CREAMY SMOKED MAC AND CHEESE RECIPES

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil, add the pasta then follow package directions, but cook 1 minute less than the package calls for. Drain.
• Meanwhile, make the creamy cheese sauce. Melt the butter in a large high-sided pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk the butter and flour together and around the pan until they smell toasted and look light brown; 2 to 3 minutes.
• While whisking, pour in the warm milk. Continue to cook, constantly whisking until the sauce begins to simmer and thickens. (The sauce only thickens after it has reached a simmer.)
• Turn the heat to low then stir in the cheddar and cream cheeses, salt, and black pepper. When the sauce is smooth and velvety, stir in the cooked pasta. If the sauce looks wet/thin, don’t worry, the pasta absorbs some the extra moisture as it cools. Turn the heat off, and then cover with a lid. Leave for 5 minutes, stir once more, and then serve.
• After adding the pasta to the cheese sauce, spoon into a large baking dish, scatter breadcrumbs (optional), and more shredded cheese on top. Bake, uncovered, in a 375-degree Fahrenheit oven until bubbling and browned on top; 25 to 30 minutes.

Steps:

• Cook the pasta to al dente according to the package directions. Meanwhile, make the cheese sauce: You can make the sauce in a saucepan (easiest but one more dish to clean) or right in a large cast iron skillet that can go straight from stove to smoker. Melt the butter then whisk in the flour until it's smooth. Whisk in the mustard powder. Whisk in the milk and half & half, bring it just to a boil, turn off the heat and stir in the softened cream cheese. Add the shredded cheese in small handfuls and whisk it until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Toss the pasta and sauce together until all of the elbow macaroni noodles are coated. If you're using any mix-ins, add them now (see the post for suggestions). Pour the mixture into the pan you're using to go on the smoker. Prepare your chosen topping and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the mac and cheese mixture. For the smoker: Place the pan into the smoker and keep it at a steady 225F temperature for an hour. You can leave it up to 2 hours if you prefer a stronger smoke flavor. For the grill: Add a few pieces of smoking wood to the charcoal. Keep the temperature as close to 225F as you can and cook over indirect heat for an hour. If you have trouble keeping the temperature that low, check it often to be sure the mac and cheese isn't drying out.