New Hampshire Grilled Lobster Mac & Cheese

Introduction

When comfort food meets luxury, magic happens—especially on the Arteflame grill. This Grilled Lobster Mac & Cheese is an indulgent twist on the classic, bringing together creamy, cheesy pasta with the sweet, smoky flavor of grilled lobster. Cooking this dish outdoors on the Arteflame ensures every bite has a perfect balance of flavor and texture. There’s no better way to highlight New Hampshire’s beautiful seafood than with fire, smoke, and rich, melty cheese.

Ingredients

• 2 whole lobster tails, raw and halved lengthwise
• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons butter (preferably salted)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional topping)
• Chopped chives for garnish
• Vegetable oil and paper napkins to light the grill
• Firewood

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up Your Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of the grill basin.
2. Stack dry firewood over the oiled napkins.
3. Light the napkins and let the fire build. Allow 20 minutes for the flat griddle cooktop to come up to temperature.

Step 2: Grill the Lobster

1. Place the lobster tails flesh side down on the center grill grate, searing them over 1,000°F for about 2 minutes to lock in juices.
2. Flip them and move them to the flat griddle cooktop closer to the edge. Grill until the internal temperature reaches around 130°F. Remove at 130°F because it will coast to 145°F.
3. Once cool enough to handle, roughly chop the lobster meat and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. Fill a grill-safe pot or kettle with water and heat it on the outer zone of the flat top until boiling.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce on the Flat Griddle

1. Melt butter on the inner zone of the flat griddle.
2. Sprinkle in the flour and stir to form a roux, cooking for 2–3 minutes until golden.
3. Slowly add milk and cream, stirring constantly until thickened.
4. Stir in cheddar, Gruyère, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until completely melted into a creamy sauce.

Step 5: Assemble and Finish the Mac & Cheese

1. Mix the cooked pasta and grilled lobster into the cheese sauce directly on the flat griddle.
2. If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle panko over the top and let them toast on the griddle for 2–3 minutes more.
3. Finish with chopped chives and remove from the griddle.

Tips

• Always remove grilled seafood from the cooktop when it’s 15°F below target temperature—it will coast to perfection.
• Use butter for all your cooking steps—its flavor is unmatched and ideal on the Arteflame flat cooktop.
• Grill multiple dishes at once using the Arteflame’s various heat zones to multitask like a pro.
• To avoid overcooking, keep an instant-read thermometer handy for precise results.
• To make cleanup even easier, scrape residue into the center of the grill while it's still warm.

Variations

1. Bacon Lobster Mac: Add grilled, chopped, crispy bacon to the mix for a smoky, savory twist.
2. Spicy Cajun Mac: Season the cheese sauce with Cajun seasoning and toss in diced grilled jalapeños for a spicy Southern kick.
3. Lobster Truffle Mac: Finish the dish with a drizzle of white truffle oil and a sprinkle of shaved Parmesan for gourmet flair.
4. Three-Cheese Mac: Swap out Gruyère for blue cheese and fontina for an ultra-creamy, tangy upgrade.
5. Herb-Infused Mac: Add fresh chopped rosemary and thyme to the cheese sauce for an earthy depth of flavor.

Best Pairings

• Drink: A chilled glass of buttery Chardonnay or an IPA to match the richness of the dish.
• Side: Grilled asparagus or charred corn on the cob adds refreshing crunch and smoky character.
• Dessert: Grilled peaches with mascarpone cream to end the meal on a sweet note.

Conclusion

This New Hampshire Grilled Lobster Mac & Cheese recipe captures luxury and comfort in one unforgettable meal. Thanks to the Arteflame grill's even heat and smoking capability, you get perfectly seared lobster and creamy mac cooked entirely outdoors with no lids, no pans, and minimal cleanup. Indulge yourself and impress your guests—grill like never before.