Cast Iron Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese
Ultra-creamy three-cheese macaroni smoked in a cast iron skillet with buttery panko crust.
smoker Timer
Set for 60 mins @ 225°F (107°C)
Ingredients
Base recipe calibrated for 8 adults.
Adds to your own Kroger cart — you'll sign in with Kroger the first time. Prices and availability depend on your store. Nothing is ordered until you check out at Kroger.
Get to the Point Execution
Boil 1 lb elbow pasta 2 minutes shy of al dente; drain.
Make a cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, and cream cheese.
Fold pasta into cheese sauce in a 12-inch cast iron skillet; top with buttered panko breadcrumbs.
Smoke at 225°F for 60 minutes until bubbling with a golden crunchy smoke-kissed top.
Step-by-Step Guided Instructions
Boil 1 lb elbow macaroni in salted water for 6 minutes (about 2 minutes shy of package al dente directions). Drain and rinse briefly with cool water.
Undercooking pasta prevents it from turning mushy as it absorbs the rich cheese sauce in the smoker.
Melt 4 tbsp butter in a large pot. Whisk in 1/4 cup flour for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in 3 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream. Simmer until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 4 oz cream cheese, 2 cups sharp cheddar, and 1.5 cups smoked gouda.
Cream cheese provides sodium citrate that prevents the aged cheeses from separating into oil under smoke heat.
Fold drained macaroni into the velvety cheese sauce. Pour into a greased 12-inch cast-iron skillet. Toss 1 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp melted butter and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, then scatter evenly across the top.
Cast iron absorbs smoker heat evenly and keeps the macaroni warm at the barbecue table.
Place skillet uncovered on smoker grates at 225°F using mild fruitwood. Smoke for 60 minutes until the edges are vigorously bubbling and the panko topping turns golden bronze.
Smoking uncovered allows the wood smoke to permeate the cheese sauce and toast the breadcrumb topping.
Stir 1 cup of chopped leftover smoked brisket or pulled pork into the mac and cheese before smoking for a complete meal.
Kids love this as-is; reduce smoked gouda to 1/2 cup and use mild cheddar if they prefer milder smoke.
- Buttered toast points
- Crispy bacon strips
- Fresh seasonal fruit
Reheat individual portions in microwave with 1 tbsp milk for 90 seconds, or bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.