Mac and Cheese Cakes on the Grill

Introduction

Making crispy Mac & Cheese cakes on your Arteflame Grill is easy and adds a smoky twist to this comfort food favorite. Perfectly golden and crispy on the outside, with creamy, cheesy goodness on the inside, these cakes are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (sharp or extra sharp)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• Up to 3 cups milk (added gradually to make the mixture thick enough to form into balls)
• 1 cup panko (Japanese bread crumbs) for extra crispiness

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until it's just shy of al dente. Drain the pasta, rinse it with cold water, and drain again. You can either cook the pasta on your Arteflame grill or prepare it in the kitchen.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large bowl, combine the shredded Cheddar, Parmesan cheese, egg, flour, and melted butter. Gradually add the milk while stirring until the mixture is thick enough to form into balls. Stir in the cooked pasta until evenly coated with the cheese sauce.

3. Form the Mac & Cheese Cakes

Scoop about 3 tablespoons of the macaroni and cheese mixture and form it into a ball. Roll the ball in the panko bread crumbs until fully coated. Once coated, gently flatten the ball into a thick pancake shape to ensure it won’t break apart on the grill.

4. Grill the Mac & Cheese Cakes

Preheat your Arteflame Grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the flat cooktop, then place the mac & cheese cakes on the grill. Cook each cake for about 2 minutes on one side until golden brown and crispy. Flip the cakes and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side, until both sides are crispy and golden.

5. Serve

Once the mac & cheese cakes are perfectly crispy on both sides, remove them from the grill and serve hot. These cakes are perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or even a main course.

Tips

• Make sure your grill is well-oiled to prevent sticking.
• If the mixture is too wet, add a little more flour or cheese to help it hold its shape.
• Let the cakes rest for a minute after grilling to allow them to firm up.

Variations

1. Add Bacon

Mix in crumbled bacon with the mac and cheese for a smoky, savory twist.

2. Spicy Mac & Cheese Cakes

Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.

3. Gourmet Cheeses

Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or Fontina for a more sophisticated flavor.

4. Herb-Crusted

Mix fresh chopped herbs like parsley or thyme into the panko for an extra layer of flavor.

5. Truffle Mac & Cheese Cakes

Drizzle truffle oil over the mac & cheese cakes before serving for a luxurious touch.

Best Pairings

• Side Dish: Pair with a fresh green salad, grilled vegetables, or roasted Brussels sprouts.
• Drink: A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or a light beer like a pilsner pairs perfectly.
• Dessert: Follow up with a light dessert like fruit sorbet or grilled peaches to balance the richness.

Conclusion

These Arteflame Grilled Mac & Cheese Cakes are a crispy, cheesy delight with a smoky twist, making them a perfect addition to any meal. Enjoy the rich flavors and crunchy texture that only grilling can provide!