• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Recipes Worth Repeating
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Privacy Policy
  • Work With Me
    • Media Kit
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Cookbooks
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Recipes
    • Subscribe
    • Cookbooks
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Smoker Recipes

    Smoked Macaroni and Cheese

    Published: May 11, 2021 · Modified: Nov 30, 2021 by Amanda Mason · 32 Comments

    Yield 10 people
    Cook 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes
    Prep 30 minutes minutes
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
    Spoonful of cooked Smoker Macaroni and Cheese
    Aluminum pan containing macaroni and cheese that has been smoked in a smoker.
    Aluminum pan of macaroni and cheese being placed in a smoker.
    Cooked Macaroni and Cheese in an aluminum pan topped with pepper.
    Spoonful of cooked Smoker Macaroni and Cheese
    Spoonful of cooked Smoker Macaroni and Cheese

    This Smoked Mac and Cheese recipe is the perfect side dish for any barbecue! Easy to make, this creamy macaroni is smoked over hickory wood and full of flavor that will both satisfy and impress many!

    Spoonful of cooked Smoker Macaroni and Cheese in an aluminum pan.
    Jump to:
    • Why This Recipe Works
    • 🛒 Ingredients You'll Need
    • 📋 Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions
    • 💭 Expert Tips and FAQs
    • 🍽️ Other Smoker Recipes To Try
    • Smoked Macaroni and Cheese

    Never have I ever met anyone who doesn't like some form of macaroni and cheese. Never. Whether it's a four cheese macaroni, cauliflower mac n cheese, baked mac n cheese, or boxed cheesy mac, I honestly believe everyone loves some form of mac and cheese. But have you ever had Smoked Macaroni and Cheese?

    OMG - beyond DELICIOUS!

    There's nothing better than homemade mac and cheese, especially when it's smoked and paired with my stuffed smoked meatloaf, these smoked baby back ribs, a pulled pork sandwich, or a whole smoked chicken!


    Why This Recipe Works


    1. This smoked mac n cheese is super easy to make and if you own a smoker, you have to make this side dish. I love smoking side dishes, like my Smoked Baked Beans with Bacon, because if you're already smoking some form of meat you literally just throw the side dish in the smoker and pretty much forget about it.

    2. This recipe is outrageously cheesy, ultra creamy, and guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.

    3. You can easily add other ingredients to this recipe to make it a meal. Chicken, crab, and even lobster mac and cheese are all great choices and add a nice amount of protein to turn this into a great dinner!


    🛒 Ingredients You'll Need

    This recipe calls for only four simple ingredients. I use Velveeta cheese in this recipe because it's the creamiest. Like literally. If you're not a fan of Velveeta cheese, try using it to make smoked mac and cheese. It's absolutely amazing in this recipe.

    If you're gluten free, use a gluten free elbow macaroni instead of regular pasta. Velveeta Cheese is naturally gluten free. And if you opt to use the individual Velveeta Cheese Sauce Packets, those are also gluten free. So my gluten free friends, you are SAFE with this recipe!

    Velveeta Cheese,  Milk, and Macaroni.

    📋 Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions

    Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to package directions. Get the water boiling and then add in the elbow macaroni noodles and cook until done. Drain the noodles and rinse them well in a colander.

    Pot of boiling water cooking elbow macaroni noodles.

    From there, you'll return the cooked elbow noodles back to the large pot and add in the milk, butter, and Velveeta cheese. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.

    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

    Enter your email to receive this recipe, along with weekly food inspiration!

    Pot of cooked elbow macaroni noodles, Velveeta Cheese, milk and butter.

    Turn the stovetop burner to medium heat and continuously stir until the cheese completely melts.

    Pot of macaroni and cheese cooking on a stove top.

    Once the cheese has melted and all the ingredients are well combined, pour the mixture into a disposable aluminum pan. Sprinkle on additional ground black pepper.

    Cooked Macaroni and Cheese in an aluminum pan topped with pepper.

    Place the aluminum pan into the smoker uncovered and smoke on 225 °F for 1.5 hours. Once done, pull it out of the smoker and serve immediately. This smoked macaroni and cheese pairs incredibly well with these smoked wings, these smoked brisket burnt ends, and this Greek Marinated chicken!

    Aluminum pan of macaroni and cheese being placed in a smoker.

