Smoked Mac and Cheese

Name: Smoked Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 2 casseroles (8 servings each)
Ingredients: 6 cups small pasta shells; 12 ounces Velveeta, cut into small cubes; 2 cups shredded smoked cheddar cheese, divided; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup 2% milk; 4 large eggs, lightly beaten; 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream; 2/3 cup half-and-half cream; 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese; 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke, optional; Dash cayenne pepper, optional; 8 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled, optional

Total Time Prep: 40 min. Grill: 20 min. + standing

Yield 2 casseroles (8 servings each)

Contest Winner

Test Kitchen Approved

Mac and cheese is classic kids' food, but smoked mac and cheese is the perfect comfort food for adults and kids alike. Prep the grill, and let's get smoking.

Ingredients

6 cups small pasta shells
12 ounces Velveeta, cut into small cubes
2 cups shredded smoked cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup 2% milk
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
2/3 cup half-and-half cream
1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
1/2 cup shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke, optional
Dash cayenne pepper, optional
8 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled, optional

Directions

Preheat grill or smoker to 350°. Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Stir in Velveeta, 1 cup smoked cheddar, cheddar cheese, milk, eggs, heavy cream, half-and-half, provolone, Colby-Monterey Jack, pepper jack, salt, pepper, paprika and, if desired, liquid smoke and cayenne pepper.
Transfer to 2 greased 13x9-in. baking pans; sprinkle with remaining 1 cup smoked cheddar cheese. Place on grill or smoker rack. Grill or smoke, uncovered for 20 minutes. Cover and rotate pans; continue cooking until a thermometer reads at least 160°, 10-15 minutes longer. Do not overcook. Let stand 10 minutes before serving; if desired, sprinkle with bacon.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 403 calories, 23g fat (13g saturated fat), 117mg cholesterol, 670mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.

I found this smoked mac and cheese recipe, and I kept working with the ingredients until I discovered the perfect combination. You can bake it in the oven, too. —Stacey Dull, Gettysburg, Ohio

Recipe Creator