What to cook for Labor Day BBQ 🇺🇸 🔥 10 must-try grill + smoker recipes
Recipes in this Video
Originating from the Southern United States, smoked mac and cheese combines the comfort of traditional mac and cheese with the rich flavors imparted by smoking. It is often served at barbecues and gatherings, celebrating the region's love for smoked meats and hearty sides. Today, this dish has gained popularity beyond the South, becoming a staple at many outdoor events and potlucks across the country.
Ingredients
- ●macaroni
- ●cheddar cheese
- ●smoked gouda
- ●butter
- ●flour
- ●milk
- ●heavy cream
- ●mustard powder
- ●garlic powder
- ●onion powder
- ●black pepper
- ●salt
- ●paprika
- ●bread crumbs
- ●smoked paprika
- ●parsley
Instructions
- 1Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- 2In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; whisk in flour until smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
- 3Gradually add milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4Stir in mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt; mix well.
- 5Remove from heat and add cheddar cheese and smoked gouda; stir until melted and smooth.
- 6Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce; mix until well coated.
- 7Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C).
- 8Transfer mac and cheese to a baking dish; top with bread crumbs and smoked paprika.
- 9Place the dish in the smoker and cook for 30-45 minutes until bubbly and slightly smoky.
- 10Remove from smoker and let cool for a few minutes; garnish with parsley before serving.
Ingredient Alternatives
heavy cream
Healthier: Greek yogurt
Cheaper: milk + cornstarch
Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess
smoked gouda
Healthier: regular gouda
Cheaper: cheddar
Regular gouda is lower in cost and still provides a creamy texture.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As
Smoked Queso is a popular Tex-Mex dish that combines the rich flavors of melted cheese with the smokiness from a smoker. It is often enjoyed at gatherings, parties, and barbecues, reflecting the communal and festive spirit of Southwestern cuisine. The dish showcases the versatility of cheese and is a favorite for dipping tortilla chips, making it a staple in American snack culture.
Ingredients
- ●cheese
- ●cream cheese
- ●salsa
- ●jalapeños
- ●smoked paprika
- ●green onions
- ●cilantro
- ●tortilla chips
Instructions
- 1Preheat the smoker to 225°F (107°C).
- 2In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cheese and cream cheese.
- 3Stir in salsa, chopped jalapeños, and smoked paprika.
- 4Transfer the mixture to a cast-iron skillet.
- 5Place the skillet in the smoker and close the lid.
- 6Smoke for about 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 7Remove from the smoker and garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro.
- 8Serve warm with tortilla chips.
Ingredient Alternatives
cream cheese
Healthier: Greek yogurt
Cheaper: sour cream
Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture with fewer calories.
jalapeños
Healthier: banana peppers
Cheaper: bell peppers
Banana peppers are milder and lower in calories.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As
Smoked brisket is a staple of American barbecue, particularly in Texas, where it is often served at gatherings and celebrations. The slow smoking process enhances the flavor and tenderness of the meat, making it a favorite among barbecue enthusiasts. This dish reflects the rich tradition of barbecue in the southern United States, where various regional styles and techniques have developed over time.
Ingredients
- ●brisket
- ●salt
- ●black pepper
- ●garlic powder
- ●onion powder
- ●smoking wood
Instructions
- 1Prepare the brisket by trimming excess fat.
- 2Rub the brisket with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- 3Let the brisket sit at room temperature for about an hour.
- 4Preheat the smoker to a low temperature, around 225°F (107°C).
- 5Place the brisket in the smoker, fat side up.
- 6Smoke the brisket for several hours, maintaining a consistent temperature.
- 7Check the internal temperature; it should reach about 195°F (90°C) for tenderness.
- 8Remove the brisket from the smoker and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Ingredient Alternatives
brisket
Healthier: leaner cuts of beef
Cheaper: chuck roast
Chuck roast is more affordable and can be used for similar flavors.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As