Description
Creamy smoked mac and cheese delivers a flavor explosion that elevates classic comfort food to gourmet heights. Smoky undertones and rich cheese blend perfectly, promising a delightful culinary experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 1 lb (454 grams) elbow macaroni
Cheeses:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded gouda (or smoked gouda for extra flavor)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup (1 stick or 113 grams) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Fire up the smoker to a gentle 225°F, selecting aromatic wood chips like apple, cherry, or hickory for a nuanced flavor profile.
- In a generously salted cauldron of water, cook pasta until it reaches a tender al dente state, then carefully drain and reserve.
- Craft a velvety roux by melting butter and whisking in flour, cooking until the mixture transforms into a golden, fragrant base.
- Gradually introduce milk and cream, continuously whisking to create a luxurious, smooth foundation for the cheese sauce.
- Elevate the sauce with a harmonious blend of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Incorporate a medley of shredded cheeses, stirring until the sauce achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
- Marry the perfectly cooked pasta with the rich cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta tube is lavishly coated.
- Transfer the creamy mixture into a smoker-safe cast-iron skillet or aluminum pan, creating an inviting canvas for smoking.
- For an optional crisp topping, combine panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan, sprinkling this crunchy layer over the surface.
- Nestle the pan into the smoker, allowing the mac and cheese to bathe in smoky essence for 1-2 hours until bubbling and golden.
- Midway through smoking, gently stir to distribute the smoky flavors and ensure even cooking.
- Allow the dish to rest briefly, letting the flavors meld and settle before serving this smoky, creamy delicacy.
Notes
- Experiment with wood chips like apple or hickory to customize the smoky flavor profile and match your taste preferences.
- Toast breadcrumbs separately before adding to prevent soggy texture and ensure a crispy, golden-brown crunchy topping.
- Replace whole milk with lighter alternatives like almond or oat milk for a lower-fat version that maintains creamy consistency.
- Use gluten-free pasta and replace wheat flour with cornstarch to transform this recipe into a celiac-friendly dish without compromising rich, smoky taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg