Contents

Smokehouse Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food Experience

As the leaves begin to turn and a crisp chill fills the air, it signals the arrival of comfort food season – a time for hearty, soul-warming dishes that bring joy and coziness to every meal. For many, this season is synonymous with casseroles, rich soups, and, of course, the undisputed king of comfort: macaroni and cheese. There’s something undeniably satisfying about the combination of pasta, bread, and melted cheese, a trifecta that holds a special place in the hearts of food lovers everywhere. And if you’re like me, a true enthusiast of these comforting staples, then prepare to meet your new favorite dish: Smokehouse Mac and Cheese.

This isn’t just any mac and cheese; it’s a culinary masterpiece loaded with layers of incredible flavor. We’re talking tender chicken, savory smoked bacon, and rich smoked cheddar cheese, all baked to golden perfection and finished with a tantalizing drizzle of BBQ sauce. It’s a dish designed to tantalize your taste buds and provide an unparalleled comforting dinner experience. Whether you’re gearing up for fall festivities or simply craving something truly special, this recipe promises to deliver.

The anticipation of cooler weather and festive holidays often sparks a desire for meals that nourish both body and soul. This Smokehouse Mac and Cheese is the perfect way to kick off that season early. Its robust smoky notes come from the carefully selected bacon and cheese, enhanced by a hint of chipotle chili powder for a gentle warmth. Each bite offers a delightful medley of textures and tastes – the chewiness of the macaroni, the succulence of the chicken, the crispy saltiness of the bacon, and the creamy, gooey embrace of the cheese sauce. It’s so good, you might just want to keep it all to yourself!

CLICK HERE TO PIN THIS RECIPE FOR LATER!

Mastering Your Smokehouse Mac and Cheese: Essential Tips & Tricks

Creating this delectable Smokehouse Mac and Cheese is surprisingly straightforward, but a few simple tips can elevate your dish from great to extraordinary. These insights will help you streamline the cooking process, enhance the flavor profile, and ensure a perfect outcome every time.

Streamline Your Protein Prep

One of the easiest ways to save time without sacrificing flavor is by utilizing rotisserie chicken. Instead of cooking chicken breasts from scratch, simply shred or dice 2 to 2½ cups of cooked rotisserie chicken meat. This shortcut significantly reduces prep time, allowing you to get this comforting dish on the table much faster. If you prefer to cook your own chicken, consider quickly pan-searing or baking boneless, skinless chicken breasts seasoned with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika before dicing them. Ensure the chicken is cooked through and tender for the best results.

Choosing the Right Cheese for Ultimate Smoke

The star of any mac and cheese is, of course, the cheese. For an authentic “smokehouse” flavor, prioritize using smoked cheddar cheese. Its deep, robust smoky notes are unparalleled and truly define this dish. If smoked cheddar is hard to come by, a high-quality sharp cheddar cheese is an excellent alternative. Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and provides a rich, tangy foundation for your cheese sauce. For an extra boost of smoky aroma, especially if using non-smoked cheese, you can add a small dash of liquid smoke to the pasta mixture. Remember, liquid smoke is incredibly potent, so start with just a quarter teaspoon, mix thoroughly, and then taste before adding more. A little goes a long way!

Perfecting Your Bacon: Prep Ahead for Convenience

Crispy bacon bits are crucial for both flavor and texture in this dish. To save valuable cooking time, you can prepare the diced hickory-smoked bacon in advance. Cook the bacon until it’s perfectly crisp, then drain off the excess fat and let it cool. Once cooled, store the bacon bits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This way, when you’re ready to assemble your mac and cheese, your bacon is prepped and waiting, ready to be folded into the creamy pasta. You can pan-fry it for maximum crispness or even bake it in the oven for an easier, less messy cleanup.

Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare Now, Bake Later

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable for meal prepping. You can assemble the entire dish up to the baking step ahead of time. Simply follow the instructions to cook the pasta, chicken, bacon, and prepare the cheese sauce. Combine everything in your chosen baking dish – a 2-quart baking dish or a 10-inch cast iron skillet works perfectly. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the dish from the fridge and let it sit on the counter while your oven preheats to 350°F (175°C). Baking time for a chilled dish will be slightly longer, approximately 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.

For an extra crispy topping, consider sprinkling a layer of panko breadcrumbs mixed with a tablespoon of melted butter over the mac and cheese before baking. This adds a delightful textural contrast that elevates the dish even further.

More Mac and Cheese Recipes to Explore

If you’re a devoted fan of mac and cheese, the culinary possibilities are endless! After you’ve savored this Smokehouse Mac and Cheese, why not venture into other exciting variations? Here are some fantastic recipes to inspire your next cheesy creation:

Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese: A classic, foolproof recipe for when you crave the traditional.
Baked Mac and Cheese (With Bacon Topping): For those who love a golden, bubbly top and extra bacon crunch.
Baked Crab Mac and Cheese: A luxurious seafood twist on the beloved comfort food.
Beer Bacon Mac and Cheese from Slow Roasted Italian: An adult-friendly version with deep, malty notes.
Vintage Cheddar and Gruyere Mac and Cheese with Kielbasa from Vikalinka: A sophisticated pairing with hearty sausage.
Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese from Nutmeg Nanny: A Southern-inspired, meat-lover’s dream.

If you made any of my recipes and shared them on Instagram, make sure to tag me @willcookforsmiles and #willcookforsmiles so I can see all the delicious things you tried!

Connect with Will Cook For Smiles!

Be sure to click below and follow me on my social media, so you never miss a new recipe or cooking inspiration.

Don’t forget to sign up for email updates, so you won’t miss any new recipes or cooking tips.

Smokehouse Mac and Cheese

Macaroni loaded with chicken, smoked bacon and smoked cheese, baked and drizzled in BBQ sauce.

5 from 1 vote

Print
Pin
Rate

Course:
Side Dish

Cuisine:
American

Prep Time:

10

Cook Time:

35

Total Time:

45

Servings:

6
Serves 4-6

Calories:

692
kcal

Author:
Lyuba Brooke

Ingredients

2
chicken breasts
boneless skinless
10
slices
raw bacon
hickory smoked flavor, diced
Salt
Fresh cracked black pepper
1/2
lb
elbow macaroni
2
Tbsp
unsalted butter
2
Tbsp
all purpose flour
8
oz
smoked cheddar cheese
sharp cheddar if can’t find smoked, grated
3/4
cup
whole or 2% milk
Salt
1/4
tsp
chipotle chili powder
1/4
tsp
paprika
BBQ sauce for drizzle
about 1/4 cup

Instructions

In a medium cooking pan, over medium heat, cook chicken breasts seasoned with some salt and pepper and diced bacon until cooked through and bacon is crisp.
While chicken and bacon are cooking, prepare elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Dice the cooked chicken and add it to the pasta. Add the cooked bacon bits as well.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish. A 2-quart baking dish or a 10-inch cast iron skillet works perfectly for this recipe.
In a small sauce pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux.
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly and is smooth and heated through.
Remove from heat and add the grated smoked cheddar cheese, chipotle chili powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk slowly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. (Using a silicone-covered whisk is recommended to protect your pot.)
Pour the luscious cheese mixture into the mixing bowl with the pasta, chicken, and bacon. Mix everything very well until all ingredients are evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with a little more salt if needed.
Transfer the macaroni mixture into your prepared oven-safe baking dish or cast iron skillet. Spread it evenly. Bake for 10-13 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.
Once out of the oven, drizzle the hot Smokehouse Mac and Cheese generously with your favorite BBQ sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy this ultimate comfort food!

Nutrition

Tried this recipe?
Mention @willcookforsmiles or tag #willcookforsmiles!