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A cast iron skillet filled with creamy smoked mac and cheese topped with crispy bacon bits

Bacon Smoked Mac and Cheese

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 680 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 12 ounces thick -cut bacon, diced
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all -purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 8 ounces smoked gouda cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the smoker to 225°F (107°C) using hickory or applewood pellets.
  • Boil macaroni in salted water for 2 minutes less than the package directions for al dente; drain and set aside.
  • In a skillet over medium heat, fry diced bacon until crisp. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, reserving 1 tablespoon of bacon fat.
  • In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt butter and reserved bacon fat over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes to create a blond roux.
  • Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and reaches a light simmer.
  • Reduce heat to low and incorporate cream cheese, 6 ounces of cheddar, and 6 ounces of gouda. Stir until the sauce is smooth.
  • Season the cheese sauce with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Fold the undercooked macaroni and two-thirds of the bacon into the cheese sauce.
  • Transfer the mixture to a greased 10-inch cast iron skillet or a 9x13 inch aluminum pan.
  • Top with the remaining shredded cheddar, gouda, and bacon bits.
  • Place the pan in the smoker and cook for 60 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the top is lightly golden.
  • Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes at room temperature before serving to allow the sauce to set.