BBQ Smokehouse Snack: Spicy Smoked Mac & Cheese Bites

Allergens

Wheat, Dairy

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all
• purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill or smoker to medium heat (around 350°F).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente, drain, and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour, stirring constantly until smooth. Gradually add milk, stirring to combine.
4. Add smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and mix in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully incorporated.
6. Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing well.
7. Fill a piping bag with the mac & cheese mixture. Pipe small balls onto soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers, then roll in panko breadcrumbs.
8. Place the skewers on a grill safe tray and brush with olive oil.
9. Grill the skewered bites for 10 12 minutes, turning frequently to ensure even cooking, until golden brown and crispy.

Chef’s Insight

For added flavor, try incorporating bacon or jalapeño into the mac & cheese mixture.

Notes

Make sure to use a grill-safe tray for outdoor cooking. Adjust cooking time as needed based on your grill's heat output.