Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this smoky, creamy, bacon-loaded mac and cheese. Perfect for BBQ enthusiasts and cheese lovers alike, this recipe combines rich smoked Gouda, crispy bacon, and a golden crust for a dish that’s as luxurious as it is crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re hosting a cookout or craving a cozy night in, this smoked mac and cheese promises to steal the show. Let’s dive in!
Why This Mac and Cheese Recipe Works
- Smoky depth: Smoking infuses the dish with a woodsy aroma that pairs perfectly with bacon and Gouda.
- Triple-cheese creaminess: A blend of smoked Gouda, sharp cheddar, and velvety cream cheese ensures maximum richness.
- Crunchy contrast: Buttery panko and crispy bacon add texture to every bite.
Ingredients
(Serves 8–10)
Main Components
- 1 lb (450g) cavatappi pasta (or elbows)
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 3 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra decadence)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups shredded smoked Gouda
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp ground mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon & Pasta with Mac and Cheese
- Bacon: In a skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels; reserve 1 tbsp bacon fat.
- Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce with Mac and Cheese
- Roux: Melt ½ cup butter with reserved bacon fat in a large pot over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 2–3 minutes until golden.
- Dairy: Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth. Simmer 5–7 minutes until thickened.
- Cheese: Remove from heat. Stir in smoked Gouda, cheddar, cream cheese, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and ground mustard until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Assemble
- Combine cooked pasta, cheese sauce, and ¾ of the bacon. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or cast-iron skillet.
4. Add Toppings & Smoke Mac and Cheese
- Toppings: Mix panko, melted butter, and Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Smoke: Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C) using applewood or hickory. Smoke uncovered for 45 minutes, then increase heat to 350°F (177°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
5. Serve
- Garnish with remaining bacon and green onions. Serve hot!
Pro Tips for Perfection
- Bacon fat hack: Using reserved bacon fat in the roux adds smoky depth.
- Cheese texture: Let the sauce cool slightly before adding cheese to prevent graininess.
- Crispier topping: Broil for 2–3 minutes post-smoke for extra crunch.
- Make-ahead: Assemble (without smoking) up to 24 hours in advance.
3 Decadent Variations Mac and Cheese
- Truffle & Mushroom: Add 1 tbsp truffle oil and 1 cup sautéed wild mushrooms.
- Jalapeño Popper: Mix in ½ cup diced jalapeños and 4 oz cream cheese. Top with crushed tortilla chips.
- Lobster Luxe: Fold in 1 lb cooked lobster meat and garnish with chives.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: Can I make this without a smoker?
A: Yes! Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 25–30 minutes. Add ½ tsp liquid smoke to the cheese sauce.
Q: What cheese substitutes work for Gouda?
A: Try smoked mozzarella, fontina, or Gruyère. For a sharper flavor, add blue cheese crumbles.
Q: How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
A: Avoid boiling the cheese sauce. Remove from heat before stirring in cheese, and use full-fat dairy.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Swap flour for ¼ cup cornstarch + ¼ cup cold water, and use gluten-free pasta.
Q: How long do leftovers last?
A: Store in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Q: What sides pair well?
A: Serve with a crisp green salad, grilled veggies, or smoked brisket for a hearty meal.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Freeze before smoking. Thaw overnight, then smoke as directed.
Final Touch: Presentation
Serve straight from the skillet with a drizzle of hot honey or balsamic glaze for Instagram-worthy flair. Pair with a cold craft beer or crisp white wine.
Ready to impress? Tag your smoky, cheesy masterpiece with #DecadentSmokedMac—we’ll feature the best on our feed! 🧀🔥
Craving more? Try our “10 Smoked Appetizers to Wow Your Guests” for your next cookout!
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