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smoked mac and cheese in cast iron with spoon on side
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Smoked Mac and Cheese Recipe

HOW to smoke a creamy, cheesy, and bacon....y mac and cheese. Let's be honest, this dish goes well with EVERYTHING!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Type Smoked Side Dishes
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings 10 servings
Calories 574kcal
Author Will
Cost $20

Ingredients

  • 1 lb elbow pasta
  • 3 cups mild cheddar
  • 1.5 cups gouda cheese
  • 3 cups milk whole
  • ¾ cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup butter
  • 4 tablespoon flour
  • 3 strips bacon cooked and crumbled

Instructions

  • Cook pasta 1 minute less than recommended time on package. Strain and set aside
  • Pre-heat smoker to 425°F and cook bacon for 10-15 minutes until done directly on smoker grate. Make sure cast iron pan is in smoker to pre-heat as well.
  • Turn off pellet smoker or lower temperature to 225°F in offset smoker.
  • Add butter to the pan and allow to melt. Once melted, stir in flour and whisk around until no clumps.
  • Pour in milk, garlic powder, and sour cream and mix until thickened and bubbling.
  • Add cheese and mix until a thick cheesy sauce is achieved.
  • Mix in cooked pasta and cook thoroughly.
  • Turn on smoker to 225°F and top the pan of mac and cheese with the crumbled bacon.
  • Smoke for 45 minutes and serve.

Notes

  • Use a thick cut bacon like Wrights. It gives a great bite with the soft macaroni.
  • Don't wash your cast iron pan with dish soap when cleaning up. Simply use hot water and a sponge.
  • You can substitute half and half instead of sour cream if needed.
  • Add 2 diced jalapenos for a little spice!
  • Turning off the pellet smoker instead of just lowering the temperature while mixing the ingredients in the cast iron will stop the smoker from trying to maintain temp with the top open. This will prevent a temperature spike when smoking for the final 45 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 574kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 101mg | Sodium: 634mg | Potassium: 343mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 789IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 619mg | Iron: 1mg