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    Home » Side Dishes

    Published: May 11, 2021 · Modified: Nov 2, 2021 by Pam

    One Pan Smoked Mac and Cheese

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    Smoked Mac and Cheese takes a favorite dish and infuses it with smoky flavor. Starting with uncooked noodles makes it extra easy.

    smoked mac and cheese in skillet

    LOVE SMOKY FLAVORS? THEN YOU’LL LOVE THIS SMOKED MAC AND CHEESE

    There is absolutely nothing wrong with a traditional, old fashioned macaroni and cheese. In fact, we have a recipe here that was inspired by the way my Mama made it. I worked for years trying to recreate hers, and finally got it pretty darn close.

    But if you want to take that favorite dish and bring it into the world of smoky flavors this is the recipe for you. It’s really easy and we help keep it that way with all the tips you need.

    Besides pasta we’ve also got you covered with Smoked Baked Beans, Smoked Vegetables, Smoked Sweet Potatoes and Smoked Beef Short Ribs. We even have a recipe for Smoked Queso Dip. Make your whole meal on the smoker!

    With just a little space on the smoker rack you can add a piece of fish. It will make Smoked Fish Dip that is completely amazing!

    Can you really get the smoky flavor throughout the mac and cheese?

    YES! This is accomplished by not just “baking” like you would in an oven but actually “cooking” in the smoker. Every twenty minutes or you’ll give it a stir. This brings all of the ingredients to the surface giving an opportunity to truly infuse the smoke flavor through and through.

    close up of spoonful of smoked mac and cheese

    Cooked on the smoker or grill in similar fashion are Smoked Vegetables. You can use whatever you have on hand and get that rich smoky flavor in your veggies too.

    Starting with uncooked pasta is key

    If you did all of that cooking and stirring with cooked noodles you’d end up with mush by the time it was over. So beginning with uncooked pasta not only makes this dish super easy, it’s really necessary to make a perfectly prepared smoked mac and cheese.

    Because the noodles are not boiled first you’ll begin with lots of liquid. As you stir and smoke the liquid will slowly be absorbed into the pasta.

    FAQ’s about smoking macaroni and cheese

    What is the best cheese combination?

    We like a combination of sharp cheddar cheese and smoked gouda. But you can use any good melting-type cheese and even adding a hard cheese like parmesan, will put a slightly different spin on the flavor.

    What is the best dish to use?

    Hands down our favorite is a 10 inch cast iron skillet. It holds up to the heat and smoke best of all. You can use a disposable aluminum pan but we advise keeping the heat of your smoker at the low end of the recommended range due to a lack of insulation.

    Should I use freshly grated cheese or pre-grated?

    We always recommend freshly grated. It melts better, tastes better and lacks the additives needed to keep the shreds separated. Our Cheese Tartlets, Sausage Balls and Potato Gratin with Aged Gouda just wouldn’t be the same without freshly grated cheese.

    What type of wood is best?

    Our favorite woods for smoking this dish are pecan and apple. Use whatever you like to smoke with but keep in mind that mac and cheese is a more delicate dish than a big piece of meat like Smoked Ham on Big Green Egg or Barbecue Pork. The pasta will really soak up that smoke flavor.

    How much time should I allow to make smoked mac and cheese?

    A good rule of thumb is 2 hours, but it will vary. We’re giving you a range of temperatures, though you definitely want to keep your smoker on the low side. Even so, the time will depend on how steady the heat remains in your smoker and the size of the noodles.

    Keep in mind that you want to make smoked macaroni and cheese alone or when cooking meat at lower temperatures. Medium heat and above won’t give great results.

    So how will I know when it’s done?

    When the dish overall goes from being liquid-y to creamy check a piece of pasta for doneness. As long as it’s cooked to your liking (anywhere from al dente to soft and tender) you can then top your mac and cheese with the final sprinkle of cheese, seasoning and breadcrumbs. Give it just enough additional time to melt the cheese on top.

