Introduction
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by many. When made right, mac and cheese can be an absolute delight – creamy, cheesy and oozing with flavor. While mac and cheese may seem simple, there are some tips and tricks to getting it just right, especially when cooking it on the barbecue. Here is an in-depth guide on how to bbq right mac and cheese.
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni or other short pasta shape
- Shredded cheese (combination of cheddar, monterey jack, etc.)
- Milk
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, dry mustard powder, etc.)
- Breadcrumbs or panko for topping
Equipment
- Barbecue grill
- Heavy bottomed pot or dutch oven
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater for shredding cheese
- Aluminum foil
Prepare the Macaroni
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dry macaroni and cook until just shy of al dente, about 1 minute less than the package directs. We don’t want the macaroni to get mushy.
- Drain the macaroni and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheese handful by handful, making sure it’s completely melted before adding more.
- Season with salt, pepper and other seasonings of your choice. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
Combine and Cook on Grill
- Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a heavy bottomed pot or dutch oven. Top with breadcrumbs or panko.
- Wrap the pot tightly in aluminum foil. This will help the mac and cheese cook evenly.
- Place pot on barbecue over indirect medium heat. Cook for 35-45 minutes, until heated through and breadcrumbs are crispy.
- Carefully remove foil. Bake for 5 more minutes to brown breadcrumbs.
Serving Suggestions
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. The mac and cheese will thicken up as it cools slightly.
- Garnish with chopped scallions, crumbled bacon, sautéed mushrooms or broccoli florets.
- Serve immediately while hot and creamy. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Mac and Cheese
- Use a blend of cheeses for the best flavor. Aim for 50% cheddar and 50% creamy melting cheeses like monterey jack, gruyere or gouda.
- Don’t skimp on the seasoning. Mac and cheese can handle a good amount of salt, pepper and spices.
- Cook the macaroni until just underdone so it doesn’t get mushy when baked.
- Make sure the cheese sauce doesn’t boil to prevent splitting. Stir frequently.
- Let the mac and cheese rest before serving so the sauce can thicken.
Common Mac and Cheese Mistakes
- Undercooking the macaroni – always cook it 1 minute less than the package directs.
- Using the wrong pasta shape – stick to short cuts like elbows that hold the cheese sauce.
- Adding too much milk to the cheese sauce – you just need enough to thin it out.
- Overcooking the sauce – too much heat can make it grainy or clumpy.
- Forgetting to preheat the grill – always preheat to the proper temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cheese is best for mac and cheese?
A blend of 50% cheddar and 50% melty cheeses like monterey jack, gruyere or gouda makes the ideal creamy mac and cheese.
Can you bake mac and cheese on the grill?
Yes, mac and cheese bakes great on a barbecue as long as you use a heavy bottomed pot with a tight fitting lid. Wrapping the pot in foil helps ensure even cooking.
How long does it take to cook mac and cheese on a grill?
Plan on 35-45 minutes over indirect medium heat. Check until heated through and the top is crispy.
Should mac and cheese be creamy or dry?
Mac and cheese should be creamy but not runny. Letting it rest and thicken up before serving helps achieve the perfect texture.
Can I prepare mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce and cook the pasta up to 2 days ahead. Just don’t bake it until ready to serve.
Conclusion
Cooking mac and cheese on the grill may seem unexpected, but it’s a great way to free up oven space while still achieving deliciously creamy results. With a few simple tips on ingredients, sauce making, and grill cooking, you can get restaurant-worthy bbq mac and cheese at home. Just be sure to use quality cheeses, cook the pasta properly, and bake low and slow. With the right techniques, bbq mac and cheese can become your new go-to grilling side dish.