Grilled Mac and Cheese

This grilled mac and cheese is full of cheesy, creamy flavor that both kids and adults love, making it a perfect main or side dish for any gathering.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 10 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins
• Calories: 782 Calories

Ingredients

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
• 1 quart whole milk
• 1 pound bacon, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
• 3 large onions, minced
• 4 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
• 0.5 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
• 0.5 (6 ounce) package fish-shaped cheese crackers (such as Goldfish®)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

Set up an outdoor grill for indirect cooking over medium heat. For charcoal, use coals on one side of the grill. For gas, shut off one side of the grill.

Step 3

Stir in about a handful of Cheddar cheese at a time until 3 cups have been melted into the mixture. Move the Dutch oven to the cooler side of the grill. Stir in cooked macaroni. Crumble the cheese crackers over the top. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup Cheddar cheese.

Step 4

Close the lid of the grill and let cook until bubbly and reduced, about 40 minutes, rotating the Dutch oven every 5 minutes or so to keep from burning. Remove from heat and serve.

Step 5

Place an 8-quart cast iron Dutch oven over the hot side of the grill. Add bacon; cook and stir until it renders its fat, but doesn't crisp up, 5 to 7 minutes. Add onions and garlic; move the Dutch oven so only about half of the pot is over the heat. Cook and stir until onions start to become translucent, about 5 minutes. Pour in milk and cook until hot, but not simmering. Melt in cream cheese.