Smoked Mac and Cheese with Bacon: The Ultimate BBQ Side You’ll Crave
When it comes to soul-satisfying comfort food, nothing beats a bowl of rich, gooey smock and cheese — especially when it’s smoked to perfection and loaded with crispy bacon. This bacon cheese pasta takes your favorite mac and cheese to the next level, making it a standout among your go-to BBQ sides.
Perfect for backyard cookouts, family dinners, or holiday feasts, this dish blends smokiness, creaminess, and crunch into every unforgettable bite.
Why You’ll Love This Smoked Mac and Cheese with Bacon
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Smoky, cheesy, and loaded with flavor
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Crunchy bacon adds a savory bite
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Perfect side dish for BBQ, potlucks, and holidays
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Easy to prepare and feeds a crowd
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Uses pantry-friendly ingredients
Ingredients
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1 lb elbow macaroni
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2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
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1 cup gouda cheese, shredded
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1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
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4 oz cream cheese
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2 cups whole milk
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¼ cup butter
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¼ cup all-purpose flour
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½ tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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6–8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
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Optional: ½ cup panko breadcrumbs + 2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil the macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth and thickened.
Add cream cheese, cheddar, gouda, and mozzarella. Stir until melted. Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Step 3: Combine & Add Bacon
Stir cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Fold in most of the chopped bacon, reserving some for topping.
Step 4: Assemble for Smoking
Transfer to a cast iron skillet or foil pan. Sprinkle remaining bacon and optional breadcrumb topping. Cover loosely with foil.
Step 5: Smoke It
Place on your preheated smoker at 225°F for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until bubbling and golden on top. For extra crust, uncover for the last 15 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your smock and cheese with:
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Smoked ribs or brisket
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BBQ pulled pork sandwiches
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Grilled veggies
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Coleslaw and cornbread
Notes & Tips
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Use wood chips like hickory or applewood for best flavor.
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Want it spicy? Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the cheese mix.
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Can be made ahead and reheated in the oven or smoker.
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Smoked Mac and Cheese with Bacon
Description
This smoked mac and cheese is everything you love about creamy, cheesy pasta — but with an irresistible smoky flavor and crispy bacon topping. Whether you serve it as a star BBQ side or as a comfort-filled main dish, this bacon cheese pasta will steal the show.
Ingredients
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1 lb elbow macaroni
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2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
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1 cup gouda cheese, shredded
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1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
-
4 oz cream cheese
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¼ cup butter
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¼ cup all-purpose flour
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2 cups whole milk
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp garlic powder
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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6–8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
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Optional: ½ cup panko breadcrumbs + 2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
1. Cook Pasta:
Boil the macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make Cheese Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened. Stir in cream cheese, cheddar, gouda, and mozzarella until melted. Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Combine:
Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Stir in most of the bacon, reserving some for topping.
4. Assemble for Smoking:
Pour into a cast iron skillet or foil tray. Sprinkle with remaining bacon. Optional: top with buttered panko crumbs.
5. Smoke:
Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C). Place the skillet in the smoker and cook uncovered for 45–60 minutes until bubbling and lightly golden.
Notes
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Wood chips: Hickory, applewood, or pecan are perfect for a rich, smoky finish.
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Make ahead: Assemble ahead of time and smoke just before serving.
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Texture boost: For a crisp topping, broil the dish for 2–3 minutes after smoking.
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Custom twists: Add jalapeños, BBQ pulled pork, or hot sauce for extra flavor.