Smoked Mac N Cheese

I'm not going to lie to you, Mac N Cheese out of the box is damn good.  This is better.  A hint of smoke on top of layers of cheese and pasta makes for the ultimate comfort food.

What you'll need...

• 3 cups elbow macaroni
• 1/2 stick butter
• 4 cups whole milk
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 8oz package shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 8oz package shredded colby jack cheese
• salt
• black pepper

Use a foil half pan, roughly 10x13 with tall sides. I made this on my Traeger Texas pellet grill.  To begin set your dial to "smoke" with the lid open and wait for the fire to start, about 2-4 minutes.  Once the fire is started close the lid and set your temperature for 250 degrees.  If you're using something else, do what you have to do to get a steady 250 degrees.  I used Hickory hardwood pellets for this cook.

Start by pouring the macaroni in the pan.  Melt the butter and pour over the macaroni, followed by the cheddar and colby jack cheese.  Pour in the milk and cream slowly, then season with salt and pepper.

Place the pan on the cooker and let it cook.  Total cook time will be about 90-105 minutes.  Check on the mac n cheese at an hour and stir.  Then check again at 30 minutes.  If you like a more crispy top layer let it go for another 15 minutes.  Remove from the cooker and serve.