North Carolina Fire-Kissed BBQ Mac and Cheese

Introduction

Grilled to perfection on the Arteflame, this North Carolina Fire-Kissed BBQ Mac and Cheese features rich, cheesy pasta turned crispy and smoky with fire-charred goodness—done entirely on the grill for that unforgettable backyard taste.

Ingredients

• 1 lb elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated smoked gouda
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (plus extra for grilling)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup pulled pork or chopped BBQ brisket (optional)
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Soak three paper napkins with vegetable oil.
2. Place them in the center of the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins and light them.
4. Wait 20 minutes until the flat cooktop is hot and ready for grilling.

Step 2: Prepare the cheese sauce

1. Place a cast-iron mixing bowl or grill-safe dish near the center of the flat cooktop where the heat is highest.
2. Melt the butter, then add the milk and cream, stirring continuously.
3. Gradually stir in all cheeses, reserving one handful of cheddar for topping.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

Step 3: Combine pasta and BBQ meat

1. Add cooked macaroni and optional pulled pork or brisket into the cheese sauce.
2. Mix thoroughly and allow the flavors to mingle for a few minutes.

Step 4: Grill the mac and cheese

1. Butter a grilling-safe flat tray or foil pan and place the mac and cheese mixture in it.
2. Top with remaining cheddar and panko breadcrumbs.
3. Place the tray directly on the hotter inner area of the Arteflame cooktop. Let it cook until the bottom is crispy and the top is golden brown, about 10–15 minutes.

Step 5: Rest and garnish

1. Remove from heat and allow it to rest for 5 minutes.
2. Sprinkle chopped green onions for a fresh lift.
3. Serve warm directly from the grill griddle.

Tips

• Keep stirring the cheese mixture while it melts for an ultra-smooth texture.
• If meat is added, sear it on the center grill grate first to lock in juices, then transfer to flat top to finish cooking.
• Rotate the pan as needed to prevent burning and promote even browning.
• Use butter on the griddle instead of oil for a richer flavor crust.
• Clean-up is minimal with the Arteflame—just scrape and wipe!

Variations

1. Spicy Jalapeño BBQ Mac: Add sliced jalapeños and a few dashes of hot sauce into the cheese sauce for extra heat.
2. Bacon & Caramelized Onion Twist: Mix in crumbled grilled bacon and sweet grilled onions for deep umami flavor.
3. Smoked Chicken Mac: Use smoked grilled chicken bits for a protein-packed version.
4. Vegetarian Garden Mac: Throw in grilled mushrooms, zucchini, and roasted red peppers for a hearty meatless delight.
5. Pimento Cheese Mac: Swap the cheddar for North Carolina-style pimento cheese and top with crushed butter crackers instead of breadcrumbs.

Best pairings

• Grilled honey butter cornbread on the flat top
• Sweet iced tea or bourbon lemonade
• BBQ-glazed grilled ribs or smoked sausage links
• Charred peach salad from the cooler edge of the grill
• Roasted corn with chili lime butter

Conclusion

Your North Carolina Fire-Kissed BBQ Mac and Cheese is sure to bring the bold, smoky flavors of Southern grilling straight to your backyard. With Arteflame, you achieve an even sear, crispy texture, and smokiness that ovens just can’t replicate. Perfect for any gathering, it’s mac and cheese unlike anything you’ve had before.