KPC ORIGINALKING'S PLATE
Bacon Mac and Cheese
This smoked bacon mac and cheese combines tender cavatappi pasta with a creamy four-cheese sauce and BBQ-seasoned bacon. Finished in the smoker with a crispy panko crust, it delivers rich, smoky comfort in every bite.
COOK TEMP
375°F
COOK TIME
30-40 minutes
Ingredients — Bacon Mac and Cheese
1 lb
cavatappi noodles
1 cup
Shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup
Smoked gouda cheese
1/2 cup
Parmesan cheese
4 oz
Cream cheese
6-8 strips
Bacon (chopped into chunks and seasoned with your favorite BBQ rub)
1/2 cup
Panko breadcrumbs (for topping)
Method — Bacon Mac and Cheese
1
Cook the cavatappi noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
2
Melt your combination of cheddar, smoked gouda, parmesan, and cream cheese together over low heat, stirring until smooth and creamy.
3
Stir the cooked cavatappi noodles and most of the seasoned bacon chunks directly into the rich cheese sauce until every noodle is coated. Transfer the mixture into a large cast-iron skillet.
4
Sprinkle a layer of panko breadcrumbs and the remaining bacon chunks evenly across the top.
5
Place the cast-iron skillet into your smoker at 375°F for some smoke therapy, baking until the cheese is bubbling hot and the panko topping is golden brown and crispy.