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Smoke Mac and Cheese is a delicious and inventive variation of classic comfort food. Its smoky essence adds a new dimension to the creamy and cheesy base, creating a delightful fusion of flavors.
The possibilities are endless with Smoke mac and cheese, allowing chefs and home cooks to personalize their Smoke mac and cheese creation.
Mac and Cheese is a beloved comfort food that has been enjoyed by countless people around the world for generations. Its creamy texture and cheesy goodness make it a perennial favorite. However, for those seeking to add a unique and smoky twist to this timeless dish, smoke mac, and cheese offers an exciting and flavorful variation. Infusing the dish with the tantalizing essence of smoke elevates mac and cheese to new levels of culinary delight.
For more Balcony Cooking Series check out:
Tools I Use to Make Smoke Cajun Chicken Wings:
Ninja WOODFIRE Grill
BBQr’s Delight Wood Smoking Pellets (Jack Daniels)
Different ways to make Smoke Mac and Cheese?
Making smoke mac and cheese involves using smoke ingredients like bacon or ham to add a rich and savory flavor. The choice of smoking technique depends on personal preference and the desired intensity of flavor. However, with this method, the mac and cheese is cooked traditionally and then smoke using a Ninja Woodfire outdoor grill.
What ingredients will I need?
This recipe uses simple ingredients that you can find at your local grocery store.
Macaroni – Elbow macaroni is my favorite. However, any pasta of choice can be used.
Cheese – Gouda cheese, mozzarella cheese, and sharp cheddar
Condiments – I use unsalted butter, black pepper, truffle oil, chili oil, smoke paprika, and garlic powder.
Cream – Heavy whipping cream to help with the creamy texture.
How to make Smoke Mac and Cheese?
Toss together sharp cheddar and mozzarella, and divide into 3 piles. Use 1/2 cup for sauce, 1/2 cup for inner layer, and 1/2 cup for toppings. Boil water, add pasta, and cook for 1 min less than the package says. Drain pasta and drizzle with coconut oil. Melt butter, and pour in heavy cream.
Whisk constantly until smooth. Stir in spices and 1/2 cup of cheese. Add another 1/2 cup of cheese and stir until smooth. Add chili and truffle oil. Combine drained pasta with cheese sauce. Pour some of the pasta mixture into the skillet just to cover the bottom. Top with cheese, then top that with the remaining pasta mixture. Sprinkle the top with cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes.
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The Recipe:
Smoke Mac and Cheese
A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish
Ingredients
Water for boiling
1 1/2 Cups elbow macaroni
4 oz Gouda Cheese cut into cubes
1 Cup heavy whipping Cream
1 Cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 Tablespoon unsalted butter
1 Cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 Teaspoon garlic Powder
1 Teaspoon black Pepper
Dash of smoked paprika
1 Tablespoon truffle oil
1 Tablespoon chili oil
Instructions
1. To begin, carefully position the grill grate on top of the heating element and press down gently until it sits in place. Once in position, close the hood and select BAKE on the dial. You should see the SMOKE icon already displayed on the screen. Next, set the temperature to 250 and the time to 25-30 minutes. Finally, press START/STOP to begin preheating, which typically takes 8-10 minutes.
2. Divide the sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into three equal piles. Use 1/2 cup of each pile for the sauce, inner layer, and toppings.
3. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add dried pasta, and cook for 1 minute less than the package directions for al dente. Drain and toss with a little bit of coconut oil to prevent sticking.
4. While water is coming up to a boil, melt butter in a large saucepan over MED heat. Slowly pour in about 1 cup heavy whipping cream whisking constantly, until smooth. Continue to heat over MED heat, whisking very often, until thickened to a very thick consistency.
5. Next, remove from the heat and stir in spices and 1/2 cup of the cheese, stirring to melt and combine. Stir in another 1/2 cup of cheese, and stir until completely melted and smooth then add chili and truffle oil.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine drained pasta with cheese sauce, stirring to combine fully. Pour some of the pasta mixture into the skillet just to cover the bottom. Top with enough cheese, then top that with the remaining pasta mixture.
7. Finally, sprinkle the top with cheese and smoke for 25-30 minutes, until the cheesy is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
