Mac and cheese is a classic. But smoking it? That takes it to a whole new level.
These 27 smoky mac and cheese variations will blow your mind. Get ready to add some serious flavor to your next batch.
1. Smoked Lobster Mac and Cheese
Lobster brings a luxurious touch to mac and cheese. The smoky flavor highlights the sweetness of the lobster, making each bite rich and satisfying.
The creamy cheese ties it all together perfectly. It’s a combo that’ll make you feel fancy without any extra fuss.
Full recipe: click here.
2. Smoked Guava Mac and Cheese
Smoked guava in mac and cheese? It works. The guava adds a sweet, tangy contrast to the creamy, cheesy goodness.
The smoke pulls all the flavors together in a way you wouldn’t expect. It’s a surprising twist on a traditional favorite.
Full recipe: click here.
3. Smoked Sausage Mac and Cheese with Bacon
This version is for meat lovers. Smoky sausage and crispy bacon create a savory, hearty dish that’s packed with flavor.
The cheese sauce pulls everything together with its smooth creaminess. Every bite is a perfect balance of smoky and savory.
Full recipe: click here.
4. Smoked Sausage Broccoli Mac and Cheese
This combo is a little lighter but still full of flavor. Smoky sausage and fresh broccoli add a nice depth to the creamy cheese.
The broccoli offers a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft mac. It’s a simple twist that makes this mac stand out.
Full recipe: click here.
5. Smoked Green Chili Mac and Cheese
Spicy, smoky, and cheesy—this one’s got it all. The green chilies bring the heat, while the smoky cheese sauce cools it down just enough.
Each bite has a perfect mix of smoky, creamy, and spicy. It’s a bold version of the classic dish.
Full recipe: click here.
6. Smoked Jalapeno Mac and Cheese
If you like a little spice, you’ll love this one. Smoked jalapenos bring a nice heat to the mac and cheese without overwhelming it.
The cheese sauce helps balance the flavor, making each bite smooth and smoky. It’s a spicy twist that takes mac and cheese to the next level.
Full recipe: click here.
7. Smoked Brisket Mac and Cheese
Brisket is made for mac and cheese. The smoky meat is tender and flavorful, adding a meaty richness to the dish.
Combined with the creamy cheese sauce, this mac is hearty and satisfying. It’s like a BBQ plate and mac and cheese all in one.
Full recipe: click here.
8. Smoked Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese
Pulled pork and mac and cheese are a match made in heaven. The smoky pork is tender and full of flavor, blending perfectly with the creamy cheese.
Add some BBQ sauce for extra kick if you like. This dish is comforting and packed with smoky goodness.
Full recipe: click here.
9. Smoked Oxtail Mac and Cheese
Oxtail is a bold choice, but it works wonders in mac and cheese. The meat is tender and smoky, adding a rich depth to the dish.
The creamy cheese pulls everything together beautifully. It’s a unique twist for those who want to try something different.
Full recipe: click here.
10. Smoked Pork Mac and Cheese
Smoked pork brings a savory depth to mac and cheese. Whether you use pulled pork or pork belly, it adds a juicy, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese.
Each bite is satisfying and hearty. It’s a comforting twist on the classic mac and cheese.
Full recipe: click here.
11. Smoked Chicken Mac and Cheese
Smoked chicken adds a lighter, smoky flavor to your mac and cheese. The meat is tender, juicy, and blends perfectly with the creamy sauce.
It’s a simple yet delicious twist on the classic dish. For a more subtle smokiness, this is the way to go.
Full recipe: click here.
12. Smoked Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
This one is for spice lovers. The smoky buffalo chicken gives a nice tangy heat to the dish.
The cheese sauce smooths it all out, creating a perfect balance of spicy and creamy. It’s a fun, bold variation that’s full of flavor.
Full recipe: click here.
13. Smoked Salmon Mac and Cheese
Smoked salmon adds a rich, savory flavor to your mac and cheese. The smoky fish pairs surprisingly well with the creamy cheese, creating a unique, indulgent dish.
It’s fancy without being too over-the-top. Perfect for when you want to feel extra while still enjoying comfort food.
Full recipe: click here.
14. Smoked Cheddar and Bacon Mac and Cheese
You can’t go wrong with cheddar and bacon. Smoked cheddar brings a nice sharpness to the dish, while bacon adds a crispy, savory crunch.
The creamy cheese sauce holds it all together. This combo is simple but packs a punch.
Full recipe: click here.