    💭 Expert Tips and FAQs

    • I always place the pan of macaroni and cheese directly under the meat. The drippings from the smoked meat drips on top of the macaroni mixture and totally intensifies the flavor. It's an absolutely wonderful flavor add.
    • I make this recipe when I'm smoking meat using hickory wood. Of course, you can use any type of wood you want when smoking but I love the hickory smoke taste.
    • I use a cup of whole milk when making this mac n cheese, but feel free to add a little bit more if you want even more of a creamy texture.
    • If you want to make super cheesy mac and cheese then just add more Velveeta!
    • Keep in mind that this dish is done after you cook it on the stovetop so you could eat it right away. But if you want that wonderful smoked flavor, pop this side dish in the smoker and let it smoke low and slow!

    🍽️ Other Smoker Recipes To Try

    Smoker recipes are absolutely amazing and it's so easy to smoke food now thanks to the pellet and electric smoker. I love smoking all kinds of foods. From desserts to main dishes to side dishes, you'll love my other smoker recipes like my Smoked Brisket. In this recipe, I teach you how to get an amazingly moist brisket and how to get past the stall.

    If you want more smoked side dishes, make sure you check out my velvety Garlic and Herb Smoked Potatoes that pair with any meat, as well as my Smoked Cherry Tomatoes with Basil and Goat Cheese!

    This easy mac and cheese is homemade and comfort food at its finest! If you like baked mac and cheese, then try my smoked version is about to become your favorite!

    Aluminum pan containing macaroni and cheese that has been smoked in a smoker.
    Spoonful of cooked Smoker Macaroni and Cheese

    Smoked Macaroni and Cheese

    This Smoked Macaroni is the perfect side dish for any barbecue! Easy to make, this creamy mac and cheese is smoked over hickory wood and full of flavor that will both satisfy and impress!
    5 from 21 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes
    Smoke Time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 2 hours hours
    Servings: 10 people
    Calories: 353kcal
    Author: Amanda Mason

    Equipment

    • Smoker

    Ingredients

    • 1 1lb box elbow macaroni noodles
    • 1 lb Velveeta Cheese, cubed
    • 1 cup milk
    • 1 stick butter, salted
    • salt, to taste
    • ground pepper, to taste

    Instructions

    • Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions and drain.
    • In a large pot, add the cooked elbow macaroni noodles, cubed Velveeta Cheese, milk, and butter.
    • Turn the stovetop burner to medium heat and continuously stir until the cheese has melted and all ingredients are well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste.
    • Pour the mixture into a disposable aluminum pan and place in the smoker uncovered.
    • Smoke uncovered on 225 °F for 1.5 hours, or until the top starts to get golden brown.  
    • Serve immediately. 

    Video

    Notes

    • If you are gluten free, use a gluten free elbow noodle. 
    • I use a cup of milk when making this dish, but feel free to use more if you want more of a creamy texture. 
    • Add more Velveeta if you like yours super cheesy.
    • Keep in mind that the macaroni and cheese it done after you cook it on the stove so you could eat it right away, but if you want that wonderful smoked flavor pop this side dish in the smoker.
    • I make this recipe when I'm smoking some type of meat using hickory wood. Of course, you can use any type of wood you want when smoking but I love the hickory smoke taste.
    • I always place the pan of macaroni and cheese directly under the meat. The drippings from the smoked meat drips on top of the mixture and totally intensifies the flavor. It's an absolutely wonderful flavor add.

    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

    Enter your email to receive this recipe, along with weekly food inspiration!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 353kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 835mg | Potassium: 188mg | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 765IU | Calcium: 291mg | Iron: 0.6mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @RecipesWorthRep or tag #RecipesWorthRepeating!
    « Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe
    The BEST Memorial Day Foods + Leftover Recipes »
    12.2K shares

    About Amanda Mason

    Hi! I'm Amanda, the founder and creator behind Recipes Worth Repeating! Simply put, I focus on creating delicious recipes for everyone. I offer variety. I offer convenience. I offer yumminess! And that's why people keep coming back. The recipes I create are absolutely worth repeating.

