Smoked Mac and Cheese

This smoked mac-and-cheese is one of those dishes that immediately envelop many people in a warm, comforting embrace of nostalgia. You'll be blown away by the smoky, cheesy flavors in this Smoked Mac and Cheese.

Serving Sizes

• 16 oz Velveeta
• 1 box pasta
• 4 cups  milk
• 1 lb shredded white cheddar cheese
• 1 lb shredded colby jack cheese
• BBQ seasoning of choice to taste
• Hot sauce of choice to taste
• 1 tsp ground mustard
• 2 tbsp kinder's SPG
• 2 tsp paprika (for color)

Topping

• 1 sleeve crushed Ritz crackers
• 8 oz shredded Parmesan cheese
• 4 tbsp melted butter
• 1  tbsp parsley

Equipment

• Z Grills 700D3 Wood Pellet Grill
• Z Grills OAK Wood Pellet
• Aluminum Foil

Now, hams are also sold bone-in and bone-out. You can use either for this recipe, but I recommend going for a bone-in ham because you’ll get more flavor.

Boneless hams are easier to cut, but you need to decide if that convenience is worth sacrificing flavor.

When buying a ham, you need to consider how many people you’re feeding and how big their appetites are.

While there are different-sized hams, you’ll also need to decide if you want a whole ham or a half ham. Whole hams (also labeled “leg of ham”) consist of the butt and shank and usually weigh between 15 to 20 pounds. A half ham generally weighs 7 to 12 pounds.

If you’re getting a bone-in ham, you’ll want to portion a ½ pound to ¾ pound of ham per person. Consider if you’re feeding a lot of hungry adults with big appetites, if you’ll have a lot of other food, and if some of your guests are unlikely to eat much of the ham (like small children or vegetarians).

Here’s a quick guide for you:

• 10 people could finish a 5-to-7-pound ham
• 15 people could finish an 8-to-11-pound ham
• 20 people could finish a 10-15-pound ham

The time your ham takes to cook is determined by how much it weighs. Generally, your ham will take 60 minutes to cook per pound of meat when smoked on a pellet grill at 225°F.

So, a 10-pound ham will take about 600 minutes to cook, which is 10 hours.

The Z Grills wood pellets come in different flavors, including applewood, hickory, cherry, and oak, allowing you to choose the perfect flavor profile for your ham. These pellets are also compatible with a wide range of grills and smokers, making them versatile and convenient to use. These pellets are made from 100% natural hardwoods, without any additives or fillers. This ensures that the pellets provide a clean and consistent burn, without any harmful chemicals or residues.

Applewood Pellets

Applewood pellets are a popular choice for smoking ham, as they add a sweet and fruity flavor to the meat. The pellets burn clean and consistently, providing an even smoke that imparts a mild and subtle taste. Applewood pellets are perfect for those who prefer a milder smoke flavor and want to highlight the natural sweetness of the ham.

Hickory Wood Pellets

Hickory pellets are another popular option for smoking ham, as they provide a smoky and bold flavor to the meat. Hickory pellets have a strong aroma that can sometimes overpower the natural flavors of the ham, so it’s important to use them in moderation. They are ideal for those who enjoy a more robust smoke flavor and want to add a touch of smokiness to their ham.

Cherry Wood Pellets

Cherry pellets are a great option for smoking ham, as they provide a sweet and fruity flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the meat. Cherry pellets burn clean and consistently, providing a mild and balanced smoke that enhances the ham’s flavor without overpowering it. They are perfect for those who want to add a touch of sweetness to their ham without making it too overpowering.

Written by Z Grills