Description

Memorial Day Smoked Mac and Cheese is an indulgent twist on a beloved classic that combines creamy cheeses with a delightful smoky flavor. This crowd-pleasing dish, topped with crispy breadcrumbs and baked to perfection, is perfect for summer gatherings and will have your family and friends coming back for seconds. Easy to prepare yet packed with rich flavors, this mac and cheese will elevate your outdoor celebrations to new heights.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound elbow macaroni
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup smoked gouda cheese, shredded
2 cups whole milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente (7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour for about one minute, then gradually add the milk while whisking until smooth.
Stir in the cheddar and gouda cheeses until melted; season with salt and pepper.
Combine the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well-coated.
Transfer to a greased baking dish, topping with panko and Parmesan cheese.
Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C) and smoke for about an hour until bubbly and golden brown.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 380
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: Customize by adding crispy bacon bits or sautéed vegetables for extra flavor. Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or mozzarella for added complexity. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.