours (if you prefer a smokier flavor!).
- Remove your meal from the smoker. Grab your favorite dinner plates and serve the golden brown smoked mac and cheese to your friends, family, and guests right away!
Flavourful Smoked Mac and Cheese
This next smoked macaroni and cheese recipe is similar to the first recipe but with a few minor changes. I really like adding bacon to this one, although the extra optional cheese can be a bit much.
Still, if you’re in the mood for a cheese overload then it’s pretty hard to beat this savory recipe!
Ingredients
- Macaroni noodles
- ½ cup of butter (for the noodles)
- ¼ cup of butter (for the breadcrumbs)
- ¼ cup of flour
- 1 tbsp. of mustard powder
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1 cup of half an half
- 8 oz. of cream cheese (softened)
- 3 cups of grated cheddar
- 1 cup of grated gouda
- 1 cup of shredded parmesan
- 1 cup of panko bread crumbs
- 1-2 cups of pre-shredded cheese
- ½ cup of cooked, crumbled bacon (for toppings, optional)
Steps
- First, preheat your smoker to 225° F.
- Next, cook the macaroni. As with the first recipe, cook to al dente for optimal texture!
- Prepare your cheese. If your cheese isn’t already grated, it’s time to grate your cheddar and gouda. With that out of the way, cut your cream cheese into 10 – 12 pieces.
- Make your cheese sauce. To do this, simply melt butter in a large cast iron skillet. Whisk in flour first, then mustard powder, then milk, and half & half. Ensure the sauce-in-process is smooth before adding each next ingredient!
- Bring the solution to a boil then turn off the heat. Add the cream cheese and stir it in before adding shredded cheese. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth.
- Sauce your macaroni. You can either toss or simply mix them together in a large or medium saucepan: dealer’s choice! Continue until the noodles are entirely covered in sauce.
- Mix your chosen toppings together. Panko bread crumbs and melted butter are a must! You can also add in crumbled bacon or your own cheese—preferrable shredded—more additional flavor.
- Place the mac and cheese in your smoker. As before, you can leave it in there for as little as an hour, or as long as two hours. The longer it’s in there, the more smoke flavor it will have.
- Remove and serve. Serve as soon as possible if you really want to take advantage of the melty, warm cheese!
Quick Smoked Mac and Cheese
This last smoked macaroni and cheese recipe is a bit simpler than the other two, but it’s a great option if you’re a fan of lots of cheese and extra flavor. Interestingly, this is the only recipe in this article that calls for salt and pepper!
Tired of using those little grocery store shakers and prefer a more premium way to enjoy these staple spices? Consider grabbing yourself these salt and pepper grinders. I absolutely love mine!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. elbow macaroni
- ¼ cup of butter
- ¼ cup of all-purpose flour
- 3 cups of milk
- 8 oz. of cream cheese
- 1 tsp. of salt
- ½ tsp. of black pepper
- 8 oz. of extra sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 8 oz. smoked gouda cheese (shredded)
- 4 oz. of parmesan cheese (shredded)
Steps
- Decide on your cooking method. With this recipe, you can either use an actual smoker or rely on the flavor of the smoked gouda to do it for you. If you opt for using the smoker then you’ll want to begin the process by preheating it to 225° F.
- Cook the macaroni. This step is simple. Just follow the package directions and you’ll be fine! Once it’s cooked, drain the macaroni.
- Start making your cheese mixture. Begin heating a medium saucepan, and melt your butter inside. Whisk flour into the butter then leave this on medium heat for two minutes.
- Add milk to the mixture. Whisk in as before, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, remove the mixture from the heat then stir in cream cheese, salt, and pepper.
- If using an oven, preheat your oven to 300° F. Use cooking spray to coat the inside of a 9 x 13-inch roasting pan or baking dish.
- Add cheese to complete your cream sauce. Using a large bowl, combine the mixture you’ve already made with your cheddar, smoked gouda, and parmesan cheese. Once that’s mixed together, add in the macaroni.
- Pan your mac and cheese. Once you’ve spread your mac and cheese evenly throughout your choice of pan, cover the entire thing in aluminum foil.
- Bake or smoke your meal for 45 minutes. After that time has passed, feel free to briefly uncover it and top it with more cheese. Place the meal back inside the oven/smoker for another 15 to 20 minutes.
- Remove & serve. As always, this meal is best served while still warm so sit down and enjoy! If dinner alone isn’t enough for you, feel free to check out my No Bake Cheesecake Recipe for dessert inspiration!
Why I Love Smoked Mac and Cheese
You guys know I spend a lot of time making improvements and upgrades around my home. From entire bathroom renovations and kitchen projects to expanding my plant collection, there’s a lot of work to be done!
When I’m done I’m usually pretty hungry, and that’s where a good smoked macaroni and cheese recipe can come in handy. Fast, easy to make, and extremely filling, it’s exactly what I need to motivate me through the day.
Regular mac and cheese is fine, but it leaves a bit to be desired. This is especially true if you prefer meals that taste less “mass-produced” and more “homemade”. By smoking your meal, you can add a lot of different flavors that just make eating it so much more satisfying!
Creamy sauce, a subtle smokey flavor, and a few of my favorite spices later, I have an amazing meal that tastes just as good as something from a reputable restaurant. That’s why I wanted to share these recipes with y’all. You really don’t want to be left missing out!
If you’re not a fan of macaroni and cheese, consider trying my baked feta pasta recipe instead!
What to Do With Your Leftovers From Smoked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
So, you’ve tried a smoked macaroni and cheese recipe and it turned out great… but—despite your best efforts—you couldn’t eat it all! No worries.
This cooked pasta dish can actually last for a few days in the fridge if you store it correctly. Just don’t leave it at room temperature on the kitchen counter for too long!