15. Smoked Mac and Cheese with Truffle Oil
If you want to go all out, truffle oil is the way to do it. Drizzling a little truffle oil over your smoked mac and cheese adds a touch of luxury.
The earthy truffle flavor pairs perfectly with the smoky cheese. It’s a decadent twist that takes your mac to a whole new level.
Full recipe: click here.
16. Smoked White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
White cheddar brings a sharp and creamy depth to mac and cheese. The smoky flavor enhances the richness, creating a balanced dish.
Each bite is a smooth combination of tangy cheese and savory smokiness. It’s a simple yet refined take on a classic favorite.
Full recipe: click here.
17. Traeger Smoked Mac and Cheese
Using a Traeger smoker gives this mac and cheese a delicious wood-fired flavor. The low and slow cooking process infuses the cheese sauce with deep smoky notes.
The texture is creamy and rich, with a perfect melt. It’s a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their mac and cheese experience.
Full recipe: click here.
18. Smoked Bacon Mac and Cheese Recipe
Bacon and mac and cheese are a natural pairing. The smoky bacon bits add a crispy crunch, while the creamy cheese coats the pasta perfectly.
The added flavor from the smoker makes it even more irresistible. Every bite is packed with savory, smoky goodness.
Full recipe: click here.
19. Smoked Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Smoked cheddar brings a bold, slightly tangy flavor to your mac and cheese. It melts beautifully, making the sauce silky and rich.
The smoky notes linger, elevating every bite. This version will quickly become a crowd favorite.
Full recipe: click here.
20. Smoked Mac and Cheese Gluten-Free
No need to miss out on smoky mac and cheese if you’re gluten-free! Swap the regular pasta for gluten-free noodles, and you’ve got a dish that’s just as delicious.
The smoky cheese sauce still delivers all the flavor you love. It’s a comforting, inclusive version of a classic.
Full recipe: click here.
21. Smoked Velveeta Mac and Cheese
Velveeta brings an ultra-creamy texture to mac and cheese, which is perfect when smoked. The cheese melts beautifully, creating a smooth sauce.
The smoky flavor infuses every bite, taking the comfort food to the next level. This version is ideal for those who love extra creaminess with their smoky touch.
Full recipe: click here.
22. Smoked Sausage Mac and Cheese with Broccoli
Smoked sausage adds a savory, spicy kick to this mac and cheese. Paired with fresh broccoli, the dish takes on a delicious balance of flavors.
The smoky sausage and cheesy sauce come together in perfect harmony. The crunchy broccoli adds an unexpected texture.
Full recipe: click here.
23. Smoked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
This variation is a great choice for those looking for a lighter twist on mac and cheese. Smoked cauliflower gives the dish a hearty, smoky flavor while keeping it slightly lighter.
The cheese sauce ties everything together with its rich creaminess. It’s a satisfying option for both vegans and non-vegans alike.
Full recipe: click here.
24. Smoked Mac and Cheese with Pulled Pork
Pulled pork adds a sweet, smoky richness to your mac and cheese. The tender pork complements the creamy cheese sauce perfectly.
Each bite is an indulgent combination of smoky, savory, and creamy. This variation is a true crowd-pleaser.
Full recipe: click here.
25. Creamy Smoked Mac and Cheese
For those who love extra creaminess, this version will be a hit. The cheese sauce is silky smooth, with a deep smoky flavor.
The pasta soaks up all that delicious sauce, making every bite a melt-in-your-mouth experience. It’s the ultimate comfort food.
Full recipe: click here.
26. Gluten Free Smoked Mac and Cheese
This gluten-free smoked mac and cheese uses gluten-free pasta and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. The dish is cooked on the smoker, adding a bold, smoky flavor.
It’s a perfect choice for dietary restrictions, offering a satisfying, cheesy comfort food experience. Great for gatherings, the smoky twist is sure to please everyone.
Full recipe: click here.
27. Smoked Mac and Cheese Electric Smoker
The dish offers a creamy texture with a rich, smoky flavor. The electric smoker infuses the dish with a deep, smoky taste.
With minimal effort, it becomes a standout dish for any meal or barbecue. This version is a great way to enjoy mac and cheese with an extra layer of flavor.
Full recipe: click here.
Final Thoughts
Smoked mac and cheese is more than just a side dish—it’s an experience. Every variation adds something new, whether it’s the spice of jalapenos or the richness of brisket.
These recipes invite you to experiment and make the dish your own. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you never thought of smoking mac and cheese before.
Featured image credit to ©eatzysmokeybbqhouse