Best Mac N' Cheese Ever: Smoked Crack N' Cheese!

cream cheese

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: sour cream

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

smoked gouda

🥗Healthier: regular gouda

💰Cheaper: cheddar

Regular gouda is less expensive and still provides a creamy texture.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier, while margarine is a budget-friendly option.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheddar

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheddar lowers calories, while processed cheese is often cheaper.

Bring a pot of water to a boil and add macaroni noodles.

Once the noodles are tender, strain and run cold water over them; set aside.

Melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Add 2 tablespoons of flour to the melted butter and stir.

Add 16 oz of heavy cream and 2 cups of whole milk; stir on medium to high heat until thickened.

Add 1 8 oz bag of sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 bag of sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 bag of mild cheddar cheese, and 1/2 block of cream cheese; stir until mixed and reduce heat to low.

Add 1/2 cup of Hidden Valley Ranch powder to the cheese sauce and mix well.

Preheat oven to 400°F and spray the baking pan with cooking spray.

Combine noodles with cheese sauce in the pan and stir carefully.

Put the mixture on the smoker at the lowest smoke setting for about 2 hours, stirring every half hour.

After smoking, sprinkle on breadcrumbs, oregano, and paprika for color.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 400°F for 30 minutes.

Remove foil and let it get golden brown.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens