Blue Kuna's Smokey Detroit-Style Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

This smokey mac and cheese recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, featuring a luxuriously creamy sauce and a delightful cheesy crunch.

You Asked, He Delivered: The Ultimate Mac and Cheese Recipe!

For years, our inbox has been flooded with requests – "When are you sharing your smokey macaroni and cheese recipe?!" Well, after some gentle nudging, Chef Kuna has finally caved! This isn't your average boxed mac and cheese, folks. This recipe boasts a luxuriously creamy sauce, a symphony of melted cheeses, a smokey kick, and the option for a delightful homemade breadcrumb topping. Get ready for a mac and cheese experience that will leave you weak in the knees (and maybe reaching for seconds...we won't judge).

Blue Kuna's Smokey Detroit-Style Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Yields: 4-6 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni

• 16 oz sharp cheddar cheese shredded

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cheddar cheese soup

• 8 oz Gruyere cheese, freshly grated (about 1 cup)

• ½ stick of butter

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 3 cups of heavy whipping cream

• 2 tsp granulated garlic

• 1 tsp granulated onion

• 3 tsp smoked spanish paprika

• ½ tsp white pepper

• Salt and cracked black pepper (to taste)

• 4 slices of dried bread, broken into pieces (optional)

Directions:

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil for your macaroni. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. When done, drain it and set it aside.

While your water heats up & your macaroni is cooking, make your cheese sauce..

1. Melt butter over medium heat using another large pot.

2. Whisk flour into the melted butter until it thickens slightly (about a minute). This is your roux, the base for your creamy sauce.

3. Add your whipping cream by slowly whisking, bringing it to a simmer. Be patient and keep whisking to avoid lumps.

4. Now add the shredded cheddar and grated Gruyere cheese (set aside a small handful for topping.) Stir constantly until everything is melted and smooth.

5. Lastly, add your granulated garlic, onion, smoked paprika, and white pepper. Season with salt and cracked black pepper to your taste.

6. Reduce the heat on the cheese sauce and slowly add the cooked macaroni to the sauce. Gently stir it in until everything is evenly coated with the cheese sauce.

7. Now add the can of cheddar cheese soup, and the remaining shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until everything is incorporated and heated through.
   

Serve:

Immediately portion your mac and cheese into serving bowls.

Top with the reserved grated Gruyere cheese for an extra cheesy finish.

Bonus Crunch (Homestyle Version):

For an extra bit of texture, we can whip up some quick and easy breadcrumbs. In a separate pan, melt a ½ stick of butter and toss in the broken bread pieces. Let them soak for about 15 minutes, then fry them over medium heat until golden brown and crispy. Sprinkle these homemade breadcrumbs over your mac and cheese for a delightful contrast!

Blue Kuna's Smokey Detroit-Style Macaroni and Cheese

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