Homemade Mac And Cheese

One of the most popular BBQ side dishes is Mac and Cheese because it is versatile and goes with just about any barbecued meat. This recipe is easy to make and can be made on the BBQ or in the oven.

Originally posted on October 7, 2022, updated with new information in May 2025.

For the most part, Mac and Cheese can be a main dish. Because it is rich and creamy, it makes a filling main dish. But when it comes to BBQ, mac and cheese makes a perfect side dish. It can be paired with just about any meat. It can even be used as a topping for burgers.

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Ingredients For Homemade Mac And Cheese

To make this Mac and Cheese recipe, the following ingredients are needed:

• Butter. We use salted butter for this recipe.
• All-purpose flour.
• Garlic powder.
• Salt.
• Pepper. Usually, we use white pepper, but black pepper will work.
• Half and Half cream (10%). Milk can be used instead, but cream creates a creamier cheese sauce than milk does.
• Cream cheese. Full-fat cream cheese works best.
• Cheddar. A mixture of medium and old cheddar is used.
• Parmesan cheese. Used for the topping on the mac and cheese.
• Jalapenos. This is an optional ingredient that adds a touch of heat to the dish.
• Elbow macaroni.

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Can This Recipe Be Halved?

This recipe does make a large amount. It is great for a party, get-together, or to have leftovers for lunches.

But if you are looking for a smaller amount, this recipe can be cut in half easily.

How to Serve Mac And Cheese

This dish is best served hot as a side for just about any meat. But it is also great on its own. Mac and Cheese makes a great lunch as well.

This recipe makes a large batch, so it is great for a get-together or if you want leftovers for lunches.

Cornbread Bites (mini muffins) are perfect for serving alongside this recipe.

Make It A Meal

To make this dish a meal, we like to add leftover brisket to the mac and cheese. Serve brisket macaroni and cheese with a side of cornbread to make it a comforting meal.

Pulled pork is another great option to add to mac and cheese.

Making Homemade Mac and Cheese On The BBQ

This recipe is easily made on the BBQ. The sauce is made separately in a pot on the side burner or on the grill itself.

Then the pasta is cooked and added with the sauce into a large pan on the grill. Topped with cheese, it will finish baking on the BBQ on medium heat.

When making mac and cheese on the BBQ, a disposable aluminum pan is easiest for clean up.

Smoking is also an option for this Mac and Cheese. Use competition blend pellets or a mild-smoke flavour like apple wood to smoke this dish.

Making This Dish in The Oven

Just as with making this on the BBQ, you can make this dish easily in the oven. The only difference is making it inside versus outside. I still use a disposable aluminum pan to bake the dish in since it is an easier clean-up.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Mac and Cheese

Leftovers can be stored in air-tight containers in the fridge. To reheat, heat in the microwave for 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. You may need to cook longer depending on your microwave.

This dish also freezes well for up to three months in an air-tight container. Allow to thaw before reheating. Thawing can be done at room temperature or in the fridge.

Have you made this Homemade Mac and Cheese recipe? Leave us a comment below to let us know what you think.

Homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese

One of the most popular BBQ side dishes is Mac And Cheese because it is versatile and goes with just about any barbecued meat.

5 from 6 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Canadian

Servings 10 servings

Ingredients

  

• ¼ cup butter
• 2 Tbsp all purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 4 cups half and half cream
• 145 grams cream cheese, cubed
• 400 grams medium cheddar, shredded
• 400 grams old cheddar, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan, shredded
• 4 jalapenos, seeded and diced
• 10 cups cooked macaroni
• 400 grams old cheddar, for topping

Instructions

 

• Preheat BBQ to 350°F for indirect cooking.
• In a medium saucepan, melt butter.
• Add flour, salt, pepper and garlic powder, stirring until thickened.
• Slowly add cream, 1 cup at a time alternating with the cream cheese, (¼ of the cream cheese at a time), whisking between additions and allowing the cream cheese to melt before the next addition.
• Add medium cheddar and old cheddar, about ½ cup at a time, stirring. Allow cheese to melt before adding the next addition.
• Fold in Parmesan and jalapenos.
• Place cooked macaroni in a deep 13" by 9" pan.
• Pour cheese sauce over macaroni and carefully stir to coat the macaroni.
• Top with shredded old cheddar.
• Place on preheated BBQ over indirect heat.
• Allow to heat through until cheese on top is fully melted about 30 minutes.
• Serve hot.

Keyword cheese, mac and cheese, macaroni, side dish