Smoked Mac and Cheese is a creamy, gooey, favorite but with a light, smoky flavor that’s sure to impress anyone.

This isn’t the regular kids’ version of mac and cheese. This smoked macaroni and cheese recipe tastes just like the fancy restaurant entrée without the high price tag. Made with gouda cheese, this pasta dish has a delicious and distinguished, smoky flavor that will bring an old fashioned favorite to a whole new level of taste.     plated Smoked Macaroni and Cheese with a fork full

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Smoked Mac & Cheese

  • Homemade and cooked outside in the smoker, baked macaroni and cheese is a great entrée or side dish. Serve alongside Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts or serve it as an entrée with some Smoked Tomatoes on the side.
  • This recipe can be made in any BBQ grill or smoker. Got a Traeger, or a Masterbuilt? Even indoor electric smokers will work.
  • Cook outside and keep the oven from heating up the kitchen.
  • Experiment with different flavored pellets like applewood, hickory, cherry, or maple and create your own signature dish.
  • Make the smoker pull double duty and make these delicious Smoked Eggs for an appetizer.

Smoked Macaroni and Cheese ingredients in bowls

Ingredients and Variations

THE SAUCE: Macaroni and cheese is all about the sauce. The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and gouda is bright and tangy, but the smoking process gives it a unique flavor. Whole milk is preferred in this recipe, but heavy cream will make the sauce extra creamy. Add some buffalo sauce to give it a sweeter spicy flavor.

THE PASTA: Macaroni is the traditional pasta for mac and cheese but don’t let that hold back experimentation with other types of pasta like shells, penne, or ziti. These types of pasta hold the sauce best.

MIX-INS: Make smoked mac and cheese a signature dish. Add some bacon bits, shredded chicken, thin slices of summer sausage, or even kielbasa.

close up of Smoked Macaroni and Cheese cooked in the pan

How to Make Smoked Mac & Cheese

A few steps to making this tasty dish:

  1. Cook pasta, drain, reserving a little of the pasta water.
  2. Melt butter in a sauté pan, remove from heat & stir in flour.
  3. Return to heat & whisk in milk until sauce thickens. Remove from heat & whisk in cheese.
  4. Mix topping ingredients together.
  5. Mix pasta with cheese sauce in the skillet or in a baking dish. Sprinkle with topping & smoke (per recipe instructions below).

PRO TIP: No smoker? Short on time? Simply whisk in liquid smoke into the sauce in step 4, add the sauce to the pasta, top with the breadcrumb mixture and bake in the oven.

pan full of Smoked Macaroni and Cheese with a spoon

Tricks for Mac & Cheese

  • For easier cheese melting, shred the cheddar and gouda, or if using pre-shredded cheddar, chop the gouda into small pieces.
  • Prep the dish in advance and keep in the refrigerator until ready for the smoker. Using a disposable foil tray makes for easy baking and even easier clean-up
  • Garnish with sliced green onions for an elegant look.

close up of Smoked Macaroni and Cheese on a plate with a fork

Leftovers

Refrigerator: Keep leftover smoked macaroni and cheese covered in the refrigerator up to 4 days. Divide into individual portions for an easy, grab-and-go school or workday lunch. Simply reheat in the microwave, stir, and enjoy. 

Freezer: Smoked macaroni and cheese can be frozen by scooping it into large zippered bags after it has cooled. Squeeze the air out, write the date on the outside of the bag, and lay them flat in the freezer. Once they are frozen, store them upright to save freezer space. Let them thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

close up of Smoked Macaroni and Cheese

Best Smoker Recipes

plated Smoked Macaroni and Cheese with a fork full
5 from 8 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
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Smoked Macaroni and Cheese

This delicious smoked mac and cheese recipe has two kinds of gourmet cheese and is baked in the smoker. It has a creamy and smoky flavor under the crispy seasoned topping.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Author Candace

Ingredients  

  • 1 pound macaroni pasta 16 ounces
  • ½ cup butter
  • 4 Tablespoons flour *
  • 2 cups milk or half and half
  • 1 Tablespoon dry mustard powder
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 3 cups gouda shredded
  • ¼ teaspoon salt to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup red onion finely diced, optional

Topping

  • 1 cup Panko bread crumbs or regular breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup butter melted
  • 2 Tablespoons pork rub or your favorite rub or seasoned salt

Instructions 

  • Preheat smoker to 225°F.
  • Cook pasta per package and drain, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
  • Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium pot and remove from heat. Stir in flour until well combined.
  • Return to heat and add half & half or milk gradually, whisking constantly until sauce thickens. Add the dry mustard. Remove from heat and add cheese, stirring until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  • In a small dish, mix together topping ingredients until well combined. Set aside.
  • Mix pasta, cheese sauce, and onion if using. If it is a little dry, add some of the reserved pasta water. Add to large skillet or baking dish. Sprinkle with topping.
  • Smoke 60 minutes, or until bubbling.

Notes

*Can use whole wheat flour
5 from 8 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
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Nutrition Information

Calories: 621 | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 128mg | Sodium: 867mg | Potassium: 290mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1119IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 715mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.

Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American

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Adapted from my Baked Macaroni and Cheese

plated Smoked Macaroni and Cheese with a title

close up of Smoked Macaroni and Cheese on a fork with a title

close up of Smoked Macaroni and Cheese with a title

Smoked Macaroni and Cheese on a plate and close up with writing

plated Smoked Macaroni and Cheese with writing

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About the author

I am a wife, mother of two, and professional accountant. I love fantastic food, and it is so often the center of our lives, from everyday dinner, to family gatherings, and special evenings at fabulous restaurants. I have always loved cooking and baking, with my mom and grandma, and now, with my daughter and son. I love trying new recipes while enjoying my favorites too. I’m so happy to share them with you.
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  1. I’ve made this recipe many times now and it’s always a family favorite!!!
    Such yummy flavors and easy to do… we do use the aluminum pan and my son puts it on his grill to make it.
    Thanks again!! Happy Easter

    1. Same to you, Happy Easter Jerri Ann! I’m so happy to hear that your family loves this smoked macaroni and cheese so much. It’s always a hit here too!