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creamy smoked mac and cheese with smoked gouda

Best Smoked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Ultra-creamy smoked mac and cheese made with sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, and cream cheese — finished on the smoker for deep, woodsy flavor and a golden panko crust.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni or cavatappi
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar freshly shredded
  • 8 oz smoked gouda freshly shredded
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dry mustard
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp melted butter for topping
  • 2 tbsp parmesan grated

Equipment

  • Smoker or pellet grill (or oven)
  • 12-inch cast iron skillet or 9x13 baking dish
  • Large saucepan or Dutch oven
  • Whisk
  • Box grater

Method
 

  1. Preheat smoker to 225°F with applewood or pecan chips.
  2. Cook pasta until just under al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Make roux: melt butter, whisk in flour, cook 2 min.
  4. Add milk and cream slowly, whisk until thickened (5 min).
  5. Melt in cream cheese, then cheddar and gouda in batches.
  6. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, mustard, paprika, salt, pepper.
  7. Fold in pasta. Transfer to cast iron skillet.
  8. Mix panko with melted butter and parmesan; sprinkle on top.
  9. Smoke uncovered at 225°F for 60–90 minutes until golden.
  10. Rest 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Always shred cheese fresh — pre-shredded won't melt as smoothly.
  • Add crumbled bacon or jalapeños before smoking for extra flavor.
  • Can be made 2 days ahead; refrigerate covered and add 15–20 min to smoke time.
  • Oven option: bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes.
Nutrition (per serving, approx.):
  • Calories: 480
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sodium: 520mg