Smoked Mac Cheese Bacon Cups (Printer-Friendly)

Pasta shells nestled in bacon cups with rich smoked cheeses and crispy breadcrumbs for a smoky, savory bite.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bacon Cups

01 - Thick-cut bacon, 20 slices
02 - SuckleBusters Sugar Daddy BBQ Rub, 1 tablespoon

→ Cheese Sauce

03 - Unsalted butter, 6 tablespoons
04 - All-purpose flour, 1/3 cup
05 - Whole milk, 3 cups
06 - Smoked gouda cheese, shredded, 1 1/2 cups
07 - Smoked cheddar cheese, shredded, 1 1/2 cups
08 - Parmesan cheese, grated, 1/2 cup
09 - Mozzarella cheese, shredded, 1 cup
10 - SuckleBusters SPG BBQ Rub, 1 teaspoon

→ Pasta

11 - Small pasta shells or elbow macaroni, 300 grams

→ Topping

12 - Panko bread crumbs, 1 cup
13 - Unsalted butter, melted, 2 tablespoons
14 - SuckleBusters SPG BBQ Rub, 1 teaspoon

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat grill or smoker to 350°F. Invert a muffin tin and weave two pieces of bacon per cup: one piece cut in half and crossed in an X shape inside the mold, then wrap a whole slice around the edge overlapping slightly. Sprinkle each cup with Sugar Daddy BBQ Rub. Place tin on the grill and cook for 45 to 55 minutes until bacon is cooked but not overly crisp. Cool completely before removing cups carefully.
02 - Combine melted butter, panko bread crumbs, and SPG BBQ Rub in a small bowl until crumbs are evenly coated. Set aside.
03 - Melt 6 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in whole milk and simmer until thickened and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in smoked gouda, smoked cheddar, parmesan, mozzarella, and SPG BBQ Rub until melted and sauce is creamy.
04 - Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add pasta. Cook just one minute less than package instructions to retain firmness. Drain and return pasta to pot. Stir in cheese sauce making sure each piece is well coated.
05 - Fill cooled bacon cups evenly with macaroni and cheese mixture, packing gently without overfilling. Sprinkle breadcrumb topping over each cup. Place cups in a foil pan and bake uncovered on grill or smoker until tops are golden and bubbling, approximately 30 minutes.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Chill bacon cups before filling to help maintain their shape. Avoid overcooking bacon in the first bake to ensure sturdiness for stuffing and rebaking.
02 - These cups freeze well; wrap tightly and reheat in oven or grill for best texture.

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