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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.

Prep Time

15 Min

Cook Time

20 Min

Pellets

Apple

Ingredients

Number of People Serving

6

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Units of Measurment:
main
4 Tablespoon butter
1 Small yellow onion, diced
2 Clove garlic, minced
5 Tablespoon flour
1 1/2 Cup heavy cream
1 1/2 Cup whole milk
3 Sprig fresh thyme
1 Sprig rosemary sprigs
2 Whole bay leaves
1 Tablespoon black peppercorn
1 Pound shredded Gruyere cheese
As Needed salt
1 Pound Elbow Noodles
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

  • 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).

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 5

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

  • 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.

  • 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”.

  • 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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