Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt, then add the elbow macaroni. Cook the macaroni until it's just shy of al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
While the macaroni is cooking, shred your cheese if you haven't already done so. Mix together cheddar, mozzarella, and smoked gouda for a flavorful blend.
Making the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns a light golden brown.
Gradually pour in the whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheese to the saucepan, a handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth. Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Combining and Smoking
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring until the macaroni is evenly coated in cheesy goodness. If you're feeling adventurous, now's the time to toss in some cooked bacon or diced jalapenos for an extra kick.
Fire up your Pit Boss grill and set it to smoke mode. While the grill is heating up, transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a cast-iron skillet or a disposable aluminum pan for easy cleanup.
Once your grill is billowing with delicious smoke, place the skillet or pan of mac and cheese inside. Close the lid and let it soak up all that smoky goodness for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even smoking.
Serving and Enjoying
When your mac and cheese is golden brown and bubbly, it's time to dig in! Serve it up hot off the grill and watch as your friends and family marvel at your culinary prowess.
For added smokiness, you can sprinkle some smoked paprika or chipotle powder over the top before serving. Get creative with your garnishes and make this dish your own!