Smoky BBQ Mac and Cheese with Bacon and Jalapeño

Name: Smoky BBQ Mac and Cheese with Bacon and Jalapeño
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cup macaroni; 2 cup cheddar cheese (shredded); 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded); 2 cup milk; 4 tbsp butter; 1 cup flour; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp paprika; 1 cup jalapeños (chopped); 200 g bacon (cooked and crumbled); 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1 cup cheddar cheese (for topping); 1 tbsp chives (chopped)

55 min 6 servings Medium

All Recipes

Smoky BBQ Mac and Cheese with Bacon and Jalapeño

A delicious smoky BBQ mac and cheese topped with crispy bacon and spicy jalapeños.

Prep

20 min

Cook

30 min

Total

55 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Mac and cheese is a classic American dish, but by adding a BBQ twist and a bit of heat with jalapeños, you'll create a comforting dish that will delight your guests. This easy recipe, perfect for the grill, will provide an unforgettable taste experience.

Ingredients

Servings

For the mac and cheese

For the topping

Instructions

Prepare the macaroni

Cook the macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Pro tip: Add a bit of olive oil to the water to prevent the pasta from sticking.

Make the cheese sauce

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 2 minutes.

Pro tip: Do not let the flour brown, as this could affect the color of the sauce.

Incorporate the milk

Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens.

Pro tip: Use warm milk to speed up the thickening process.

Add the cheeses

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted.

Pro tip: Add a little cheese at a time for better incorporation.

Mix the ingredients

Add the cooked macaroni and jalapeños to the cheese sauce. Mix well to coat the pasta.

Pro tip: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Prepare the BBQ

Preheat your BBQ to medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C).

Pro tip: Use wood chips for extra smoky flavor.

Assemble the dish

Pour the macaroni mixture into a BBQ-safe dish. Sprinkle crumbled bacon, breadcrumbs, and cheddar cheese on top.

Pro tip: For perfect crunch, lightly drizzle olive oil over the breadcrumbs.

Cook on the BBQ

Place the dish on the BBQ and close the lid. Cook for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.

Pro tip: Check regularly to prevent burning.

Serve

Remove the dish from the BBQ and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped chives.

Pro tip: Serve with BBQ sauce for an even more flavorful touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this smoky BBQ mac and cheese as a side dish or a main course. With the crunch of bacon and the smoky flavor, it's a dish that the whole family will surely enjoy. Feel free to adjust the amount of jalapeños according to your spice tolerance.