Smoky Mac and Cheese
- Level: Easy
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
-
- Nutritional Analysis
- Per Serving
- Serving Size
- 1 of 6 servings
- Calories
- 1300
- Total Fat
- 93
- Saturated Fat
- 55
- Carbohydrates
- 75
- Dietary Fiber
- 4
- Sugar
- 9
- Protein
- 42
- Cholesterol
- 357
- Sodium
- 1590
- Total: 30 min
- Active: 20 min
Ingredients
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound dry rigatoni
4 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 shakes of your favorite hot sauce, optional
8 ounces cream cheese
8 ounces Gouda, shredded
1 pound ham, diced
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated pecorino
1/2 cup sliced scallions, optional
Directions
- Heat a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions for al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Set up your grill for indirect heat. If using a charcoal grill, build the hot coals on one side only. If using a gas grill, heat one side only to medium-high heat. Heat a deep 12-inch cast-iron skillet over direct heat.
- Combine the cream, paprika, cayenne and hot sauce if using in the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and simmer until the cream mixture is reduced by half and thickened, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the cream cheese and Gouda until fully melted. Stir in the ham and cooked pasta and continue to mix until fully combined.
- Stir together the panko, pecorino and scallions if using in a medium bowl. Sprinkle the panko mixture evenly over the mac and cheese. Move the skillet to indirect heat, cover the grill and cook until golden brown and bubbly, about 5 minutes.
- (Alternatively, you can make the mac and cheese in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet on a stovetop over medium-high heat, then top with the panko mixture and bake in a 400 degrees F oven for 10 minutes.)