Our Smoker-free (unless you have one, use it) Macaroni and Cheese recipe is the perfect solution for those who don’t own a smoker! See our FAQs for how to make this in a smoker.
This dish doesn’t sacrifice flavor, texture, or taste—it’s as good as if you had smoked it. Not only does this recipe come out just as delicious, but it also takes less time to prepare! Simply bake in your oven for no more than 30 minutes, and enjoy cheesy goodness without drying it out. That’s the worst. Check out our mac and cheese recipe, smoky style below.
We ADORE smoky flavor here at Novice Cook! Check out our smoky hot articles.
The Top 5 Smoked Paprika Brands You Need to Know About
Smoked Salt: The Best Way to Add Flavor to Your Next Meal
Smoke Chicken Wings With The Best Chicken Wing Rub for Smoking!
Butcher Paper for Smoking Meat: The Smoking Secret!
Smoked Macaroni and Cheese Easy Recipe!
Ingredients:
- aluminum pan (for easy clean up)
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 cups smoked gouda cheese
- 1 cup extra sharp white cheddar cheese, grated (smoked cheddar cheese, if you want a stronger smoke flavor)
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt, to taste
- Optional: bread crumbs
Instructions:
If you are using a smoker, see our FAQs for instructions.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
- Make pasta in a large pot bring water to a boil and prepare the elbow macaroni pasta according to the box
- In a large skillet, over medium heat, melt butter.
- Once melted, add in flour, and whisk until smooth and all flour dissipates.
- Add in heavy cream and milk, slowly. Heat and stir and let the mixture come up to a slight boil.
- Add in all spices and mix again. Stir until the mixture is smooth
- Put in 8 ounces of smoked gouda cheese and smoked white cheddar cheese, and then whisk until the mixture is fully melted.
- Add in pasta and stir until noodles are coated in cheese
- Add salt to your personal preference.
- Transfer mixture to an aluminum pan (or a baking dish), then top with the parmesan cheese all over the dish. *Add optional bread crumbs if you choose.
- Bake for 3o minutes.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving warm
Smoky Mac and Cheese FAQs! Check Out the Cheesy Answers Here
You’re a Mac and Cheese fan and you want to find out more about Smoky Mac and Cheese.
You’ve read some articles, but you still have some questions.
Check out our FAQs! They answer your questions about Smoky Mac and Cheese in detail.
What is the best wood for smoked mac and cheese?
Smoked mac and cheese is a delicious and comforting dish, but the type of wood used to smoke it can really make or break the flavor. For this reason, it’s important to choose the right kind of wood when smoking mac and cheese. The best woods for this purpose are hickory, cherry, apple, and oak. Hickory has a strong, smoky flavor that pairs nicely with cheese, while cherry is more delicate and sweet. Apple adds a subtle fruity taste and oak contributes a nice depth of flavor. Each type of wood will bring something different to the dish, so experiment to find what works best for you. With the right type of wood, your smoked mac and cheese will be sure to turn out delicious!
What are the 3 best cheeses for mac and cheese?
When it comes to the best cheeses for mac and cheese, there are three that stand out: cheddar, gouda, and gruyere. Cheddar is the most popular choice; its sharp flavor adds a delicious kick to any dish. Gouda is creamy and nutty, with a mild sweetness that blends well with other flavors. Finally, gruyere has a rich flavor that works well in both baked and stovetop recipes. All three of these cheeses can be used alone or combined together to create unique flavor combinations that will make your mac and cheese even more delicious. With these three cheeses in your kitchen, you can be sure your mac and cheese will always turn out perfectly!
What seasoning is best for mac and cheese?
When it comes to mac and cheese, the best seasoning is always a matter of preference. Some people prefer classic salt and pepper, while others prefer something more exciting like paprika or chili powder. Many people also enjoy adding a little garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor. Hot sauce can be another great addition to give the dish some kick. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even add some freshly chopped herbs like parsley or oregano. Whatever you choose, just make sure not to overwhelm the dish by adding too many seasonings at once – one or two should do the trick. Experiment with different seasonings until you find what works best for your taste buds!
What can you add to mac and cheese to give it flavor?
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food, but it can be a bit bland on its own. To give it some extra flavor, you can add various ingredients to the dish. Some popular options include bacon, onions, garlic, bell peppers, jalapeños, tomatoes, chili flakes, and herbs such as parsley or chives. You can also add proteins such as cooked chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. For added creaminess and richness, stir in cream cheese or sour cream before baking. If you like a spicy kick, add hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to your mac and cheese before serving. No matter what ingredients you choose to add to your mac and cheese dish, you’re sure to create something delicious that everyone will love!
What is the best cheese to melt for mac and cheese?
When it comes to mac and cheese, the best cheese to melt is one that has a creamy texture and a mild flavor. A good choice for this would be cheddar or gouda. Cheddar is a popular choice because its sharp flavor adds depth to the dish, while gouda has a nutty taste that complements the other ingredients. Another great option is gruyere, which gives mac and cheese an extra richness when melted. For a more subtle taste, try adding mozzarella or fontina cheese. With all of these options available, you can customize your mac and cheese to suit your own personal preferences. Whichever type of cheese you choose, make sure it melts smoothly and easily for the perfect cheesy dish!
How to spice up macaroni and cheese?
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food, but sometimes it can become boring. To spice up macaroni and cheese, you can start by using different types of cheese. Swiss, cheddar, gouda, and pepper jack are all great options that bring unique flavors to your dish. You can also add additional ingredients such as diced vegetables like broccoli or peppers, crumbled bacon, cubed ham, and other proteins such as chicken or tuna. To add an extra crunch to the dish, try adding breadcrumbs to the top before baking it in the oven for added texture. Finally, for a flavorful kick, you can add various spices such as garlic powder, paprika, or chili powder. With these simple additions, your macaroni and cheese will go from dull to delightful in no time!
Can you freeze smoked mac and cheese?
Yes, you can freeze smoked mac and cheese. This is a great way to have a delicious meal ready in no time. To freeze your smoked mac and cheese, all you need to do is place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Be sure to leave some room for expansion as the food will expand when frozen. You can also divide the mac and cheese into smaller portions for easy thawing and reheating. When it comes time to reheat, simply place the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through. Smoked mac and cheese can be frozen for up to three months if stored properly; however, it’s best to eat it within two weeks of freezing for optimum taste and texture.
What to serve with smoked mac and cheese?
Smoked mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that is sure to please any crowd. To accompany this delicious dish, there are plenty of options that will make it even more enjoyable. Roasted vegetables like asparagus, peppers, onions, and mushrooms pair well with the smoky flavor of the mac and cheese. Adding a side salad like a Caesar or garden salad will add some freshness to the plate. If you’re looking for something a bit heartier, you could serve it with grilled chicken or pork chops. For an extra indulgent meal, try adding bacon crumbles on top of the finished dish. No matter what you decide to serve with your smoked mac and cheese, it’s sure to be a hit!
How to make smoked mac and cheese in a smoker?
Smoked mac and cheese is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. To make it, start by preheating your smoker to 225°F. Then, prepare your macaroni and cheese according to package instructions. Once cooked, transfer the macaroni and cheese to a 9-inch foil pan. Place the pan on the smoker grate close the lid and smoke for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. When ready, remove from the smoker and top with the shredded cheese of your choice. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes such as BBQ baked beans or coleslaw. Or pick your perfect side dish. Enjoy!
This version of the classic comfort will bring out the smokiness we all love! I can’t wait for you to try this smooth and creamy smoked mac and cheese recipe out! Homemade mac and cheese is the best!
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