Grilled Gourmet Mac And Cheese – Comfort Food Elevated!

I remember the first time I tried grilled mac and cheese. It was love at first bite! I had never experienced such a delicious combination of cheesy, creamy macaroni and the smoky char of the grill.

I knew right away that this would be a recipe I would be making over and over again. That was several years ago, and I am still making this grilled mac and cheese every chance I get.

If you’re looking for a delicious and unique way to enjoy mac and cheese, look no further! Grilled mac and cheese are sure to be a hit with your friends and family.

Grilled Mac And Cheese Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
• 1 quart whole milk
• 1 pound bacon, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
• 3 large onions, minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ (8 ounce) package cream cheese
• 4 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
• ½ (6 ounce) package fish-shaped cheese crackers (such as Goldfish®)

Instructions

• Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni in the boiling water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 10 minutes. Add the onions and garlic and cook until the onions are translucent about 5 minutes.
• Add the cream cheese and stir until melted. Add 3 cups of the shredded Cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
• Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and mix until all ingredients are combined.
• Transfer the macaroni mixture to a large bowl and top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese and the fish-shaped cheese crackers.
• Place the macaroni mixture onto the preheated grill and cover it with a lid. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve the grilled macaroni and cheese warm. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Serving size: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: 530
• Fat: 29 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 80 mg

History of grilled mac and cheese

The history of grilled mac and cheese can be traced back to the 1960s, when the dish first began appearing in diners and family-style restaurants across the United States. Originally, it was a simple dish of macaroni noodles, cheese, and butter, which was then fried or grilled until the cheese was melted and the noodles were crisp.

Over the years, grilled mac and cheese has evolved into a wide variety of recipes, incorporating different cheeses, seasonings, and even other ingredients such as bacon, tomatoes, or jalapenos. Today, it is a popular comfort food enjoyed by people of all ages.

Benefits of grilling mac and cheese

Grilling Mac and Cheese is a great way to enjoy a delicious and versatile meal. The combination of flavors and textures you get from grilling the Mac and Cheese creates a unique and satisfying experience.

• Grilling Mac and Cheese provides a great way to get creative with ingredients and flavors. With a variety of different cheeses, bread crumbs, and seasoning, the possibilities are endless for a tasty meal.
• Grilling Mac and Cheese is a great way to add smoky flavor to the dish. The char and smoke created by the grilling process adds a unique flavor to the dish that cannot be replicated any other way.
• Grilling Mac and Cheese is a great way to get the whole family involved in the cooking process. With little prep and minimal clean-up, everyone can have a hand in creating a delicious meal.
• Grilling Mac and Cheese is a great way to create a healthier version of the dish. By grilling instead of baking, you can reduce the amount of fat and calories in the dish while still enjoying a delicious meal.
• Grilling Mac and Cheese is a great option for outdoor entertaining. With minimal gear and effort, you can create a delicious and impressive meal for friends and family to enjoy.

Tips for making the perfect grilled mac and cheese

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

• Make a creamy cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper. Slowly add in milk and whisk until combined. Add in your choice of cheese, stirring until melted and combined.
• Cook macaroni according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
• In a separate bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring to coat.
• Place a large piece of aluminum foil on your grill and spray with cooking spray.
• Place half of the macaroni and cheese on the foil and spread it out in an even layer.
• Place the remaining macaroni and cheese on top and spread it out in an even layer.
• Grill the macaroni and cheese for 10-15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the macaroni and cheese are lightly browned.

Different ways to grill mac and cheese

Grilled Mac and Cheese is a delicious and simple comfort food dish. It can be prepared in many different ways, providing an opportunity for cooks to get creative in the kitchen. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, here are some different ways to get the most out of your grilled mac and cheese.

