MAC AND CHEESE

MAC and CHEESE

This classic macaroni and cheese with chunks of ham casserole is rib stickin' good eating as a side dish, or as the main course. And it's real easy to do! santa maria grill

THE INGREDIENTS YOU'LL NEED:

  • Macaroni – 1 pound
  • Water – 4 quarts
  • Salt – 2 teaspoons
  • Bread crumbs – ½ cup (Can substitute cheese flavored crackers)

MILK SAUCE:

  • Milk – 1 quart
  • Scallions – 6-8 stalks
  • Chili peppers – 5-6
  • Sliced ham – ¾” piece, water cured
  • Extra sharp cheddar cheese – 3 ½ cups, grated
  • Pepper jack cheese – 1 cup, grated
  • Pork belly bacon – 3-4 slices
  • Flour – 3-4 Tablespoons
  • Extra virgin olive oil – 3-4 Tablespoons

DIRECTIONS: MACARONI:

1. Bring water and salt to a boil. 2. Cook macaroni to al dente. 5-8 minutes. 3. Strain well. 4. Do not overcook pasta.

GETTING READY

5. Bring grill temperature up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place coals on one side for indirect cooking.

MAKING

6. Lightly coat chili peppers, scallions, and ham with oil. 7. Char peppers and scallions over coals, 3-5 minutes. 8. Place ham on grill to warm. 9. Turn peppers and scallions continue to char 2-3 minutes. 10. Remove pepper and scallions from grill. Leave ham for additional 3-4 minutes. 11. Cut and discard stems from peppers, remove skin. Leaving some skin on is fine for a grilled taste. 12. Remove and discard root ends from scallions. Thinly chop stalks. 13. Chop peppers and scallions together. 14. Pull ham from grill. Cut into ¾” pieces. 15. Set aside.

FOR MILK SAUCE:

16. Place large cast iron pan (Dutch oven type) over the coals to heat up. 17. Cut up bacon and fry in pan. 18. Remove pan from heat and place opposite hot coals for indirect heat. 19. Stir in flour to make rue. 20. Pour 1 quart of milk in pan and stir well. 21. Do not boil milk, heat until hot. 22. Combine 3 cups of grated extra sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until melted. 23. Add ½ cup grated pepper jack cheese. Stir until melted. 24. Add in ham, peppers, and scallions. Mix well. 25. Add macaroni to sauce and mix well. 26. Top macaroni with ½ cup grated extra sharp cheddar cheese and ½ cup grated pepper jack cheese. 27. Sprinkle bread crumbs over top of cheese. (Baked cheese flavored crackers can be substituted) 28. Maintain grill temperature at 350 degree Fahrenheit. 29. Cover grill and let cook 20 minutes. 30. Remove grill lid, rotate pot, cover grill and cook additional 20 minutes.

FINALIZING

31. After 40-45 minutes, mac and cheese is done. 32. Remove pan from grill.

SERVING

33. Serve with smoked sausage links or natural casing hot dogs. 34. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!!