Smoked Mac and Cheese: A Creamy and Smoky Twist on a Classic Dish

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that everyone loves. But have you ever tried smoked mac and cheese? Smoking adds a whole new level of flavor to this beloved dish, and it's surprisingly easy to make. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to make your own delicious smoked mac and cheese.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni noodles (cooked according to package instructions)

• 1/2 cup butter

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon mustard powder

• 2 cups half and half

• 4 oz cream cheese

• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1.5 cups shredded gouda cheese

• 1/2 tsp Coarse Kosher Salt

• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper

Bread Crumb Topping:

• 1 cup panko bread crumbs

• 1/4 cup butter

• Sweet Rub:

  - 1 tbsp dark brown sugar
  - 3/4 tsp coarse kosher salt
  - 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper

  - 1/2 tsp pimenton
  - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  - 1/2 tsp onion powder
  - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook the macaroni noodles in a large pot of salted water until they are al dente ( they still have a bit of chew and texture). Drain the noodles and set aside.

2. Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees F using a mild hardwood (cherry or apple).

3. In a large skillet (12 inches), melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour until a smooth, thin paste forms. Then whisk in 1 tablespoon of mustard powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper.

4. Carefully pour in 2 cups of half and half and bring it up to a boil while whisking. Reduce the heat and whisk in 4 oz of cream cheese until smooth.

5. Add the shredded cheese to the skillet and stir until melted. Turn off the heat and add the cooked macaroni noodles to the skillet. Gently stir until the noodles are coated in the cheese sauce.

6. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of panko bread crumbs, 1/4 cup of melted butter, and sweet rub:

   - 1 tbsp dark brown sugar
   - 3/4 tsp coarse kosher salt
   - 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper

   - 1/2 tsp pimenton
   - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
   - 1/2 tsp onion powder
   - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

7. Transfer the mac and cheese to the cast-iron skillet. Sprinkle the bread crumb topping over the top of the mac and cheese.

8. Place skillet in the smoker, close the lid, and smoke for 1 hour or up to 2 hours for a stronger smoke flavor— noodles will take on quite a bit of smoke fairly quickly.

9. Once the mac and cheese is finished smoking, remove it from the smoker and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve while it's still warm.

With these simple steps, you can make delicious and flavorful smoked mac and cheese that your whole family will love