Renee Thomas
@gourmetrenet
Grilled Mac and Cheese with Bacon
This Grilled Mac and Cheese with Bacon is a delicious twist on the classic comfort food. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it's perfect for outdoor gatherings or a cozy night in. The combination of melted sharp Cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and the crunch of cheese crackers makes this dish irresistible!
Details
- Cuisine:american
- Difficulty:medium
- Estimated Cost:N/A
- Ingredients:8
- Views:4
Recipe Information
- Prep time20 min.
- Cook time1 min.
- Total time21 min.
- Servings8
Ingredients
- 1 (16 ounce) package
- 1 pound
- 3 large
- 4 cloves
- 1 quart
- 1/2 (8 ounce) package
- 4 cups, divided
- 1/2 (6 ounce) package
Cooking Instructions
Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Grilled Mac and Cheese with Bacon.
Step 1
Start by bringing a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil.
Step 2
Once boiling, toss in the elbow macaroni and cook it, stirring occasionally, until it’s tender yet still has a delightful bite—this should take about 8 minutes.
Step 3
After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
Step 4
Next, prepare your outdoor grill for indirect cooking over medium heat.
Step 5
If you’re using a charcoal grill, simply place the coals on one side.
Step 6
For gas grills, turn off one side to create that perfect cooking environment.
Step 7
Now, grab an 8-quart cast iron Dutch oven and place it on the hot side of the grill.
Step 8
Add the chopped bacon and cook it, stirring occasionally, until it releases its flavorful fat but doesn’t get crispy—this should take around 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 9
Once the bacon is ready, add the minced onions and garlic to the Dutch oven.
Step 10
Move the pot so that only half of it is over the heat, and cook while stirring until the onions turn a lovely translucent color, which should take about 5 minutes.
Step 11
Now it’s time to pour in the whole milk and heat it until it’s hot but not simmering.
Step 12
Add the cream cheese and stir until it melts into a creamy dream.
Step 13
Gradually mix in about a handful of shredded Cheddar cheese at a time until you’ve incorporated 3 cups into the mixture.
Step 14
Then, carefully move the Dutch oven to the cooler side of the grill.
Step 15
Stir in the cooked macaroni, and for a delightful crunch, crumble the cheese crackers over the top.
Step 16
Don’t forget to sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Cheddar cheese on top for that gooey goodness.
Step 17
Close the grill lid and let everything cook until it’s bubbly and beautifully reduced—this should take about 40 minutes.
Step 18
Remember to rotate the Dutch oven every 5 minutes to prevent any burning.
Step 19
Once it’s done, remove it from the heat, and get ready to serve this delicious creation that’s sure to impress your family and friends! Enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite!.