    This recipe made the suggested list for the Backyard BBQ Menu Ideas. You’ll want to visit for lots of other recipes as well as tips, tricks and planning help for your cookout.

    iron skillet of smoked mac and cheese

    One Pan Smoked Mac and Cheese

    Pam
    Smoked Mac and Cheese takes a favorite dish and infuses it with smoky flavor. Starting with uncooked noodles makes it extra easy.
    4.94 from 31 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings 10 servings
    Calories 431 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 8 ounces freshly grated cheddar cheese
    • 6 ounces freshly grated Gouda cheese smoked or regular
    • 6 ounces cream cheese cut into small pieces
    • 3 Tablespoons butter cut into 3-4 pieces
    • 3 cups half and half***
    • 8 ounces elbow or mini penne pasta
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon bbq spice rub blend optional
    • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika optional
    • 2 Tablespoons panko breadcrumbs optional

    Instructions
     

    • Place butter in dish (preferably 10 inch cast iron skillet) and set in smoker heated to about 225-250 degrees until butter melts.
    • Set aside about ⅓-1/2 cup of grated cheese for topping.
    • Remove from heat and add noodles, half-and-half, cheeses and black pepper, stirring until well combined.
    • Return skillet to smoker and smoke for approximately 2 hours, stirring every 20 minutes.
    • At about 1 and ½ hours the mixture should be creamy with much of the liquid absorbed. Top with remaining cheese, spice blend mixed with paprika (if desired) and breadcrumbs (if desired).
    • Return to smoker for final 20-25 minutes.

    Notes

    *** half and half is a blend of milk and cream

    Nutrition

    Calories: 431kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 16gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 94mgSodium: 428mgPotassium: 216mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 939IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 384mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    spoonful of smoked mac and cheese over skillet

    If you make this or any of our recipes we’d love for you to leave us a comment and star rating. If you’re into sharing your creations, snap a photo and tag us when you post it to Facebook or Instagram.

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    Categories: Cast Iron Side Dishes Tags: side dish

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lindsay says

      May 11, 2021 at 10:12 am

      5 stars
      Yum! We got a smoker last year and have been trying all sorts of things in it. Adding this to the list for this summer!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        May 11, 2021 at 10:41 am

        It’s amazing what all you can use your smoker for, isn’t it?

        Reply
    2. Jenny says

      May 11, 2021 at 10:33 am

      5 stars
      This mac n cheese is worth the wait! It’s so creamy and has just the right level of smoked flavor. Cheddar and smoked gouda are the perfect cheese combo to use.

      Reply
      • Pam says

        May 11, 2021 at 10:41 am

        Awww… thanks so much for letting us know Jenny!

        Reply
    3. Michelle says

      May 11, 2021 at 10:44 am

      5 stars
      Love the idea of adding smoked cheese — just adds that extra dimension of flavour! Yum! My boys would love it!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        May 11, 2021 at 1:37 pm

        The smoked cheese is good, but cooking it in the smoker is where it gets the most of the smoked flavor.

        Reply
    4. Alison says

      May 11, 2021 at 10:45 am

      5 stars
      I love making a smoky mac and cheese! I always add a touch of paprika to mac and cheese, but this is even better!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        May 11, 2021 at 1:38 pm

        Lots of smoke flavor in this one!

        Reply
    5. Andrea says

      May 11, 2021 at 11:26 am

      5 stars
      Wow! This is flavor packed deliciousness right here!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        May 11, 2021 at 1:38 pm

        Thanks Andrea!

        Reply
    6. Jill says

      June 15, 2021 at 10:03 am

      5 stars
      This is definitely a macaroni and cheese recipe I need to try. YUM!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        June 15, 2021 at 10:14 am

        You’ll love it!

        Reply
    7. Alisa Infanti says

      June 15, 2021 at 10:26 am

      5 stars
      I love the crispy edges this gets from being done in a pan like this. Yum

      Reply
      • Pam says

        June 15, 2021 at 10:28 am

        …and the smoky flavor is just the best! Thanks Alisa.

        Reply
    8. Jessica Formicola says

      June 15, 2021 at 11:18 am

      5 stars
      One pan meals are my absolute favorite! This mac and cheese looks delicious, and that smoked flavor is amazing!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        June 15, 2021 at 11:22 am

        Thanks, Jessica! We’d have to agree.

        Reply
    9. Alison says

      June 15, 2021 at 12:26 pm

      5 stars
      Ultra cheesy with a smoky finish, and a crips top! Perfection!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        June 15, 2021 at 1:18 pm

        Wow! Thanks so much for your kind words Allison. We really appreciate you taking the time to leave a rating and a comment.

