Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our Guinness Mac n Cheese, where rich, creamy cheese meets the bold flavor of Guinness beer! This mouthwatering dish takes traditional mac and cheese to a whole new level, making it the perfect centerpiece for your next gathering or a cozy night in. With just 45 minutes of your time, you can whip up a cheesy delight that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to impress your taste buds and elevate your mac and cheese game? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup Guinness beer
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to create a smooth roux.
- Gradually pour in the milk and Guinness beer, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens and begins to simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese in batches, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to ensure every pasta piece is evenly coated with the Guinness-infused cheese sauce.
- Optional: For a crispy top, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle additional cheese on top, and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let the mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: While elbow macaroni is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like cavatappi or shells for added texture.
- Perfect Your Roux: When making the roux, ensure you cook the flour long enough to eliminate the raw taste, but don’t let it brown too much. A light golden color is ideal.
- Gradual Cheese Addition: To achieve a super creamy sauce, add the shredded cheddar cheese gradually, allowing each batch to melt completely before adding more.
- Season Wisely: Taste your cheese sauce before adding salt and pepper. The Guinness can add a unique flavor, so adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Crispy Topping: For an extra crunchy texture, consider adding breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before broiling. This will give your mac and cheese a delightful golden crust.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the mac and cheese to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the sauce thicken and makes it easier to serve.
- Garnish for Flair: Elevate your dish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness when serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 90mg
