Traeger Kitchen
Bacon Weave Mac n' Cheese
Prep Time
20
Minutes
Cook Time
1
Hours
Serves
8 - 12
People
Effort
What's this?
This manly casserole combines two barbecue favorites & will be the savoriest side at the party.
Ingredients
1/2 Pound elbow macaroni
3 Tablespoon butter
3 Tablespoon flour
1 Tablespoon mustard powder
3 Cup milk
1 Whole Bay Leaf
1/2 Teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 Teaspoon Chipotle Chili Powder
1 Large eggs
8 Ounce Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
1 To Taste salt and pepper
15 Slices bacon
1 As Needed Traeger BBQ Sauce
Steps
1
In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the pasta to al dente, according to box directions.2
While the pasta is cooking, in a separate pot, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and mustard and keep it moving for about five minutes, whisking out any lumps.3
Stir in the milk, bay leaf, chipotle chile powder and paprika. Simmer for ten minutes and remove the bay leaf. Temper in the egg by adding in a little bit of the hot milk mixture into the eggs while whisking and then add the eggs in with the rest of the milk mixture. Stir in the cheese and season with the salt and pepper.4
Fold the macaroni noodles into the mix and pour into a 2-quart casserole dish lined with foil. Put it in the refrigerator to set up for 4 or more hours.5
After it has set up, dump the macaroni and cheese upside down on a large baking sheet. Weave the bacon over the top, interlacing the slices and fitting in as much bacon as you can.6
When ready to cook, start the Traeger on 350 degrees F and preheat, lid closed, for 10 to 15 minutes.7
Place the macaroni and cheese on the grill grate and smoke for a 1/2 hour, then cook at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Brush with the Traeger Regular BBQ Sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Enjoy!