Grilled Lamb Chops with Mac and Cheese & Glazed Carrots 🧀🥕
The Perfect Trio for a Comforting Yet Elegant Dinner
Looking for a meal that strikes the perfect balance between refined and cozy? These Grilled Lamb Chops paired with Creamy Mac and Cheese and Sweet Glazed Carrots are everything a comfort food lover dreams of—with just enough elegance to impress guests or mark a special occasion.
Whether you’re lighting up the grill for a quiet date night or hosting a weekend dinner party, this trio is as satisfying to cook as it is to eat.
❤️ Why I Love This Recipe
Lamb chops don’t have to be intimidating. With a simple marinade of herbs, garlic, mustard, and balsamic vinegar, they become irresistibly flavorful. Pair them with gooey mac and cheese (hello cheddar-mozzarella blend!) and tender carrots coated in honey-butter glaze, and you’ve got a soul-warming plate of goodness.
You can even serve it with an appetizer like Baked Brie or wind down with Pumpkin Spice Muffins for dessert.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Grilled Lamb Chops:
- 8 lamb chops (bone-in)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Glazed Carrots:
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced thick
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
🔄 Swaps & Notes
- Lamb: Can’t find lamb chops? Try bone-in pork chops with the same marinade.
- Cheese: Add a bit of gouda or pepper jack for an extra kick in your mac.
- Carrots: Baby carrots work just as well—no slicing required.
- Herbs: Use dried herbs if you’re out of fresh, just reduce the amount by half.
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Lamb Chops
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Coat the lamb chops evenly with the mixture and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge).
2. Grill the Lamb
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill each chop for 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until your preferred level of doneness. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
3. Make the Mac and Cheese
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux, cooking for 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened (about 4–5 minutes).
Add cheddar and mozzarella, stirring until melted. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in cooked pasta and mix until fully coated.
4. Prepare the Glazed Carrots
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced carrots and cook for 5 minutes.
Stir in brown sugar, honey, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for another 5–8 minutes, stirring often, until carrots are tender and glazed. Garnish with parsley.
🔥 Pro Tips for Success
- Rest the lamb chops after grilling to keep juices in.
- Use whole milk in the mac for best creaminess.
- Stir the cheese in slowly off heat to avoid grainy sauce.
- Glaze carrots just before serving for that glossy finish.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Make this dinner extra special with:
- A warm starter like Baked Brie
- Sweet finish: Pumpkin Spice Muffins
- Comfort vibe pairing: Easy Turkey Wings
- Got kids in the mix? Keep them busy while you cook with this fun DIY Sidewalk Chalk Recipe
- For something sweet later, try Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
🧊 Storage Tips
- Lamb chops can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot skillet or oven.
- Mac and cheese keeps well for 4 days; reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Glazed carrots will stay good for up to 3 days. Rewarm gently on the stovetop.
🔗 More Recipes You’ll Love
- Easy Turkey Wings
- Baked Brie Appetizer
- Pumpkin Spice Muffins
- DIY Sidewalk Chalk
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
✨ Final Thoughts
This Grilled Lamb Chop Dinner with Mac and Cheese & Glazed Carrots isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. Rich, flavorful, and packed with texture and contrast, it’s the kind of plate that brings people together around the table.
Let us know in the comments how yours turned out—and don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more comforting gourmet combos.
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