Smoked Mac and Cheese
Learn how to make Smoked Mac and Cheese with these easy to follow instructions. This classic comfort food is creamy, cheesy, and only takes 30 minutes on the grill! It's the perfect side dish for your next cookout.
Servings 6 servings
Ingredients
For the Macaroni and Cheese:
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 ounces cream cheese block style, cut into small chunks
- 16 ounces cheddar cheese shredded
- 4 ounces gouda cheese shredded or broken into small chunks
- 2 cups half and half (1 pint; 480 ml)
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt plus extra for salting pasta water
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke optional
For the Bread Crumb Topping:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup plain panko breadcrumbs (70 grams)
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- To make the mac and cheese: Preheat the grill to 350°F and grease a 10.25” cast iron skillet with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Fill a large pot with water and 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then add the pasta and cook for about 7 minutes, until al-dente. Strain the pasta and set aside.
- To the empty large pot, add the butter, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, gouda, half and half, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and liquid smoke (if using). Turn the heat to medium-low and cook for about 5-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until all the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly thickened.
- Turn off the heat, and mix the pasta into the creamy cheese sauce. Taste and add more salt if desired.
- Transfer to the prepared skillet and spread into an even layer.
- To make the breadcrumb topping: Mix the melted butter, breadcrumbs, salt and pepper together in a medium bowl. Sprinkle over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Place the cast iron skillet on the grill and bake using indirect heat for 30 minutes or until the bread crumbs are golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes, then serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Baking in the oven: preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the cast iron skillet on top of a rimmed baking sheet to prevent cheese from bubbling over and burning your oven. Bake the mac and cheese for 30 minutes or until the bread crumbs are golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Most containers of pasta come in a 16 oz package. That much pasta will be too much for a 10.25” cast iron skillet. If you are not able to purchase a 12 oz portion of noodles, just use ¾ of the contents of a 16 oz container and save the rest for later.
- If you want that smoky flavor in your mac and cheese but are not able to cook it in a smoker, simply add 1-2 teaspoons of liquid smoke to the dish before placing it in the oven.
- Try adding chopped bacon bits, pulled pork, or jalapeños to your recipe for a more hearty meal.