When the craving for a familiar, indulgent bowl of cheesy goodness hits, but you also want to try something new? That’s when our smoked mac and cheese recipe comes in handy! This recipe will leave you with a creamy, savory, satisfying bowl that’ll hit just the right spot. Read to find our favorite way to spice up a regular mac and cheese.
The All-American Mac ‘n’ Cheese
Needless to say, this is a beloved dish all across the country, by people of all age groups. Mothers often add their own special twist to the existing recipe. Mac and cheese is arguably the easiest way to prepare pasta. That makes it ideal for consumption as dinner, lunch or even a snack.
It is easy enough that it can be made by young teens to college students in dorms. Also, it comes together quickly, and with very few ingredients. However, the same dish can feel a bit boring after a while. Hence, our variation, homemade mac and cheese with Velveeta, is perfect to change things up a bit, while still enjoying the familiar taste.
What is a Smoked Mac and Cheese?
A smoked mac and cheese is exactly as it sounds: the same thing, but the cheese is smoked for some time to give it a new, deeper flavor. The good news is that anyone can make this smoked mac and cheese at home! The dish comes together in barely half an hour and requires no fancy equipment to make.
This mac and cheese Velveeta can be smoked alongside some juicy ribs or on a BBQ rack, too. But the version we have can be baked in the oven and tastes just as delicious, if not better. So, grab your pot and your favorite cheeses, and let’s get into the procedure.
Ingredients for Smoked Mac and Cheese
Here is the list of ingredients required to make the best smoked mac and cheese:
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 1/4 cup butter (half a stick)
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 1 egg
- 2 cups Queso Blanco Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
You will also need a baking dish to make smoked macaroni and cheese. We recommend using a 9×13 microwave-safe dish.
Cooking Instructions for Smoked Mac and Cheese
Here are the steps that you need to make this simple but impactful flavor bomb of a meal:
- To make it, first, you must boil the elbow macaroni according to the directions on the box.
- In the meantime, crack the egg in a bowl and whisk it for a minute to combine the yolk and the white. Set it aside.
- Spray your baking dish with butter or any edible oil. You can use a 9×13 pan or any other pan you have lying around in the kitchen.
- Transfer the cooked macaroni to this dish.
- Now comes the fun part! Top it with Velveeta cheese, shredded cheese, cubes of butter, and all the seasonings. You can use mozzarella and cheddar as well since they are classic options. However, to maximize the smokiness of the smoked mac and cheese, we suggest using our listed cheeses.
- Stir all the ingredients together.
- The smoked mac and cheese will be perfect after 1 hour in the smoker at 300 degrees. In an oven, you can set it to 350 degrees and cook for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven beforehand.
- You can stir the smoked mac and cheese a few times while it’s cooking.
- After it’s done smoking, you can garnish it with more shredded cheese and serve it hot!
Serve the Smoked Mac and Cheese
The wait is over! You can serve this mac and cheese with ribs, or BBQ or even some mashed potatoes. With this recipe, your smoked mac and cheese will have a perfectly golden-brown, crispy top, and a gooey, melting and savory inside. The macaroni will soften up quickly, so don’t cook it more than 30 minutes.
The smoked mac and cheese can be served at parties, or alongside a wine-tasting event too since cheese pairs great with wine. Even kids will appreciate the unique smokiness of this dish.
More Toppings for the Smoked Mac and Cheese
For added protein, you can cook some chicken breast seared in butter and seasonings and add it. The topping choices are endless, really. You add some greens to your pasta as well. Either roast them alongside in the oven, or simply sauté your favorite veggies and add them. This dish is quite versatile.
Tips for the Best Smoked Mac and Cheese
Don’t Overcook It
As we use pre-cooked pasta, it is easy for it to turn into a mushy mess. Avoid crushed pasta by cooking it in the oven for an appropriate time.
Temperature Matters
With a cheesy dish like the smoked mac and cheese, there is a risk of burning the food due to extreme heat. Therefore, we suggest not exceeding the temperature more than 350 degrees. Also, keep checking in on the pasta in between.
Choice of Cheese
- As smoked mac and cheese is pretty much universal, you can add any cheese to it. However, to maximize the smoky highlight of this dish, we recommend Velveeta and Colby Jack. Of course, you can still never go wrong with a hint of shredded mozzarella!
- Also, ensure that the cheese is grated. If not properly grated, it can result in patchy melting: some parts will have no cheese, and some will have excess chunks.
Side Dishes
As the smoked mac and cheese is quite rich, a good option for a side dish would be some lean protein. Legumes, seared fish or chicken, anything.
Another option is to serve it with some greens, like a broccoli salad. You could also serve it with some crispy sandwiches to keep it light yet filling.
Or, if you’re in the mood for a hearty, indulgent dining experience, go ahead and add some delicious ribs to the side!
Always Serve Smoked Mac and Cheese Piping Hot
Serve it hot so that the cheese doesn’t coagulate before you dig in. Smoked mac and cheese is best enjoyed while the cheese is runny and creamy! It is like a great traeger mac and cheese in taste.
This velveeta mac and cheese recipe can be the perfect wintertime indulgence, so make sure you have it before it turns frosty. A warm cup of tea right after would be great, too!
Adjust the Smokiness to Your Tastes
You can use a smoker for a short time to smoke the mac and cheese. It develops a smoky flavor quickly, so monitor it well for the first time.
You can increase or decrease the time to smoke it, depending on your preferences.
How to make Smoked Mac and Cheese?
Here are some tried and tested tips for making the best Mac and Cheese:
- Use a cast iron skillet: A 12-inch skillet works perfectly for moving from stovetop to smoker and straight to the table, providing plenty of space for your dish to absorb smoke.
- Keep the smoker temperature low: Stay below 225°F to prevent the noodles from overcooking and drying out.
- Choose a mild wood: Opt for lighter woods like cherry, apple, maple, or pecan for the best flavor.
- Get creative with flavors: This mac and cheese makes a great base for additions like bacon, green chiles, lobster, or pulled pork. You can also try adding a BBQ rub to the panko topping for extra flavor.
Conclusion
The smoked mac and cheese is a dish that will be the star of any table. It is a medium to enjoy well-loved food and take it to the next level with some minor tweaks. Make sure you try this recipe and make it for your loved ones. Everyone is sure to enjoy a comforting bowl of mac and cheese. It truly feels like a warm hug for the tastebuds. We recommend using a smoker for the best results, but an oven can be just fine, too. Follow all our tips to make the best smoked mac and cheese; it’ll be a taste you won’t forget. Happy cooking!
FAQs
What is smoked mac and cheese?
Answer: Smoked mac and cheese is the classic dish with a twist: an added deep, smoky flavor obtained by using a smoker.
Can you make smoked mac n cheese without a smoker?
Answer: Yes! It can be made in the oven.
What cheese is used in smoked mac and cheese?
Answer: We recommend using Velveeta cheese for best results.
Is making smoked mac and cheese hard?
Answer: Not at all! The whole thing comes together in 30 minutes. It can be made by anyone.
