Introduction
This Béchamel Mac & Cheese recipe takes the classic comfort dish to the next level. By using a silky béchamel sauce as the base, this mac and cheese becomes extra creamy and rich, with layers of flavor from a blend of cheeses. Cooking it on the Arteflame grill adds a hint of smokiness, giving it a unique twist. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleasing side dish at your next BBQ!
Ingredients
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk (warmed)
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
For the Mac & Cheese:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni (cooked al dente)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 2 tbsp butter (melted, for breadcrumbs)
- Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill
Light the Arteflame grill using vegetable oil-soaked napkins and firewood. Let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes, ensuring the flat cooktop reaches an even, moderate temperature for cooking the béchamel sauce and grilling the mac and cheese.
Step 2: Make the Béchamel Sauce
Melt the butter on the flat cooktop or in a grill-safe pan. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden but not browned. Gradually add the warmed milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue whisking for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Step 3: Assemble the Mac & Cheese
Remove the béchamel sauce from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Mix in the Dijon mustard for extra flavor, if desired.
In a large grill-safe baking dish or cast iron skillet, combine the cooked elbow macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
Step 4: Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
Step 5: Grill the Mac & Cheese
Place the baking dish on the outer flat cooktop of the Arteflame grill, where the heat is moderate. Cover the dish with foil and grill for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and the mac and cheese is heated through. For a crispy golden-brown topping, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of grilling.
Step 6: Serve
Once the mac and cheese is golden and bubbling, remove it from the grill. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot!
Tips
- Cheese Blend: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as Gruyère, fontina, or Gouda for extra richness.
- Extra Creamy: For an even creamier mac and cheese, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream with the béchamel sauce.
- Crispy Top: If you like an extra crispy topping, add more butter to the breadcrumbs or broil the dish for the last minute of cooking (if using an oven in some cases).
Variations
- Spicy Mac & Cheese: Add 1 tsp of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the béchamel for a spicy kick.
- Bacon Mac & Cheese: Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon before grilling for a smoky, savory twist.
- Truffle Mac & Cheese: Drizzle a little truffle oil over the mac and cheese before serving for a luxurious, earthy flavor.
- Broccoli Mac & Cheese: Add steamed broccoli florets to the pasta mixture for a cheesy, veggie-packed option.
- Lobster Mac & Cheese: Stir in cooked lobster chunks for a decadent, seafood-inspired version.
Best Pairings
- Side Dishes: Serve with grilled vegetables, a simple green salad, or garlic bread to balance the richness of the mac and cheese.
- Drinks: Pair with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or a cold IPA to complement the creamy, cheesy flavors.
Conclusion
This Béchamel Mac & Cheese is creamy, indulgent, and made even better with the subtle smoky flavor from the Arteflame grill. With a crunchy breadcrumb topping and a blend of melted cheeses, it's the perfect dish for any occasion, from family dinners to BBQ gatherings.