Description
This Irish Cheddar & Stout Mac and Cheese Bake is a comforting blend of rich cheddar, stout beer, and creamy pasta, perfect for a cozy family dinner or gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- ⅔ cup guinness or other stout
- 1 ½ cups 2% milk
- ½ cup half and half
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 2 ounces cream cheese, cut into pieces
- 3 ½ cups shredded cheddar, divided
- 1½ tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons finely minced garlic
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- salt/pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add garlic and panko, stirring frequently until lightly toasted. Season with salt and pepper, and stir in minced parsley before removing from heat.
- In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to create a roux. Continue cooking for about a minute.
- Gradually add the stout, whisking to combine, followed by the milk and half and half. Stir until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken.
- Add the salt, pepper, dijon mustard, and cream cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and incorporated.
- Add 2 cups of shredded cheddar to the cheese sauce, mixing until cheese is creamy.
- Combine the macaroni with the cheese sauce until well-coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with remaining cheddar and toasted breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
Feel free to use different melting cheeses if desired.
Adjust the amount of stout based on your preference for flavor intensity.
This dish can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg