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Traeger Smoked Mac and Cheese First Image

Smoked Mac and Cheese


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  • Author: Chef John
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This smoked mac and cheese features a creamy, cheesy interior and a crunchy top, perfect for gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni or cellentani pasta
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 23 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded gouda cheese
  • 1 cup shredded gruyère cheese
  • cooking oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat smoker to 225 degrees.
  2. Cook the pasta in a large pot in accordance with the instructions on the package.
  3. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water.
  4. Heat a saucepan or skillet on medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt.
  5. Once melted, add the flour and whisk.
  6. This will create a roux. Continue to whisk until the flour is fully combined.
  7. Add the milk and heavy whipping cream and stir.
  8. Add half of all of the shredded cheeses and stir until the cheese is melted.
  9. Add the onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Taste repeatedly and adjust spices if necessary.
  10. Return the pasta to the large pot. Drizzle the cheese sauce over the pasta and stir until fully combined.
  11. Spray a 12 inch cast iron with cooking oil or use a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  12. Begin to layer in the pasta, starting with pasta, then a layer of remaining shredded cheese.
  13. Add another layer of pasta, and then another layer of cheese.
  14. Smoke for 1-2 hours until the cheese on top has melted. It will take 50-60 minutes to cook on the smoker.
  15. For a stronger smoky flavor, cook for around 2 hours.
  16. For a crunchy top, broil in the oven for 3 minutes once finished smoking.

Notes

  • You can adjust the amount of milk based on your preference for thickness.
  • If you prefer a smoky flavor, increase the amount of smoked paprika.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Smoking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 40g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg