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Smoked white shells and cheese in a cast iron skillet.
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5 from 1 vote

Smoked White Shells and Cheese

Creamy smoked shells and cheese made with five white cheeses and smoked to perfection.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 743kcal

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup butter
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 teaspoon white pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 cups white cheddar shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella shredded
  • 1 cup gouda shredded
  • ½ cup parmesan shredded
  • 4 pieces bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 1 lb medium shell pasta cooked al dente according package directions

Instructions

  • In a dutch oven, melt butter.
  • Add flour and whisk until well combined and fragrant.
  • Stir in milk and continue whisking until thickened.
  • Add cream cheese, whisk until smooth. Add salt and pepper and stir to combine.
  • Add white cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, and parmesan.  Whisk until smooth.
  • Add pasta and gently toss until combined.
  • Transfer to a cast iron skillet.
  • Smoke at 300 degrees for 20 minutes.  Stir shells and cheese and smoke an additional 15 minutes.
  • Top with crumbled bacon. 
  • Serve immediately.

Video

[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id="V6BVOJPF" upload-date="2019-10-08T23:18:32.000Z" name="SMOKED SHELLS-2" description="We've taken it up a notch with creamy gouda, sharp white cheddar, salty parmesan, smooth mozzarella, and cream cheese combined in this decadent Smoked White Shells and Cheese. Start this recipe on the stove top and finish on the smoker for a deep and rich smokey flavor. Topped with bacon for a salty bite, this is not your mama's mac and cheese."]

Notes

How Long Do You Smoke Mac and Cheese?

Using a pellet grill allows you to cook at a low temperature while infusing your food with the flavor of your chosen pellets.  Here I've used oak pellets, but feel free to use your favorite!  Each wood pellet has a unique note. For this shells and cheese you only need to smoke about 35-40 minutes to get a nice smoked flavor without drying our your dish.

Can I Use Pre-Shredded Cheese?

Grate your own cheese.  Avoid the pre-shredded cheese for this recipe. Most contain added ingredients that will create a gritty texture in your sauce.

What type of baking dish should I use?

Use a cast iron skillet to smoke your smoked mac and cheese.  Smoking will not damage cast iron.

What If I Don't Have A Smoker?

You can make this dish in the oven!  Simply bake for 15 minutes after you transfer your shells and cheese to the skillet. Top with bacon and serve.

What Does Al Dente Mean?

I mention cooking just shy of al dente in this recipe.  Al dente describes pasta or rice that is cooked to be firm to the bite.

I LOVE Mac and cheese!  Do you have other recipes?

We sure do!  Check out our:

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 743kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Cholesterol: 136mg | Sodium: 968mg | Potassium: 382mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1270IU | Calcium: 666mg | Iron: 1.5mg