Grilled Mac and Cheese

Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food. We have made Smoked Mac and Cheese and Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese so I knew my family would love this Grilled Mac and Cheese.

Creamy, Cheesy noodles are placed in a cast iron skillet and grilled to perfection. Indulge this summer in this rich and decadent side dish that is perfect to serve with your favorite grilled meats.

How do you Grill Mac and Cheese

Delicious Mac and Cheese cooks on the grill without a lot of prep time. Preheat your grill and place your cooked macaroni and shredded cheese into a cast iron skillet that has been heated with melted butter roux.

Bake for about 30 minutes over medium heat for a crowd pleasing side dish. Skip making stovetop mac and cheese when you get easily make it on the grill for a smoky flavor dish for your next barbecue.

Ingredients

• Cavatappi Macaroni – Use your favorite small noodles such as elbow macaroni
• Salt – We used pink salt but kosher salt is another great option

Ingredients for the Cheese Sauce

• Butter – We used unsalted butter
• All Purpose Flour – Helps to thicken the sauce consistency
• Milk and Heavy Cream – We recommend using whole milk for a creamy texture
• Onion Powder – If you can use fresh chopped onions if you prefer
• Garlic Powder – Substitute with minced garlic powder
• Smoked Gouda Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, and Cheddar Cheese – Use freshly shredded cheese

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

How to Make Grilled Mac and Cheese

• Step 1 – Preheat a grill to 425 degrees F. 

Step 2 – Cook the Cavatappi macaroni with 1 tablespoon of salt 1 minute less than al dente based on the package instructions in a large pot.  Drain and rinse with cold water, set aside. 

Step 3 – Place a 12 inch cast iron skillet on the grill over indirect heat. Close the lid on the grill to preheat the pan (this will take approximately 4-6 minutes). 

Step 4 – Melt the butter in the skillet. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes until the flour starts to brown. 

Step 5 – Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream until combined. Bring the mixture to a boil. 

Step 6 – Whisk in the onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Remove the skillet from the grill and reduce the temperature on the grill to medium low (approximately 300-325 degrees F). 

Step 7 – Reserve ½ cup of the cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese. Stir in the remaining shredded cheese (off of the heat) and stir until the cheese is melted and combined. 

Step 8 – Stir in the cooked pasta until it’s fully coated in the cheese sauce.

Step 9 – Sprinkle with the reserved shredded cheese. Place the pan back on the grill and heat over medium low heat for approximately 15-20 minutes with the lid closed on the grill until all the cheese is melted, the mixture is bubbly and the top starts to brown slightly. 

• Step 10 – Remove from heat, let the grilled mac and cheese cool slightly and then it’s ready to serve and enjoy! 

Recipe Tips

• Shredded Cheese – I recommend shredding your own cheese for the best results instead of buying pre-shredded. 
• Type of Pan – We used a cast iron skillet as it allows for the mac and cheese to cook evenly with the best texture. It also is perfect to use on the gas grill or charcoal grill. You can use any type of skillet just make sure that it safe to place on the grill.
• Cooking Pasta – Cook the pasta ahead of time to save time when ready to make this macaroni and cheese recipe. Make sure to cook according to package so that the noodles do not get mushy.

Variations Ideas

This mac and cheese is a classic base recipe but you can add in ingredients to make it a delicious variation. These are some of our favorite additions.

• Diced Ham
• Diced Green Chiles
• Crumbled Bacon
• Poached Lobster
• Additional Spices – Red Pepper Flakes
• Hot Sauce

You can even make a Mac and Cheese Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Place the cooked mac and cheese on two slices of bread and cook on the stovetop in a tablespoon butter. This creates the best smoke flavored Grilled Cheese.

What to Serve with Grilled Mac and Cheese?

Grilled Mac and Cheese makes the best Side Dish to any grilled meats. We to make it with Grilled Flank Steak, Grilled BBQ Pork Chops or Grilled Tilapia.

We like to grill the mac and cheese while grilling our meats so everything is finished about the same time. It also makes for an easily cleanup as everything is cooked outside.