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

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.

Equipment for this recipe

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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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