Change things up with a savory, cheesy Traeger Smoked Mac and Cheese. This from-scratch, one-pot version uses the pasta starch to create a smooth, velvety sauce that clings to every noodle. The base is loaded with cheese, finished with a crunchy topping of panko and crushed corn flakes, and then finished on a pellet grill until bubbly and browned.
Recipe updated September 2021 with new photos and an improved method.
Traeger Smoked Mac and Cheese
This is not a doctored boxed mac and cheese. It’s made from scratch but stays very simple — no flour roux and no complicated steps. The one-pot method cooks the pasta right in the sauce liquid so the starch helps thicken the sauce naturally, yielding a rich, creamy texture that melts plenty of cheese into every bite.
The finished mac is assembled in a grill-safe dish, topped with crunchy panko and crushed corn flakes, then smoked on a pellet grill or smoker until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbling. Using a smoked cheese in the mix amplifies the smoky flavor if you want to push that profile — highly recommended.
Can you really make pasta without draining it?
Yes. One-pot pastas are fantastic because the pasta releases starch into the cooking liquid, creating a cohesive, silky sauce that helps the cheese bind to the noodles. If you prefer, you can swap in your favorite mac and cheese recipe and simply use the same topping and smoking step: smoke the assembled dish for about 45 minutes at 220° for similar results.
The Traeger or any pellet grill works wonderfully because it can act like a large wood-fired oven. You can get subtle smoke flavor without fully smoking a protein, or you can drive the heat a bit higher for more browning. For this recipe the goal is to melt and brown the topping while allowing a hint of smoke to come through.
What to serve with smoked mac and cheese
- Traeger pulled pork
- Crispy panko fish sandwiches
- Homemade chicken tenders
- Smoked BBQ beef sandwiches
This smoked mac and cheese is the side dish you didn’t know you needed. It’s great for family barbecues, weeknight dinners, potlucks, and any time you want a comfort-food side with a smoky twist. It also reheats well — microwave briefly and add a splash of milk if it needs loosening.
Stir-in options and variations
- Diced chicken
- Diced ham
- Broccoli
- Steamed chopped asparagus
- Spinach
- Buffalo sauce for a spicy kick
More great recipes to try
Pin this recipe for later and experiment with your favorite cheeses and mix-ins. Smoked cheddar, smoked gouda, or a blend of sharp cheddar and colby jack work especially well. A little mustard powder adds depth, and a pinch of cayenne brings a subtle heat if you like.
Yield: 8 servings
Traeger Smoked Mac and Cheese
This smoked macaroni and cheese includes smoked cheese and a crunchy topping, finished on a pellet grill for just enough smoke to make it interesting.
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne or similar noodles
- 6 cups water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup salted butter
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 cup whole milk or half and half
- 1 pinch cayenne (optional)
- 3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, colby jack, or a blend)
Topping
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup crushed corn flakes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the pellet grill or smoker to 225°F.
- In a medium to large pot, combine the noodles, water, salt, butter, and mustard powder. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently. Continue simmering until the pasta is tender, then reduce heat to low.
- Stir in the milk, cayenne (if using), and 3 cups of shredded cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and combined with the pasta.
- Grease a grill-safe baking dish and transfer the mac and cheese into it. Sprinkle the panko, crushed corn flakes, and the additional cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Place the dish in the smoker and smoke for 30–45 minutes, or until the top is melted, golden, and starting to brown.
Tips and serving
Using a smoked cheese in the base enhances the grill flavor. If you want more smoke, you can choose a stronger flavored smoked cheese; if you prefer a milder profile, use a neutral cheese and rely on the pellet smoke alone. This dish reheats well—add a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess. Serve as a hearty side or add a protein and vegetables to make it a complete meal.
Nutrition (estimate per serving)
Calories: 351 • Total Fat: 23g • Saturated Fat: 13g • Cholesterol: 65mg • Sodium: 481mg • Carbohydrates: 21g • Fiber: 1g • Sugar: 2g • Protein: 14g
Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate.