Description
Elevate your mac and cheese with smoky cheddar, BBQ sauce, and creamy cheese sauce for a rich, satisfying dish. Perfect for family gatherings, BBQs, or as a comforting main course.
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni or your choice of pasta (8 oz)
- Smoked cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups, shredded)
- Sharp cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups, shredded)
- Whole milk (2 cups)
- Heavy cream (1 cup)
- Butter (4 tbsp)
- All-purpose flour (2 tbsp)
- Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Onion powder (1 tsp)
- Smoked paprika (1 tsp)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- BBQ sauce (½ cup, your favorite brand or homemade)
- Bacon bits or cooked crumbled bacon (optional, ½ cup)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni or preferred pasta and cook until al dente. Drain, reserving a small cup of pasta water, and set aside.
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Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour, stirring to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns golden.
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Add the Dairy: Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream. Stir continuously to avoid lumps. Once smooth and thickened, bring to a simmer and add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer until creamy.
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Incorporate the Cheese: Reduce heat to low. Gradually add smoked cheddar and sharp cheddar, stirring until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.
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Mix in the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, tossing gently to coat. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
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Add BBQ Sauce: Stir in BBQ sauce, adjusting the quantity based on desired smokiness. Add bacon bits if using.
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Serve and Garnish: Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Spicy Twist: Add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip bacon bits and add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions.
- Vegan Alternative: Use plant-based butter, milk, and cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free flour and pasta.
- Grilled Chicken or Pulled Pork: Add these proteins for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: main dish, side dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Smoky mac and cheese, BBQ mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, smoky cheddar recipe