Smoked Mac and Cheese

🧀 Smoked Four-Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese

Ultra-creamy, smoky, and topped with a bubbly golden crust, this mac and cheese layers five kinds of cheese into one unforgettable dish. Perfect for gatherings, cozy dinners, or any time you're craving rich comfort food.

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📝 Ingredients

For the Pasta & Cheese

• 1 lb dried elbow macaroni

• 2 cups grated medium cheddar

• 1 cup grated smoked mozzarella

• 1 cup grated smoked cheddar

• 1 cup grated white cheddar

• 1 cup grated mozzarella

For the Sauce

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 3 ½ cups half and half

• 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk

• 1¼ tsp smoked paprika

• ¾ tsp garlic powder

• ¾ tsp onion powder

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

• ¼ tsp dry mustard powder

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• ½ tsp ground black pepper

For Topping

• 2 Tbsp chopped parsley (garnish)

• Additional smoked paprika (for dusting)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prep the Oven & Dish

• Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).

• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray and set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta

• Boil the elbow macaroni according to package directions, but cook it 2–3 minutes less than the full time.

• Drain and set aside (it’ll finish cooking in the oven).

3. Mix the Cheese

• In a large bowl, combine:

  • Medium cheddar

  • Smoked mozzarella

  • Smoked cheddar

  • White cheddar

  • Mozzarella

• Toss to blend evenly.

• Set aside 2 cups of this cheese mixture for the topping.

4. Make the Cheese Sauce

• In a large pot over medium-high heat, melt the butter.

• Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to form a smooth roux.

• Slowly pour in the half and half and evaporated milk, whisking to combine and remove lumps.

• Cook, whisking often, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

5. Add Cheese & Seasonings

• Lower the heat to medium.

• Stir in the remaining cheese mixture until fully melted.

• Add in:

  • Smoked paprika

  • Garlic powder

  • Onion powder

  • Nutmeg

  • Mustard powder

  • Salt & pepper

• Stir until smooth.

6. Combine with Pasta

• Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and gently fold until every piece is well coated.

7. Assemble & Bake

• Pour the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.

• Sprinkle the reserved 2 cups of cheese evenly over the surface.

• Dust with a bit of smoked paprika for extra flavor and color.

• Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling.

8. Serve

• Let cool slightly.

• Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm!

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🔥 Pro Tips

• Use block cheese, not pre-shredded, for a smoother melt.

• For added texture, sprinkle on buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking.

• Want a deeper smoky flavor? Add a dash of liquid smoke or crisp bacon bits.