• Take the time first to shred and measure out all your cheeses now and measure out your other ingredients.

Start the Traeger Pellet Grill

• Remove the fire pot from the bottom of the Traeger and clean out any ashes left over from the last cook. Replace it and make sure it is secured in place with the clips on either side.
• Load the hopper of the Traeger with your chosen wood pellets.
• Turn on the Traeger and move the dial to the "Smoke" setting.
• Leave the lid open for 5-7 minutes until you start seeing white billowing smoke stop coming out of the grill. This means the initial pellets are now ignited.
• Place a disposable bucket liner in the grease bucket as well if you want to limit cleanup later.
• Set the temperature on the control panel to 225° and close the lid.

Cook the Macaroni “Al Dente”

• Bring at least 5 qts of water to a boil in a large pot and cook your elbow macaroni for 5-6 minutes at a rolling boil until it is “al dente”, meaning still somewhat firm.
  1 lb Elbow Macaroni Noodles
• Drain the pasta water and set the macaroni aside off the heat.

Make the Cheese Sauce

• While the water is coming up to a boil or macaroni is cooking, you can start to heat your cast iron skillet over medium heat and melt the butter.
  ½ cup Salted Butter
• Whisk in the flour until smooth (about 3-4 minutes) and then whisk in the mustard powder.
  4 tablespoon Flour, 1 tablespoon Mustard Powder
• Whisk in the half and half and milk and bring to gentle boil.  Turn off the heat and stir in the cream cheese until smooth.
  1 cup Half and Half, 1 cup Whole Milk, 4 oz Cream Cheese
• Then add your shredded cheeses, a little at a time in small handfuls, whisking until smooth.
  2 Cups Cheddar Cheese, 2 Cups Gouda, ½ Cup Parmesan

Add the Macaroni and the Breadcrumb Topping

• Once your cheese sauce is smooth and creamy (add more milk if its is too thick), add your drained “al dente” macaroni noodles and stir around until all the pasta is completely coated.
• Mix together your melted butter, panko breadcrumbs and BBQ rub in a small bowl and sprinkle over the top of the macaroni and cheese if you wish.
  1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs, ¼ cup Melted Butter, 1 tablespoon Three Little Pigs Kansas City Championship BBQ Rub

Smoke on the Traeger Pellet Grill

• Carefully carry your (hot) cast iron skillet out to the Traeger pellet grill set to 225°F and put it right in the smoker uncovered. Close the lid.
• Let it cook for about 1 to 1.5 hours uncovered until the top has browned and the sides are bubbling up.
• When finished, you can serve to guests directly out of the cast iron pan!