Smoked Mac Cheese Bacon Cups (Printer-Friendly Version)

Tender pasta shells wrapped in smoky bacon with a rich cheese blend and crunchy buttery topping.

# Ingredients Needed:

→ Bacon Cups

01 - 12 slices thick-cut bacon
02 - 1 tablespoon Sugar Daddy BBQ rub

→ Bread Crumb Topping

03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
04 - 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
05 - 1 teaspoon SuckleBusters SPG BBQ rub

→ Cheese Sauce

06 - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
08 - 3 cups whole milk
09 - 1 cup smoked gouda, shredded
10 - 1 cup smoked cheddar, shredded
11 - 1/2 cup parmesan, grated
12 - 1 cup mozzarella, shredded

→ Pasta

13 - 3 cups small pasta shells or elbow macaroni

→ Seasoning

14 - 1 teaspoon SuckleBusters SPG BBQ rub

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Preheat grill or smoker to 350°F. Flip muffin tin and arrange two pieces of bacon per cup, one halved and crossed as an X, then wrap a full slice around the edge forming a cup. Sprinkle each with Sugar Daddy BBQ rub. Cook on grill for 45-55 minutes until bacon is set but not overly crisp. Let cool before removing cups.
02 - Combine melted butter, panko bread crumbs, and SPG BBQ rub in a small bowl. Stir until evenly moistened and flavorful. Set aside.
03 - In a large saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually add milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in smoked gouda, smoked cheddar, parmesan, and mozzarella until the sauce is smooth and uniform.
04 - Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 1 minute less than package instructions to retain firmness. Drain and return to pot. Pour cheese sauce over pasta and stir gently until all shells are coated.
05 - Fill cooled bacon cups evenly with cheesy pasta, avoiding overpacking. Sprinkle bread crumb topping over each. Arrange bacon cups in a foil pan and bake uncovered on grill or smoker for approximately 30 minutes until topping is golden and bubbling.

# Helpful Hints:

01 - Allow bacon cups to cool before filling to maintain shape.
02 - Freeze leftover cups wrapped tightly in plastic for extended storage.
03 - Slow smoking infuses a distinctive depth of flavor, enhancing the cheese and bacon.

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