Smoked Macaroni and Cheese with Smoked Gouda and Crispy Bacon

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Rich macaroni and cheese enhanced by smoked Gouda and topped with crispy smoked bacon for a smoky, cheesy comfort food classic. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 95 minutes pairs elbow macaroni, unsalted butter, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 75 min Serves 6 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 oz elbow macaroni for 8 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large saucepan, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 2 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
  3. Step 3: Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 8 oz shredded smoked Gouda, 4 oz shredded sharp cheddar, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
  5. Step 5: Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and mix well.
  6. Step 6: Preheat smoker to 225°F and add 2 cups soaked hickory wood chips.
  7. Step 7: Transfer macaroni and cheese to a buttered 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup panko breadcrumbs and 6 slices cooked chopped smoked bacon evenly over the top.
  8. Step 8: Place the dish in the smoker and smoke for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the top is golden brown and crispy.
  9. Step 9: Remove from the smoker and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Macaroni and Cheese with Smoked Gouda and Crispy Bacon take to make?

Total time is about 95 minutes (20 min prep + 75 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Smoked Macaroni and Cheese with Smoked Gouda and Crispy Bacon?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep elbow macaroni from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Macaroni and Cheese with Smoked Gouda and Crispy Bacon?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Smoked Macaroni and Cheese with Smoked Gouda and Crispy Bacon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Smoked Macaroni and Cheese with Smoked Gouda and Crispy Bacon?

American bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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