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Smoked Bacon Mac and Cheese

Smoked Bacon Mac and Cheese

Smoked Bacon Mac and Cheese blends cheddar, Gouda, and crispy bacon for a creamy, smoky twist on the classic comfort dish—perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb macaroni or rigatoni pasta
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • ½ cup sour cream or substitute half-and-half
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1½ cups shredded Gouda cheese
  • 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Optional 2 diced jalapeños for spice
  • Optional garnish green onions or extra bacon bits

Equipment

  • Smoker
  • cast iron skillet
  • pot
  • Whisk
  • Tongs
  • oven mitt

Method
 

  1. Boil pasta until slightly undercooked (al dente), then rinse with cold water and set aside.
  2. Preheat smoker to 425°F and smoke bacon until crispy (10–15 minutes), then crumble and set aside.
  3. In a hot cast iron skillet, melt butter, stir in flour and seasoning, then whisk in milk and sour cream until thickened.
  4. Add cheddar and Gouda cheeses; stir until smooth and creamy.
  5. Mix the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce for an even coating.
  6. Lower smoker to 225°F, sprinkle crumbled bacon on top, and smoke for 45 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  7. Remove from smoker, cool for a few minutes, and garnish with green onions or more bacon before serving.

Notes

The calorie count is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. For more accurate results, refer to the nutrition labels on your ingredients.