Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Smoked Mac and Cheese! Creamy elbow macaroni is enveloped in a rich blend of sharp cheddar and smoked gouda, then topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch. Perfect for BBQ gatherings or cozy family dinners, this dish infuses nostalgia with every cheesy bite. Get ready to impress your loved ones as you savor the smoky goodness that elevates this classic recipe!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded smoked gouda cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: In a large pot of salted water, cook elbow macaroni until al dente, about 7–8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Create the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to form a roux, cooking for about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
- Add Cheeses: Stir in cheddar and gouda until melted and creamy.
- Combine: Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Top and Smoke: Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish, top with panko mixed with melted butter, and smoke at 225°F for about 45 minutes until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg