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Baked Mac & Cheese with Jerky Dust

Baked Mac & Cheese with Jerky Dust

By Traeger Kitchen

Take one taste of this twist on a classic and you won’t look back. Thick and creamy mac n’ cheese is topped with a crunchy, flavorful jerky topping.

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15 Min

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20 Min

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Apple
Yields: 6 Servings

Ingredients

main
4 Tablespoonbutter
1 Smallyellow onion, diced
2 Clovegarlic, minced
5 TablespoonFlour
1 1/2 Cupheavy cream
1 1/2 Cupwhole milk
3 Sprigfresh thyme
1 Sprigrosemary sprigs
2 Wholebay leaves
1 Tablespoonblack peppercorn
1 Poundshredded Gruyere cheese
As Neededsalt
1 PoundElbow Noodles
1 Cuppanko breadcrumbs
1/4 CupParmesan cheese
4 Tablespoonbutter, melted
1/2 Tablespoonsmoked paprika
4 OunceBeef Jerky, shredded in the blender
Units of Measurement:

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  • Step 1

    When ready to cook, start your Traeger according to grill instructions. Set the temperature to 350 degrees F and preheat, lid closed (10-15 minutes).

  • Step 2

    Heat butter in a medium stock pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and saute for 5 minutes or until translucent and tender. Add garlic and saute 30 seconds more. Add flour and stir well with a wooden spoon.

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    • 4 Tablespoon butter

    • 1 Small yellow onion, diced

    • 2 Clove garlic, minced

    • 5 Tablespoon Flour

  • Step 3

    Cook roux for 1 minute until it smells slightly nutty. While whisking, stream in milk and cream and continue to whisk until flour clumps are worked out.

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    • 1 1/2 Cup heavy cream

    • 1 1/2 Cup whole milk

  • Step 4

    Wrap herbs and black peppercorn in cheese cloth and tie up with twine. Drop into cream mixture and simmer 15-20 minutes until liquid thickens. Remove cheese cloth with herbs and discard.

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    • 3 Sprig fresh thyme

    • 1 Sprig rosemary sprigs

    • 2 Whole bay leaves

    • 1 Tablespoon black peppercorn

  • Step 5

    Remove from heat, whisk in gruyere until melted through and season with salt. Set aside until noodles are ready.

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    • 1 Pound shredded Gruyere cheese

    • As Needed salt

  • Step 6

    Bring a large salted pot of water to a boil. Add noodles and cook 6-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse pasta. Add to cheese sauce and stir to coat. Pour mixture into a large cast iron pan.

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    • 1 Pound Elbow Noodles

  • Step 7

    In a small bowl combine panko, parmesan cheese, melted butter, paprika and stir well. Sprinkle mixture over mac and cheese then top with shredded jerky “dust”.

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    • 1 Cup panko breadcrumbs

    • 1/4 Cup Parmesan cheese

    • 4 Tablespoon butter, melted

    • 1/2 Tablespoon smoked paprika

    • 4 Ounce Beef Jerky, shredded in the blender

  • Step 8

    Place cast iron pan directly on the grill grate and bake 15-20 minutes until cheese sauce is bubbling and top is lightly browned. Remove from the grill and serve. Enjoy!

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