• Traditional Grilled Mac and Cheese: For a classic grilled mac and cheese, start by preheating a grill to medium-high heat. Spread a layer of butter on one side of the macaroni and cheese and place it butter-side down onto the grill. Allow it to cook for about 4-5 minutes, until the mac and cheese is golden brown. Flip the mac and cheese, cooking the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes. Serve with a side of your favorite condiments, such as ketchup or ranch dressing.
• Cheesy Stuffed Mac and Cheese: For a cheesy twist on the classic, prepare mac and cheese as directed and then stuff it with your favorite cheese. Try using a blend of gruyere, cheddar, and provolone for an extra ooey-gooey texture. Spread the cheese blend over the mac and cheese and then grill as directed. This version of grilled mac and cheese is sure to satisfy cheese lovers everywhere.
• Buffalo Grilled Mac and Cheese: For a spicy twist, prepare mac and cheese as directed and then spread your favorite buffalo sauce over it. Grill as directed, flipping to ensure even cooking. Serve with celery and ranch dressing for a delicious game day snack.
• Mac and Cheese Pizzas: For a unique take on the classic, prepare mac and cheese as directed and form it into thin discs. Grill for 4-5 minutes and then top with your favorite pizza toppings. Grill for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with a side of marinara sauce.

No matter how you decide to prepare it, grilled mac and cheese is a delicious crowd-pleaser. With these different methods, you can find the perfect recipe to satisfy your cravings. Give these different takes on the classic a try and enjoy the deliciousness of grilled mac and cheese.

Popular recipes for grilled mac and cheese

Grilled Mac and Cheese is a popular dish that can be prepared in many different ways. From classic recipes with a simple yet delicious combination of cheese and macaroni, to more complex recipes with additional ingredients such as bacon, jalapeños, and even lobster, there are countless delicious variations of this beloved classic. Whether you are looking for a classic grilled Mac and Cheese recipe or something more adventurous, these popular recipes will help you make the perfect meal.

Classic Grilled Mac and Cheese

This classic Grilled Mac and Cheese recipe is a crowd-pleaser that is easy to prepare. Start by cooking macaroni pasta in boiling water for about 8 minutes. Once cooked, drain the macaroni and place it into a large bowl.

Next, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk until it is a smooth paste.

Slowly add 2 cups of milk to the skillet while whisking to combine until a thick sauce has formed. Add 2 cups of shredded cheese to the skillet and stir until it is melted. Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni and stir to combine.

Place the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish and top with a mix of shredded cheese and breadcrumbs. Finally, transfer the dish to the grill and cook at medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the top is golden brown.

Jalapeño Bacon Grilled Mac and Cheese

This spicy twist on the classic dish is sure to be a hit. Start by cooking macaroni pasta in boiling water for 8 minutes, then drain and set aside.

Next, cook 4 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove the bacon from the skillet and transfer it to a plate lined with a paper towel. Once cooled, crumble the bacon and set aside.

In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté 1 small diced onion and 2 jalapeños until softened. Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk until it is a smooth paste. Slowly add 2 cups of milk to the skillet while whisking to combine until a thick sauce has formed. Add 2 cups of shredded cheese to the skillet and stir until it is melted. Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni and stir to combine.

Place the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish and top with a mix of the crumbled bacon, jalapeños, and shredded cheese. Finally, transfer the dish to the grill and cook at medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the top is golden-brown.

Lobster Grilled Mac and Cheese

This delicious seafood-infused version of Grilled Mac and Cheese is perfect for a special occasion. Start by cooking macaroni pasta in boiling water for 8 minutes, then drain and set aside.

In a large pot, bring 2 cups of milk to a simmer. Once the milk is simmering, add 1/2 cup of white wine and reduce the heat to low. Add 1/2 pound of cooked lobster meat, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder to the pot and stir to combine. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the lobster is cooked through.

Add 2 cups of shredded cheese to the pot and stir until it is melted. Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni and stir to combine. Place the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish and top with a mix of lobster and shredded cheese. Finally, transfer the dish to the grill and cook at medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the top is golden brown.

These popular recipes for Grilled Mac and Cheese offer something for everyone. Whether you prefer the classic dish or a more adventurous variation, these recipes are sure to satisfy you.