Use something like these glass containers to store your smoked mac and cheese. I always recommend buying more than you’ll ever use at one time, just in case you need an extra airtight container for storing tasty treats or other dishes!
In the fridge, your meal is good for three to four days if properly sealed. Frozen, it will last up to three months! When it’s time to reheat it, just bake it in an oven set to 350° F for 45 minutes.
Finding the Best Toppings
One of the best parts of making cooked macaroni noodles is the level of versatility they offer. Once the basic recipe is out of the way, you can pretty much add anything you want to personalize and perfect your dish!
The most obvious option is just to add more cheese! You can add more of the same cheese you’ve already used, or experiment with the flavor profiles by using a different type of cheese.
If you’re trying to branch out a bit from basic flavors, consider adding kitchen herbs or veggies to your smoked macaroni and cheese recipe. Jalapeños, garlic powder, and paprika are some of the options I’d recommend!
Adding hot sauce is also a promising option.
Tips & Tricks to Make an Easy Smoked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
If you really want to make the best smoked macaroni and cheese around then you’ll have to take a few creative liberties. After all, a recipe is nothing more than a list of recommendations!
I’d start by trying a few different types of cheese to see which ones work best. Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, and Colby Jack are all tried-and-true cheese. If you’ve been using pre-grated cheese, consider grating the cheese yourself. Processed cheeses often contain additives that can affect the final flavor.
It may be called mac and cheese, but that doesn’t mean you need to limit yourself to only macaroni! Cavatappi, shells, Ziti, and Farfalle are all alternatives that work great. Just bear in mind that you may need to adjust your cooking times slightly.
Low-carb alternatives like zucchini, spaghetti squash, or cauliflower may also be promising options if you’re looking for a healthier alternative to macaroni.
Lastly, make sure your kitchenware is up to par! While this won’t necessarily have a direct effect on your food, it can make cooking a lot less painful. I love picking up these wooden cooking utensils and this non-stick kitchen cookware if you can swing it!
Did You Find a New Smoked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe?
I hope you did! Smoked macaroni and cheese can be a filling entrée or the perfect side dish: the choice is up to you! Either way, I think the difference between smoked and regular mac and cheese is enormous. It’s truly a treat for your taste buds!
Well, be sure to try them out and let me know what you think of these recipes the next time you cook pasta. You already know my favorite, but I’m curious to hear which ones y’all liked the most!
You can check out this pasta recipe cookbook if you want more delicious recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions About. How to Make a Smoked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Why is my smoked mac and cheese dry?
There are a few different possibilities, but the most obvious is overcooking. If you overcook your mac and cheese then you’ll notice a grainy, dry texture instead of the creamy deliciousness that you’ve been longing for!
However, using low-fat cheese or skimping on the sauce can also contribute to dry smoked mac and cheese. Consider all of these options and make adjustments as needed.
Does smoked mac and cheese take a long time to make?
Not at all! You can expect to spend about an hour actually cooking the meal. Prep doesn’t take very long either, so the real determining factor will be the time it takes to preheat your smoker.
What is the best wood for smoking pasta?
Personal preferences vary, and the “best” wood ultimately depends on the flavor profile you’re going for. However, when it comes to making smoked macaroni and cheese, you’ll have quite a few different choices to choose from. Mild fruitwoods like cherry, peach, and apple are always solid options so I’d recommend starting there!
Why do you put eggs in mac and cheese?
None of the recipes I mentioned use eggs, but you definitely can give it a try! Usually, people add eggs to their mac and cheese for a more creamy texture. However, there’s also the benefit of added protein in your meal.
Should wood chips be soaked before smoking?
They don’t have to be, but it’s definitely worth trying if you haven’t already. Since the wood will be damp, the chips take longer to burn. This should lead to more smoke with a milder flavor. Of course, results will vary, and the final taste largely depends on the type of wood you choose to use.
Easy Smoked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni can use shells too
- ½ cup butter for the macaroni
- ¼ cut butter for the breadcrumb topping
- 4 tbsp flour
- 1 tbsp mustard powder
- 2 1/2 cups of hand & half
- 4 oz. cream cheese
- 3 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 1/2 cups gouda cheese shredded or crumbled
- 1 cup panko brad crumbs
- 2 tbsp sweet rub
Instructions
- First, cook the noodles. This step is fairly straightforward. Just take a look at the package container and follow the package directions. Try to cook the noodles al dente, as this will give them the perfect texture for this recipe!
- Now, it’s time to preheat your smoker to 225° F. The wood you use will affect the final smoky flavor of your dish, so choose wisely! Maple, apple, and cherry are all great options.
- Next, heat your skillet. You’ll use the skillet to melt your butter. Whisk the flour in with the butter to create a smooth paste, then add in the mustard powder and whisk that as well.
- Add half and half to the mixture, then bring the sauce to a boil, whisking all the while. Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat.
- With the heat reduced, it’s time to add in a few more ingredients. Whisk the cream cheese in first, and continue whisking until it’s smooth. Repeat this process with your cheddar cheese and gouda cheese until everything is sufficiently melted together.
- Combine and stir the noodles. Stir the noodles with your cheese sauce until they’re entirely coated before moving to the next step.
- Melt ¼ of a cup of butter. Then, combine the butter with your panko bread crumbs and sweet rub to make your breadcrumb topping. Sprinkle this on top of the mac and cheese.
- Finally, it’s time to smoke your meal! Place your skillet in your smoker and smoke it for a minimum of one hour. If desired, you can leave it in there for up to two hours (if you prefer a smokier flavor!).
- Remove and serve from the smoker. Grab your favorite dinner plates and serve the golden brown smoked mac and cheese to your friends, family, and guests right away!
