Smoked Crab Mac & Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 stick (½ cup) butter
• 1 lb shell pasta or elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 8 oz shredded Colby Jack cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tbsp paprika
• Real crab meat (1/2 lb or so)
• Butter 3-4 tbsp
• Fresh garlic, minced

Method

1. Combine all the shredded cheeses in a bowl, reserving 1 cup for topping later.
2. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute.
3. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and continue whisking until the mixture thickens.
4. Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
5. Add most of the cheese blend (all but the reserved cup) and stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
6. In a separate pan, cook the crab meat in butter and minced garlic; chop roughly if desired.
7. Place the cooked pasta in a heatproof pan, then pour the cheese sauce over it and mix until evenly coated.
8. Fold the cooked crab meat gently into the mac and cheese.
9. Top with the reserved cheese and a sprinkle of paprika.
10. Smoke at 250°F for about 1 hour, until bubbly, melted, and golden on top.