Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, smoked mac and cheese is an easy dish that makes the tastebuds sing! The mixture on its own is fantastic and can be cooked in the oven, but to get that coveted BBQ flavor, we will get some quality time in the smoker. This recipe can be a side dish or the main course if you add pork belly or brisket! Feel free to adjust the smoke times and cheeses used to get a flavor that is perfect for you. If you do not have access to a smoker and will be using an oven, simply add a scant teaspoon of liquid smoke to the mixture or use smoked cheese.
Those Florida Guys seasonings used in this recipe:
Yields: 6-8 Servings | Prep Time: 25 Minutes | Total Time: 70 Minutes
Ingredients:
1 lb. elbow shaped pasta
1 lb. thick cut bacon (smoked pork belly works too!)
1 stick salted butter
½ c. all-purpose flour
12 oz. whipped cream cheese (smoother melting)
3 tbs. Those Florida Guys FL All-Purp
3 tbs. Those Florida Guys FL Errthang
8 oz. extra sharp cheddar (shredded)
8 oz. Gouda (shredded)
4 oz. Romano (shredded)
5 c. milk
Process:
**resist the urge to use smoked cheese as it tends to overpower and become bitter after the smoke bath**
1 | Cook the pasta al dente, per instructions on the box. Drain and set aside.
2 | Chop the bacon, apply 1 tbs. FL All-Purp, and cook in a skillet on medium heat, right until crispy, about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3 | In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the flour. Cook for approximately 2 minutes on medium heat until a light roux is formed.
4 | Whisk in the milk and bring to a boil, taking caution not to scald the milk.
5 | Reduce heat to low and stir in whipped cream cheese, and 2 tbs. FL All-Purp. Mix until completely smooth.
6 | Bring the smoker up to 275 degrees.
7 | Oil or butter the inside of the foil pan completely to avoid the cheese sticking.
8 | In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheeses, sauce, and pasta. Mix until the sauce is thoroughly incorporated with the pasta.
**pasta that is uncoated or sticking above the sauce can become hard and inedible**
9 | Spoon the pasta mixture into an aluminum pan or baking dish. We used 8x8 aluminum pan.
10 | Sprinkle 3 tbs. FL Errthang evenly over the pasta. You can sprinkle additional cheese here if desired.
11 | Smoke for 30-45 minutes until the mac and cheese is starting to bubble.
12 | Let cool on the counter for 5-10 minutes.
13 | Serve and enjoy!