Smoked Mac and Cheese Recipe

There comes a time when every adult has to stop making Kraft Dinner and actually figure out a delicious homemade smoked mac and cheese recipe. It took me 25 years until I attempted my first mac and cheese meal. It turned out great! Even more exciting, it’s quite easy to make! A all-time favorite for both my daughters, and now a must have for their birthday dinners. 

Once you read the ingredients list you will see how this isn’t a “lite” recipe by any means. The recipe is loaded with dairy, but that’s what makes it great. I am picky with the cheeses I use with this recipe. Please don’t be like my wife and think you can substitute just any cheese into this recipe. You will regret it, I promise.

I believe old sharp cheddars really make a difference, so you might want to spend some extra time looking for these at your grocery store. You could also substitute the cheddar or gouda for Velveeta cheese. Velveeta cheese really adds a creamy texture. 

There is a bit of prep work and you need to make a roux before you throw the pan in the smoker. We will guide you through every step of the simple process and once complete, I’m sure you will agree this is the best smoked mac and cheese recipe you’ll ever have.

Make sure you keep some cheery wood on hand as that is my favorite wood to smoke mac and cheese with. Cherry wood works well with cheese. This is the perfect side to some smoked brisket.

Smoked Mac & Cheese – The recipe

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Small saucepan
• Large mixing bowl
• Mixing spoons
• Cheese grater
• 9 ½” x 11” x 2” Foil Pan

Ingredients

• 1 x 16 ounce box Macaroni Premium grade
• 1/4 cup Butter
• 1/4 cup White flour
• 1 x 8 ounce container Whipped cream cheese Whipped melts better than the “original”
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 x 8 ounce block Old cheddar cheese (shredded) The sharper, the better!
• 1 x 8 ounce block Gouda (shredded) Can substitute with Velveeta
• 1 x 4 ounce block Parmesan (shredded)
• 3 cup milk

Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni as per instructions on the box. I always add some salt to my water to add flavor. I make mine al dente. You can have the macaroni made 15 minutes before the next step.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium sauce pan, melt the butter and stir in the flour. Cook for 2 minutes on medium heat. Whisk in the milk and bring to a boil making sure not to burn. Reduce heat to low and stir in whipped cream cheese, and salt. Mix until completely smooth.
3. Preheat smoker to 275F. Oil or butter the inside of the foil pan completely.
4. In a very large mixing bowl, combine all the shredded cheeses with the sauce and macaroni. Mix until all the cheese and sauce is distributed evenly. Spoon into the foil tray or baking dish.
5. Smoke for 30-45 minutes until the mac and cheese is starting to bubble.
6. Enjoy!

Print Recipe

3.80 from 5 votes

Smoked Mac and Cheese

This isn't a "lite" recipe, but it's by far the best smoked mac and cheese recipe around.. Combining 4 different cheeses; this recipe is full of flavor. A perfect side to smoked ribs, pulled pork, or brisket.

Prep Time30 minutes mins

Cook Time45 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: best mac and cheese recipe, homemade mac and cheese recipe, how to make mac and cheese, mac and cheese recipe, smoked mac and cheese

Servings: 10 people

Calories: 500kcal

Author: Michael Haas

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Small saucepan
• Large mixing bowl
• Mixing spoons
• Cheese grater
• 9 ½” x 11” x 2” Foil Pan

Ingredients

• 1 16 ounce box Macaroni Premium grade
• 1/4 cup Butter
• 1/4 cup White flour
• 1 8 ounce container Whipped cream cheese Whipped melts better than the "original"
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 8 ounce block Old cheddar cheese (shredded) The sharper, the better!
• 1 8 ounce block Gouda (shredded) Can substitute with Velveeta
• 1 4 ounce block Parmesan (shredded)
• 3 cup milk

Instructions

• Cook macaroni as per instructions on the box. I always add some salt to my water to add flavor. I make mine al dente. You can have the macaroni made 15 minutes before the next step.
• Meanwhile, in a medium sauce pan, melt the butter and stir in the flour. Cook for 2 minutes on medium heat. Whisk in the milk and bring to a boil making sure not to burn. Reduce heat to low and stir in whipped cream cheese, and salt. Mix until completely smooth.
• Preheat smoker to 275F. Oil or butter the inside of the foil pan completely.
• In a very large mixing bowl, combine all the shredded cheeses with the sauce and macaroni. Mix until all the cheese and sauce is distributed evenly. Spoon into the foil tray or baking dish.
• Smoke for 30-45 minutes until the mac and cheese is starting to bubble.
• Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 500kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 600mg | Potassium: 102mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 264IU | Calcium: 87mg | Iron: 1mg