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Smoked mac and cheese on a plate.

Smoked Mac and Cheese (without a smoker)

You can have delicious smoked mac and cheese without a smoker in just 45 minutes. This recipe combines smoked cheese, smoked paprika, and an easy DIY smoking method without the need for a smoker.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Smoking Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 1253 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 100 g Bacon or Guanciale diced
  • 200 g Macaroni
  • 200 g Smoked Cheese grated
  • 530 ml Milk (2 ¼ cups)
  • A pinch of Nutmeg
  • ½ tsp Salt or to taste
  • ½ tsp Pepper
  • 2 tbsp Bacon Fat
  • 2 tbsp Flour
  • 1 tbsp Cream Cheese
  • ¼ cup Bread Crumbs or Panko optional
  • Parmesan optional

Instructions
 

  • Cook Pasta: In a large pot of boiling water, cook the pasta as per package instructions; then drain and set aside.
  • Cook Guanciale: In a large deep sauté pan or pot over medium heat, cook the guanciale until crispy. Remove the guanciale from the pan. Carefully pour off the rendered fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pan.
  • Make Roux: Add flour to the pan with the bacon fat. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to form a roux.
  • Prepare Cheese Sauce: Gradually stir in the milk to avoid lumps, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to thicken. Turn down the heat to very low and add nutmeg and smoked paprika. Gradually mix in the smoked cheese until fully incorporated, followed by the cream cheese. Season with salt.
  • Combine: Stir the crispy guanciale and cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
  • Smoke Flavor Infusion: Place a small heat-resistant bowl at the center of the mac and cheese. Add hot charcoal to the bowl, drizzle a teaspoon of reserved guanciale fat over the charcoal. Quickly cover the pan with a lid and let it sit to infuse smoke for 10-15 minutes. Stir the mac and cheese once more after the smoking process, ensuring the flavors are well blended.
  • Optional Baking: For a crispy top, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish. Sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs and additional grated parmesan. Bake in a preheated oven until the top is golden and crispy.
  • Serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 1253kcalCarbohydrates: 97gProtein: 49gFat: 73gSaturated Fat: 35gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 23gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 172mgSodium: 1675mgPotassium: 811mgFiber: 3gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 1458IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 1017mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Smoked Mac and Cheese, Smoked mac and cheese without a smoker
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