Smoked Mac and Cheese w/ @yoeats23
Smoked Mac and Cheese 🧀 w/ @yoeats23 is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by Kyle Istook on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 55 min
Cost: $9.84 total, $2.46 per serving
Ingredients
- 12 oz Elbow Macaroni (uncooked)
- 8 oz Smoked Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 4 oz Smoked Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
- 3 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)
- 3 Tbsp All-Purpose Flour (for roux)
- 2 cup Whole Milk (room temperature)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (for extra richness)
- 1 tsp Liquid Smoke (adds smoky depth)
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika (optional, for extra smoky flavor)
- 1/2 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (for topping, toasted with butter)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain in a colander and set aside.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: boiling
Make the Roux
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute until lightly golden.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Create the Cheese Sauce
Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add the shredded smoked cheddar and smoked mozzarella, stirring until fully melted. Stir in liquid smoke, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: low
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Topping
In a small skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and toast until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Set aside.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium
Assemble and Bake
Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs evenly over the top. Bake in a pre‑heated oven at 375°F for 15 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and golden.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 375°F
Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes portioning easier.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 620
- Protein
- 22g
- Carbohydrates
- 48g
- Fat
- 35g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Elbow Macaroni: cavatappi, small shells
- Instead of Smoked Cheddar Cheese: regular cheddar + 1 tsp liquid smoke, smoked gouda
- Instead of Smoked Mozzarella Cheese: regular mozzarella + 1 tsp liquid smoke, smoked provolone
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine, olive oil
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Whole Milk: 2% milk, unsweetened almond milk
- Instead of Heavy Cream: half‑and‑half, evaporated milk
- Instead of Liquid Smoke: smoked paprika (1 tsp) + a dash of Worcestershire sauce
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: regular paprika
- Instead of Salt: sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Panko Breadcrumbs: regular breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Baking Dish
- Oven
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Rubber Spatula (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking pasta al dente to avoid mushiness.
- Creating a smooth roux without lumps.
- Melting smoked cheeses gently to prevent grainy texture.
- Baking until the topping is golden but not burnt.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a blend of smoked cheddar and smoked mozzarella for depth and meltability.
- A few drops of liquid smoke can be substituted with smoked paprika if you prefer a milder flavor.
- For a crunchy crust, mix the toasted breadcrumbs with a pinch of grated Parmesan.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too thick.
Whisk in an extra ¼ cup of milk or cream until the desired consistency is reached.
Cheese becomes grainy.
Remove the saucepan from heat before adding cheese, then stir until melted; avoid overheating.
Top is soggy after baking.
Toast the breadcrumbs longer before adding, and bake uncovered for the full 15 minutes.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat, covered, at 350°F for 20‑25 minutes.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the dish up to step 5, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- The sauce can be made a day ahead; reheat gently before mixing with pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of smoked mac and cheese in American comfort food cuisine?
Mac and cheese has been a staple of American comfort food since the early 20th century, originally popularized in school cafeterias. Adding smoke—through smoked cheeses or liquid smoke—evolved in recent decades as a way to give the dish a richer, bar‑becued flavor that echoes Southern pit‑cooking traditions.
What are the traditional regional variations of mac and cheese in the United States?
In the South, mac and cheese often includes smoked cheeses or a breadcrumb crust, while New England versions may use sharp cheddar and a creamy béchamel. Some Midwestern recipes add pork or jalapeños for extra heat, but the smoked version reflects the Southern love of smoky flavors.
How is smoked mac and cheese traditionally served in Southern American cuisine?
It is typically served as a side dish at barbecues, family gatherings, or holiday meals, often baked until the top is golden and paired with collard greens, fried chicken, or pulled pork for a hearty, balanced plate.
What occasions or celebrations is smoked mac and cheese traditionally associated with in American culture?
Smoked mac and cheese is popular at backyard barbecues, pot‑luck gatherings, and holiday feasts such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, where its smoky flavor complements grilled or roasted meats.
What other Southern dishes pair well with smoked mac and cheese?
Great pairings include smoked brisket, pulled pork, fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread. The smoky, creamy profile balances the savory, charred notes of these classic Southern foods.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for smoked mac and cheese versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include smoked cheddar or smoked gouda, liquid smoke, and a breadcrumb topping. Acceptable substitutes are regular cheddar plus a dash of liquid smoke, smoked mozzarella, or smoked paprika for flavor without the actual smoked cheese.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making smoked mac and cheese?
Common mistakes include overcooking the pasta, overheating the cheese sauce which makes it grainy, and under‑seasoning the sauce. Also, failing to toast the breadcrumbs can result in a soggy topping.
Why does this smoked mac and cheese recipe use liquid smoke instead of actual smoked wood chips?
Liquid smoke provides a consistent smoky flavor without the need for a smoker or grill, making the recipe quick and kitchen‑friendly while still delivering the deep, smoky notes that define the dish.
Can I make smoked mac and cheese ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can assemble the dish up to the breadcrumb topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready, or freeze for up to two months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making smoked mac and cheese?
The sauce should be smooth, glossy, and coat each pasta piece. After baking, the top should be golden‑brown and slightly crisp, while the interior remains creamy and smoky.
How do I know when smoked mac and cheese is done cooking?
The dish is done when the edges are bubbling, the breadcrumb topping is golden, and a gentle crust forms. A quick poke with a fork should feel hot throughout the center.
What does the YouTube channel Kyle Istook specialize in?
The YouTube channel Kyle Istook focuses on quick, approachable home‑cooking videos that often feature comfort‑food twists, simple techniques, and clear step‑by‑step instructions for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Kyle Istook's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Kyle Istook emphasizes minimal ingredient lists, fast preparation, and creative flavor boosts—like smoking—while maintaining a relaxed, personable presentation style that feels more like a friend sharing a recipe than a formal cooking class.
What other smoked or comfort‑food recipes is the YouTube channel Kyle Istook known for?
Kyle Istook is known for recipes such as smoked chicken wings, smoked BBQ pulled pork, and other elevated comfort dishes like cheesy baked potatoes and quick skillet mac and cheese.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
