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Ratings: (4.9/5 based on 300 reviews) Servings: 6 Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 1 hour Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes The smoked mac and cheese recipe takes everything that you adore about the creamy, cheesy classic and mixes it with a rich, smoky flavor that brings barbeque magic to your table. With this blend of smokiness, and mac and cheese, your ultimate comfort food turns into something extraordinary. This recipe is perfect for a summer cookout or even for a cozy winter meal for any occasion. This smoky delight will be a huge hit at your events. Smoked Mac and Cheese Recipe – Backstory Origin – The origin of macaroni and cheese can be traced back centuries across various continents. Although, Italy stands out among them all. The early recipes of pasta with a cheesy sauce can be found in Italian cookbooks from the 13th century although it was not until the 18th century that we saw mac and cheese gain popularity in Europe and North America. As for the United States, it is often said that Thomas Jefferson was the one who popularized mac and cheese after tasting it in Europe. He used to serve it at White House dinners. Soon over time, the pasta dish evolved into the comfort food that we know today. Inspiration – Smoked mac and cheese is inspired by the intersection of classic comfort food and the barbeque culture. We know how smoking is often used to enhance the flavor of meats but when we do the same to creamy dishes such as mac and cheese, it creates an unexpected twist. This recipe adds a smoky depth to the traditional cheese sauce and takes it to a whole new level. It is perfect for the taste palette of both, cheese lovers and BBQ fans alike. This recipe is also suitable for vegans and vegetarians who would usually crave a smoky-flavoured dish the likes of meat or chicken. It could be served as a star on the dinner table or even a side dish. Popularity – The smoked mac and cheese recipe has come in handy during festivals or in BBQ restaurants where diners are looking for unique and elevated comfort food. There are more people now who are experimenting with smokers at home and smoked mac and cheese brings a level of sophistication to casual gatherings. It has a very unique flavour profile thus appealing to a wide range of palettes. It is no surprise that with its creamy texture and smoky aromas while also containing molten cheese, smoked mac and cheese steals the show. Ingredients For the Mac and Cheese: For Smoking: Also read: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: 1 Cheesy Meaty Italian Bowl Of Happiness Instructions Step 1: Cook the MacaroniTake a large pot and fill it with a little salt and enough water for your macaroni. Add the elbow macaroni and cook it until it is al dente as per the timing and instructions given on the packaging. After it is done, drain the water and set the macaroni aside. Step 2: The Cheese SauceTake a large sauce and melt butter over medium heat. Add flour to the same and whisk continuously to avoid burning. As soon as the flour forms a roux, slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream. Continuously whisk the mixture until it is smooth and begins to thicken after about 5 minutes. Step 3: Add the cheesesNow reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar, gouda, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan. Stir it all continuously until the cheese melts and mixes. Season the sauce with salt and pepper as or taste. After it is done and thick, remove from heat. Step 4: Combine macaroni and sauceAdd the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the entire batch of pasta is coated in the sauce. Now transfer the mixture to a cast iron skillet or you can also use an oven-safe baking dish. Step 5: Prepare the smoker or grillNow preheat your smoker or grill to 225°F (105°C). To create smoke, place the soaked woodchips in the smoker box or place them directly on the coals if you are using a charcoal grill to create smoke. Step 6: Smoke the mac and cheesePlace the skillet or baking dish with mac and cheese onto the smoker or the grill. Close the grill and let it smoke for about an hour which will allow the cheese sauce to absorb the smoky flavour. Step 7: Add toppings (optional)To give your mac and cheese an extra crunch, you can add bread crumbs to the dish during the last 10-15 minutes of smoking. This will give the dish a golden crispy finish. Step 8: Serve and EnjoyRemove the smoked mac and cheese carefully from the smoker and let it rest for a few minutes. You can serve it all hot and garnish with extra cheese if needed. Nutritional Value Per Serving Also read: Cheeseburger Pasta: A One-Pot Delight for Easy, Comforting Dinners Healthy Pasta Sauce: 1 Of The Best Creamy Wonders