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Smoked Mac and Cheese

A creamy, cheesy mac and cheese dish with a hint of smoky flavor, perfect for gatherings and comfort food enthusiasts.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 8 ounces Elbow macaroni Can be swapped with any pasta shape.
Cheese Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons Butter Can use olive oil for a lighter option.
  • 1/4 cup All-purpose flour Cornstarch works as a gluten-free alternative.
  • 2 cups Milk Whole milk adds creaminess; use low-fat if preferred.
  • 2 cups Cheddar cheese Sharp cheddar recommended; mix with mozzarella or gouda for gooeyness.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika Regular paprika can be used for less smokiness.
  • 1 teaspoon Mustard powder Can skip if not available.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Classic seasonings to elevate the dish.
Toppings
  • optional cup Breadcrumbs For crispy texture on top.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
Making the Cheese Sauce
  1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until bubbly.
  2. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens.
  3. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until melted into a creamy sauce.
Combining Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce. If it's too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
Baking
  1. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Optionally, top with breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
  2. Smoke the mac and cheese for 30-45 minutes at 225°F, or bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Notes

For added flavor, consider using pre-smoked cheese. Don’t skip the salt in the boiling water to enhance the pasta flavor. Mix in proteins like bacon or grilled chicken for extra heartiness. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.