    Founded in 2012, Recipes Worth Repeating grew from people routinely asking me to email them the recipe for my latest dish. Recipe development comes naturally to me and I find cooking relaxing. Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, I developed a passion for cooking at an early age and I love to showcase a variety of recipes on my blog.Creating delicious new recipes, still photography, and video for Recipes Worth Repeating is the driving force behind what engages my readers to keep coming back for more recipes they will love.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 21 votes (8 ratings without comment)

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




       

    1. Carmen Ulveland

      June 14, 2024 at 12:32 pm

      Planning on making this very soon. Our smoker will be pretty busy. Anyway I can make this up, put it in the fridge and smoke it just before serving or making it and smoking it ahead of time and the reheating it?

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        June 14, 2024 at 8:40 pm

        TO be honest, I've never tried to make it ahead because when it comes to cheese sauce, fresh is best. BUT theoretically 0 it should work. I dont think the pasta noodles will soak up this cheese sauce. If you try it, let me know how it turns out!

        Reply
    2. Amy Liu dong

      June 08, 2024 at 5:53 pm

      5 stars
      The smokiness that it has gives a unique profile for the dish and it is awesome, it is something new, it is awesome!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        June 14, 2024 at 8:11 am

        Glad you loved it, Amy!

        Reply
    3. Alicia

      February 09, 2021 at 5:14 pm

      5 stars
      I always make mac and cheese with several cheeses (a bit of gorgonzola, cheddar, parmesan, and portwine pub cheese this time). I also tossed in some vegetables. It was good before I put it in the smoker. it was GREAT after.

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        February 09, 2021 at 6:21 pm

        Yeah!!! So glad to hear this Alicia!!! The thing I love about this recipe is it's so versatile and you can add in a TON of different cheeses!! Let me know what other recipes of mine you make! I can't WAIT to hear!!

        Reply
    4. Amie

      July 03, 2020 at 7:45 pm

      5 stars
      We love this recipe!! Its so yummy and easy to put together!
      I am curious has anyone made the macaroni the night before and then put it on the smoker the next day? Think that would be ok?

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        July 04, 2020 at 7:24 am

        I'm so glad you love the recipe!!!While I have not tried to make the macaroni noodles the night before, I think it would be fine. Here's why:
        1. The cheese and butter sauce will add the moisture to the noodles when you combine it. Just make sure you rinse the noodles in cold water so they are no longer bunched together before adding the cheese sauce.
        2. Anytime you smoke anything with the "low and slow" method, it is moist. Yes - even macaroni and cheese!

        Let me know how it works for you!!

        Reply
    5. Dave in Reno

      June 03, 2020 at 6:07 pm

      5 stars
      I added shrimp and smokes sausage and smoked it and it was to die for!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        June 03, 2020 at 6:44 pm

        Nice!! What a fantastic add! I'm so glad you loved it!!!

        Reply
    6. Nicole

      May 27, 2019 at 6:21 am

      SMOKED MAC AND CHEESE! Oh my goodness! This is so obvious! I will definitely try this summer!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        May 30, 2019 at 8:18 pm

        Let me know how it turns out! Can't wait to hear!

        Reply
    « Older Comments

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Amanda! Welcome to my little corner of the internet. I'm a wife, mother of two, lover of all things food and wine, and photographer. Here at Recipes Worth Repeating, you're going to find the most delicious and easy to make recipes everyone will love.

    More about me →

    Most Popular Recipes ❤️

    • Applewood Smoked Chicken on a wooden cutting board, fork in chicken.
      Applewood Smoked Chicken
    • Mexican Corn Recipe
    • Beef Enchilada Casserole
    • Wooden spoon filled with penne pasta, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
      Easy Penne Pasta Bake

    🇺🇸 Memorial Day Recipes

    • Cheese stuffed hamburger on a grilled bun.
      How To Make Juicy Lucy Burgers
    • White bowl of Potato Salad sitting on a wooden table, gingham napkin with onion slices and a wooden spoon.
      Simple Potato Salad Recipe
    • Trifle bowl containing strawberries, blueberries and cheesecake filling sitting on an white table, scattered berries.
      Summer Fruit Trifle Recipe with Fresh Berries
    • Slab of bbq ribs on the smoker.
      Smoked Baby Back Ribs

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

     As Seen In

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Media Kit
    • Work with Me

    COPYRIGHT © 2012-2025 AMANDA MASON/RECIPES WORTH REPEATING

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.