Blue Kuna's Creamy, Smoky Mac and Cheese Recipe Revealed

Metro Detroit's newest barbecue restaurant shares its signature dish with readers.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Blue Kuna Smokehouse, the No. 10 restaurant on the 2026 Detroit Free Press/Chevy Detroit Top 10 New Restaurants and Dining Experiences list, is known for its homestyle charm and American barbecue. The restaurant has now shared the recipe for its creamy, smoky mac and cheese dish that has become a fan favorite.

Why it matters

Blue Kuna's mac and cheese recipe provides home cooks with the opportunity to recreate the signature dish from one of Metro Detroit's hottest new restaurants. This allows readers to enjoy the restaurant's flavors at home and gives insight into the culinary approach that has made Blue Kuna a standout in the region's dining scene.

The details

The recipe for Blue Kuna's creamy, smoky mac and cheese calls for a blend of cheeses, including cheddar and smoked gouda, as well as a touch of smoked paprika to infuse the dish with a subtle barbecue flavor. The restaurant's chef recommends using high-quality pasta and taking the time to properly thicken the cheese sauce for the best texture.

  • Blue Kuna Smokehouse was named one of the Top 10 New Restaurants in Metro Detroit in 2026.

The players

Blue Kuna Smokehouse

A new barbecue restaurant in Metro Detroit that was named one of the top 10 new dining experiences in the region in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to share our mac and cheese recipe with our customers and readers. It's a dish that really showcases the flavors and techniques that make Blue Kuna special.”

— Blue Kuna Chef (Detroit Free Press)

The takeaway

Blue Kuna's success in its first year of operation demonstrates the continued demand for high-quality, homestyle barbecue in the Metro Detroit area. The restaurant's willingness to share its signature mac and cheese recipe with readers provides a unique opportunity for home cooks to bring the flavors of one of the region's top new dining experiences into their own kitchens.