        Reply
    10. Jessica Formicola says

      July 12, 2021 at 10:05 am

      5 stars
      Any time I can make a meal in one pan, I’m sold! And that smoky flavor is out of this world!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        July 12, 2021 at 11:44 am

        Thanks so much!

        Reply
    11. Lauren Michael Harris says

      July 12, 2021 at 10:23 am

      5 stars
      This recipe is all the proof that I need that my husband is not using his smoker to its maximum ability! I’m just going to have to take the smoking into my own hands because this smoked mac and cheese recipe HAS to happen – sounds amazing!!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        July 12, 2021 at 11:43 am

        Thanks, Lauren! We just posted Smoked Vegetables as well.

        Reply
    12. Natalie says

      July 12, 2021 at 10:29 am

      5 stars
      My son loves mac & cheese. I bet he’s gonna love this! I never tried adding smoking paprika to my recipe. I’m excited to give that a try. Looks really delicious.

      Reply
      • Pam says

        July 12, 2021 at 11:42 am

        Thank you, Natalie!

        Reply
    13. Beth says

      July 12, 2021 at 10:36 am

      5 stars
      Oh wow! This mac and cheese is our favorite to make along with burgers or chicken! Such a flavorful and tasty smoked mac and cheese! Definitely making this again very soon!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        July 12, 2021 at 11:42 am

        Thanks for your kind words!

        Reply
    14. sue says

      July 12, 2021 at 11:18 am

      5 stars
      This seals the deal…I’ve got to get a smoker!!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        July 12, 2021 at 11:42 am

        Do it! You won’t regret it.

        Reply
    15. Kristen Wood says

      September 02, 2021 at 6:04 pm

      5 stars
      This was a real winner with my kiddos! Thank you for the delicious recipe. 🙂

      Reply
      • Pam says

        September 02, 2021 at 6:17 pm

        Thank you for letting us know, Kristen!

        Reply
    16. Beth says

      September 02, 2021 at 6:49 pm

      5 stars
      This mac and cheese is one of our all time favorites, and absolutely delicious flavors! My family is going to love having this again!

      Reply
    17. Nart at Cooking with Nart says

      September 02, 2021 at 8:47 pm

      5 stars
      I love anything one pan and this recipe is beyond satisfying and comforting! Definitely a keeper for me 🙂

      Reply
    18. Jamie says

      September 02, 2021 at 9:13 pm

      5 stars
      The smoke flavor is really delicious with this mac and cheese! It adds such a savory element that makes it stand out!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        September 03, 2021 at 12:08 pm

        Thanks, Jamie! We think so too.

        Reply
    19. Anjali says

      September 02, 2021 at 9:15 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is comfort food at its best!!! Love the smoky flavor too – makes it even more addicting and delicious!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        September 03, 2021 at 12:08 pm

        Yay! We love a good smoky flavor too.

        Reply
    20. Maria says

      September 03, 2021 at 2:25 am

      5 stars
      I tried cooking one pan mac and cheese before and failed miserably. Maybe I should try again but this time using this recipe!

      Reply
    21. HANS says

      November 23, 2021 at 3:31 pm

      If you double the recipe does the cooktime change?

      Reply
      • Pam says

        November 23, 2021 at 7:15 pm

        As long as you don’t put it in a deeper dish I wouldn’t think so.

        Reply
    22. Sheli says

      October 02, 2022 at 8:49 pm

      3 stars
      This is really good but I did something wrong. Since I didn’t have half and half, I used milk and heavy cream. The heavy cream scalded I think because I turned up the smoker since the cast iron takes so long to heat up. After it cooked, there was a ton of oil and even after I soaked a bunch up with paper towels, it still has a lot of oil. I wonder if that is from the cream too. Anyway, I lived coming it all in one pot, but will make adjustments next time to make sure it comes out like yours.

      Reply
      • Pam says

        October 04, 2022 at 8:51 am

        Thanks for your comments Sheli. This is a slow process and can’t be rushed for sure. Star ratings on our recipes are very important, and since you know you made changes that most likely had a negative impact we would really appreciate you re-thinking your star rating. Thank you!

        Reply

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