This deliciously rich, creamy and cheesy Smoked Mac and Cheese is super easy to make and can be made in a smoker or in the oven. Loaded with 5 types of cheese, and pasta that cradles the delicious cheese sauce, this is the ultimate side dish recipe. Truly an American favorite side dish.
If you love mac and cheese, then you’re in for a real treat. This delicious smoked version takes all the creamy, cheesy goodness that we love about traditional mac and cheese, loads it up with bold flavor, and then smokes it to perfection. I love serving mac and cheese at barbecues, and I decided to really make it pop by smoking it. I was already smoking some chicken, and I thought, “What if I put the mac and cheese in there?” It was the best decision I’ve ever made. This recipe has become a favorite with family and friends, and I’m almost required to bring it to any backyard bash that we have. If you love mac and cheese, then this is the recipe for you.
Smoked Mac and Cheese
We all love mac and cheese, and there’s a good reason for that. It’s delicious! For this recipe, I took a classic mac and cheese recipe, kicked it up with some extra bold flavor, and then smoked it for even more rich flavor. It all starts with macaroni or pipe rigate. Then, I make roux that I use to thicken up the creamy base. Next we add Velveeta, sharp cheddar shredded cheese, and Gruyere for an extra cheesy taste and texture, then season it with Slap Ya Mama Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and more for an extra-big kick of flavor. Finally, it’s smoked to perfection. What you get is a bold, smoky mac and cheese that’s absolutely the cheesiest thing you’ll ever eat. It’s the best mac and cheese you’ll ever make, and I’m not just saying that because it’s my recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Smoked Mac and Cheese
- It’s ultra cheesy and super easy to make.
- You can make it in the smoker OR the oven.
- It’s a great side dish for any occasion, and everyone loves it.
- Mac and cheese is a total classic!
Smoked Mac and Cheese Tips and Variations
This is a very easy recipe to make, but I do have a couple of tips to help you make it the best it can be. I also have some great variations that I think you’re going to love.
Tips
- Be sure you cook your roux for at least a couple of minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Whisk continually when making the roux and the creamy base to prevent sticking.
- Never cook your pasta past al dente. It needs to be firm enough to stand up to the mixing process.
- Cherry, apple, maple, or pecan are the best woods to use for smoking your mac and cheese.
Variations
- Try adding bacon, ham, smoked sausage, or even smoked, sliced hot dogs to the mac and cheese.
- Omit the red pepper flakes and hot sauce for a milder version.
What to Serve with Smoked Mac and Cheese
Just like regular mac and cheese, this smoked version is great with almost anything. Some great ideas include:
- Ribs
- Pulled pork
- BBQ chicken
- Brisket
- Steaks
- Pork chops
- Pot roast
- Fried chicken
- Fried fish
Smoked Mac and Cheese FAQ
If you have questions about this recipe, then I have the answers. The following FAQ answers the most commonly asked questions about mac and cheese.
Who invented mac and cheese?
The first modern macaroni and cheese recipe was published in The Experienced English Housekeeper, a cookbook released in 1769. It was made with Béchamel sauce, cheddar cheese, and macaroni.
How long do you smoke mac and cheese?
For a mild smoke flavor, smoke it for 30 minutes to an hour. For a stronger flavor, smoke it for 1 to 2 hours.
Can you smoke any cheese?
Absolutely. Any of your favorite cheeses, like gouda cheese or cream cheese, can be smoked!
Can I add liquid smoke to mac and cheese?
You sure can. It’s not exactly the same as actually smoking it, but it’s a close approximation and a great option if you don’t have a smoker.
Can you make mac and cheese in a smoker?
Yes! That’s what this recipe is all about.
How long is mac and cheese good?
You can store it in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
Can you freeze mac and cheese?
Absolutely. Place it in an air-tight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months.
How do you thaw mac and cheese?
Leave it in the refrigerator overnight.
How to Store and Reheat Smoked Mac and Cheese
Store the mac and cheese in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in an air-tight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months.
To reheat mac and cheese, place it in a baking dish and add 1 tablespoon of milk per cup of mac and cheese. Then, cover it with foil and bake for 20 to 30 minutes at 350 degrees or until heated through.
Smoked Mac and Cheese Ingredients
This recipe only uses simple ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store.
For the Cheese Sauce
- Butter
- All purpose flour
- Whole milk
- Hot sauce
- Smoked paprika
- Slap Ya Mama seasoning
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Velveeta
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Gruyere cheese
For the Topping
- Muenster cheese
- Parmesan cheese
How to Make Smoked Mac and Cheese
It only takes a few minutes and a few steps to make this quick and easy recipe.
Step 1: Prep
Preheat the oven or smoker to 350 degrees.
Step 2: Make the Pasta
Cook the pasta according to the package directions for al dente.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
Melt butter in a large cast iron pan over medium heat. Then, sprinkle the flour into the pan and whisk for two minutes, stirring constantly. Next, pour the milk into the skillet and whisk until it begins to thicken. Then, add the hot sauce and seasonings into the mixture. Finally, add the Velveeta and stir until almost melted, then the cheddar and Gruyere and whisk until melted.
Step 4: Complete the Mac and Cheese
Remove the skillet from the heat and pour in the noodles and onions. Stir until combined. Then, smooth out the top and sprinkle with muenster cheese and freshly grated parmesan.
Step 5: Bake or Smoke
Bake the mac and cheese in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until brown. If you want to smoke the mac and cheese, place it in the smoker and smoke for 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on how deep you want the smoke flavor. Enjoy!
Try This Easy Smoked Mac and Cheese Today
This delicious smoked mac and cheese is as easy as it is tasty. It only takes a few minutes and then a little baking or smoking to make. It’s so easy and delicious, it’s the perfect dish for weeknight meals or weekend parties. Give this one a try, and I know you and your family will love it. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it more often than you thought you would!
More Mac and Cheese Recipes To Try
Brisket Mac and Cheese – A creamy and delicious side dish recipe that is loaded with brisket, crispy onion strings, and drizzled in BBQ sauce.
Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese – A Panera copycat recipe that is loaded with creamy mac and cheese and tender broccoli florets.
Homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese – A rich and creamy mac and cheese that is topped with panko breadcrumbs and baked until golden brown.
Also, try this Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese from Deliciously Seasoned. It’s a great side dish with an earthy and cheesy flavor.
Smoked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 16 ounce pipe rigate pasta, or elbow macaroni
- 1 medium white onion, diced small
For the Cheese Sauce
- ½ cup butter
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 8 ounces Velveeta, cut into ½ inch chunks
- 6 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded
- 7 ounce Gruyere, shredded
For the Topping
- 8 ounces Muenster cheese, freshly shredded
- 2 ounces Parmesan, freshly grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° or light your smoker and heat to 350 degrees.
For the Pasta
- In a large pot of salted water, bring water to a boil over medium high heat.
- Add pasta and onion into water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain, and immediately pour into the cheese Sauce
For the Cheese Sauce
- Melt butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat.
- Sprinkle flour into the pan and whisk for two minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gently pour milk into the skillet, stir until it begins to thicken, about two minutes.
- Add hot sauce and seasonings, stir.
- Next, add Velveeta, stir until almost melted, then add cheddar and Gruyere. Stir until melted.
- Remove skillet from heat and pour pasta and onions into cheese sauce and stir until combined.
For the Topping
- Smooth out the top and sprinkle with muenster cheese followed by freshly grated Parmesan.
- Place in preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes or until cheese starts to brown, or into the smoker and smoke for 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on how deep you want the smoke flavor..
Notes
Nutrition
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