When it comes to comfort food, smoked mac and cheese takes things to a whole new level. It’s creamy, rich, and loaded with layers of cheesy goodness, but what really sets it apart is that deep, smoky flavor. Whether you’re preparing it for a backyard BBQ, a family gathering, or just because you’re craving something decadent, this recipe is going to be your new go-to.
With the right cheese blend, slow smoking technique, and a crispy golden topping, you’ll get a dish that’s packed with flavor in every bite. Plus, if you don’t have a smoker, don’t worry—I’ve got an easy oven-baked alternative that still gives you that signature smoky kick!
Why You’ll Love This Smoked Mac and Cheese Recipe
✔️ Super Creamy & Cheesy – A rich blend of sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, parmesan, and cream cheese creates the perfect texture.
✔️ Smoky & Flavorful – Cooked at 225°F with mild wood like applewood, cherry, or pecan for that signature BBQ-style depth.
✔️ Easy to Customize – Add bacon, pulled pork, jalapeños, or BBQ seasoning to take it to the next level.
✔️ Flexible Cooking Methods – No smoker? No problem! You can make this in the oven or on a grill with a simple liquid smoke trick.
Ingredients for the Best Smoked Mac and Cheese
Pasta & Dairy
- 1 lb elbow macaroni (or cavatappi for extra texture)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup half and half
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
Cheese Blend
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup smoked gouda cheese, shredded
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- ¼ cup flour (for the roux)
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- 1 tsp BBQ seasoning (optional, for extra depth)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Topping for Crunch
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- ½ tsp BBQ rub (for extra smokiness)
Smoking Essentials
- Smoker or pellet grill (Traeger, Pit Boss, or any smoker)
- Mild wood chips (applewood, cherry, pecan, or maple)
- Cast iron skillet (for best heat distribution)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Smoked Mac and Cheese
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook elbow macaroni until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package directions).
- Drain and toss with a little butter to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour to create a roux.
- Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the flour turns a light golden color.
- Slowly whisk in whole milk, half-and-half, and heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
- Add cream cheese and whisk until fully melted.
- Stir in cheddar, smoked gouda, and parmesan, letting them melt into a rich, creamy sauce.
- Season with mustard powder, BBQ seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
3. Combine & Transfer to a Skillet
- Mix the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, making sure every piece is coated.
- Transfer to a cast iron skillet or disposable aluminum pan for smoking.
4. Make the Crispy Topping
- In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and BBQ rub.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the mac and cheese for extra crunch.
5. Smoke at 225°F for 1-2 Hours
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
- Use mild wood chips like applewood, cherry, or pecan for a balanced smoky taste.
- Smoke for 1 hour for a light smoky flavor or up to 2 hours for a stronger, deeper taste.
How Long to Smoke Mac and Cheese?
| Smoke Time | Flavor Level |
|---|---|
| 1 hour | Light Smoky Flavor |
| 1.5 hours | Medium Smoky Flavor |
| 2 hours | Bold, Deep Smoke |
The longer you smoke it, the more pronounced the smoky flavor will be. If you’re unsure, start with 1 hour, then taste test before deciding if it needs more time.
Best Tips for Smoked Mac and Cheese
✔️ Use Freshly Grated Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents, which can make your sauce grainy. Grate it fresh for the best melt!
✔️ Keep Smoker at 225°F – Cooking low and slow prevents drying out and keeps it creamy.
✔️ Choose Mild Wood Chips – Applewood, cherry, pecan, or maple add a nice balance without overwhelming the cheese.
✔️ Cast Iron is Best – It distributes heat evenly and helps hold in that smoky flavor.
✔️ Cover with Foil If Needed – If your mac and cheese starts to dry out, loosely cover with foil for the last 30 minutes.
Oven-Baked Alternative (No Smoker? No Problem!)
Not everyone has a smoker, but you can still get that smoky flavor using your oven:
- Add 1 tsp liquid smoke to the cheese sauce.
- Follow the same mac and cheese prep steps.
- Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until bubbly.
This is a great option if you’re craving smoked mac and cheese but don’t have a smoker or pellet grill.
Delicious Smoked Mac and Cheese Variations
🔥 Smoked Mac and Cheese with Bacon – Crumble crispy bacon on top before serving.
🌶️ Spicy Jalapeño Mac and Cheese – Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
🍖 Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese – Mix in slow-cooked pulled pork for a BBQ classic.
🦞 Lobster Smoked Mac and Cheese – Fold in lobster chunks for a luxurious twist.
🥓 Brisket Mac and Cheese – Serve with smoked brisket on top for a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating Tips
🧊 To Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
❄️ To Freeze – Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
🔥 To Reheat – Warm in the oven at 300°F for 30 minutes, or microwave in short bursts with a splash of milk to prevent dryness.
Pair This Smoked Mac and Cheese with More Comfort Food!
Now that you’ve mastered the art of smoked mac and cheese, it’s time to think about what to serve alongside this creamy, smoky masterpiece. Whether you’re looking for a BBQ-style pairing, a lighter contrast, or something equally cheesy and indulgent, these side dishes will take your meal to the next level.
1. Perfect BBQ & Grilled Pairings
If you’re making smoked mac and cheese for a BBQ, you need some bold, smoky meats to go with it! Here are a few mouthwatering options:
🔥 Honey BBQ Grilled Chicken – The perfect mix of sweet, smoky, and juicy to complement the richness of the mac and cheese.
🥩 Smoked Brisket – A backyard BBQ staple! The deep smoky bark and tender beef make an excellent match for creamy mac.
🍗 Smoked Ribs – Slathered in BBQ sauce, they add a tangy, sweet contrast to the cheese.
2. Lighter Side Dishes to Balance the Richness
Since smoked mac and cheese is ultra creamy and indulgent, sometimes a fresh, crisp side is just what you need to balance out the meal.
🥗 Grilled Salmon Salad – Light, fresh, and packed with omega-3s, this salad is a great contrast to the heavy cheese sauce.
🥦 Roasted Broccoli – A simple, easy side that adds a bit of earthy crunch. Bonus: broccoli and cheese are always a winning combo!
🥒 Crisp Cucumber Salad – Refreshing, cool, and perfect for cutting through the richness of the dish.
3. More Cheesy Comfort Food Favorites
Want even more cheesy goodness? Try these other delicious, indulgent recipes that pair well with smoked mac and cheese.
🥔 Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Double the cheese, double the comfort!
🧀 The Ultimate Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese – A veggie-packed twist on the classic.
🥘 Creamy Cheesy Chicken Hash Brown Casserole – Another hearty, cheesy dish perfect for potlucks!
Final Thoughts: The Best Smoked Mac and Cheese Ever!
If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! You now have everything you need to create the ultimate smoked mac and cheese at home. Whether you’re using a smoker, oven, or grill, this recipe delivers rich, cheesy, smoky perfection in every bite.
Now, before you go, let’s do a quick recap of the key takeaways:
✔️ Cook your pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy.
✔️ Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, smoked gouda, and parmesan for the best flavor.
✔️ Keep your smoker at 225°F and use mild wood chips (applewood, cherry, pecan).
✔️ Add crispy toppings like panko, bacon, or even BBQ rub for extra texture.
✔️ Smoke it for 1-2 hours—less time for a light smoke, longer for a bold flavor.
✔️ Store leftovers properly and reheat with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
Now it’s your turn! Have you tried making smoked mac and cheese before? What are your favorite add-ins and toppings? Let me know in the comments! And if you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your fellow food lovers.
🔥🧀 Happy smoking, and enjoy every cheesy bite! 🧀🔥