The Fourth of July is coming up, and you’re probably scrambling to compile the best BBQ recipes to use while grilling out. Mac n cheese is a crowd favorite and using a “smoked” recipe ensures that the flavors are rich, creamy, and smokey. If you’re ready to bring the side dish that everyone will love, here’s are 5 recipes that’ll blow you away.
1. Smoked Mac n Cheese (without a Smoker)
This first recipe is creamy, rich, and perfectly savory with deep smokey notes. If what you’re really after is the smokey flavor that will match all other grilled foods, then this recipe has just the trick for you.
You’ll start by boiling the pasta of your choice. This recipe suggests Cavatappi noodles, but it’s totally up to you. Next, melt some butter in a pan over medium heat, and add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. You’ll use this base to create a roux with flour. The next step is adding the dairy to create a creamy cheese sauce.
For a smokey taste, make sure you buy smokey cheese like Red Apple Smoked Gouda and Smoked Cheddar. Be sure to shred the cheese by hand (but don’t use pre-shredded cheese as it’ll give you a clumpy sauce).
Some of the final touches that make this sauce special include hot sauce and mustard. You’ll mix your sauce and pasta together before putting it under the broiler for 7 minutes. Perfection!
Get the full recipe here.
2. Million Dollar Smoked Mac n Cheese
This mac and cheese recipe starts out like most others. You’ll make your pasta and craft your sauce in a pan by whisking together all of your ingredients. Where this recipe differs is what happens before you put it in the smoker.
You’ll mix your pasta and sauce together and then spoon only half into a prepared foil pan. Next, you’ll create a “sandwich” layer consisting of sliced Havarti (or Gouda) cheese over the mac and cheese. Then, spread sour cream over the cheese slices and top with the remaining mac and cheese. Top with Parmesan, bacon, and panko crumbs before placing in your smoker for 2 hours. The result is a million-dollar experience that lives up to its name!
Get the full recipe at BBQing with the Nolands.
3. Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese (Soul Food Style)
There’s a reason why people rave about the home cooking of the South! The MVP of this recipe is the smoked cheddar that helps give it all its flavor. After you taste this mac and cheese recipe, be ready for the accusations that you ordered out from your local BBQ joint.
We recommend this recipe for anyone who wants a straightforward mac and cheese recipe. Make your pasta, mix your sauce, combine, and bake. It’s as simple as that!
Get the full recipe at Divas Can Cook.
4. Creamiest Smoked Mac and Cheese
Does everyone in your house love mac and cheese with bacon? Pick this recipe! It’s a rich and creamy recipe with SO much flavor thanks to the smokey cheese and bacon flavor. Blackberry Babe has worked and experimented with this recipe over the years because they know one of the main issues with mac and cheese dishes is that you can dry it out when baking or smoking it.
Fortunately, throughout the years, they’ve perfected it with cream cheese. The cream cheese used in this recipe has helped to balance all the flavors and make it deliciously creamy! If you have a big event coming up, you can even make this mac and cheese ahead of time, store it in your fridge for 1-2 days, and then smoke when needed.
Get the full recipe at Blackberry Babe.
5. Four Cheese Smoked Mac n Cheese
Are you worried you won’t be able to get the same smokey flavor because you don’t have a true smoker! Don’t worry! Mr. Food Test Kitchen has found a way for you to achieve the same delicious smokey taste with your oven. Follow this recipe to whip up a gooey four-cheese mac and cheese recipe before covering it and baking it for 45 minutes. That technique — and cheeses like extra sharp cheddar and smoked Gouda — should give you just the taste you’re after.
Get the full recipes at Mr. Food Test Kitchen.
Final thoughts
And this concludes our list! Which smoked mac n cheese recipe are you dying to try? The various recipe types are perfect for different parties, groups, date nights, and more. If you like these recipes, be sure to check out our previously posted recipes for more ideas on great pasta dishes to make.
If you like this post, we think you’ll really like our Cheetos Mac n Cheese Recipes post.
