We went to an Irish music day at a local brew pub recently and one of the items on the menu was Macaroni and Beer Cheese. Of course my daughter had to try it. She hates the smell of beer, wine, etc… but she loves to have food cooked with them. After tasting it she said that I could make this at home for her.
So, last night we began our experiment. Before it even went in the oven she was eating it right from the sauce pan!
Verdict:
If you are looking for a good side to complement your corned beef brisket or just want something a bit different this was tasty! Both kids loved the bit of flavor added by the lager. If you don’t have a lager on hand use whatever beer you have. My suggestion is don’t use a light beer (is that really beer?) or a pale ale unless you want just a hint of flavor. A red, amber or darker will add the most flavor to this dish.
I served this dish with beer braised brats with onions and peppers. Add a green side salad for a complete meal.
Macaroni & Beer Cheese
Ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- dash of Cayenne pepper, if desired
- 3 cups half and half or 2 cups milk and 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup of beer (use your favorite lager, ale, or dark beer for best flavor)
- 4 cups cheese, freshly shredded (sharp cheddar, Fontina, Colby jack all work well – try mixing with at least 2 cups of sharp cheddar for best results)
- salt and black pepper
- 1 extra cup of cheese for topping, if desired
Directions:
- Â Preheat oven to 400 degrees and spray a 13″ x 9″ casserole dish with non-stick spray.
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- While water is boiling for pasta in a skillet over medium heat melt butter. Once butter has melted add garlic to pan and allow to cook for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn!
- Sprinkle flour over the top of the butter and garlic. Stir to make a paste. Continue stirring for 1-2 minutes while mixture becomes a light golden color. Slowly add half and half (or milk and cream) then beer while stirring constantly. Cook mixture for about 10 minutes until it becomes thick. The mixture will coat the spoon when lifted.
- Remove from heat and add mustard, cheese and Cayenne pepper to the sauce. Stir until well blended and cheese has melted. Taste and adjust spices with salt, pepper, or mustard.
- Add cooked macaroni to pan and stir well. Pour into prepared casserole dish and top with extra cup of shredded cheese if desired. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is golden brown on top and center is hot.
- Remove pan from oven and allow to rest for 3 minutes before serving.
What's for Dinner Moms? 
I am literally DROOLING! I HAVE to make this!!
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Thank you! Hope you like it!!
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How much beer? Did you use a light ale? I don’t see that in the list of ingredients. My children love mac & cheese. This looks so creamy I bet they’d like it.
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Thank you! It has been added. One cup of beer (your favorite lager, ale, or dark beer.)
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Awesome! Thank you!!
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What a great idea – I will have to try this!
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Thank you! Hope you like it.
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Wow this sounds so good!!!
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Thank you!
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Wow, I was just eyeing a macaroni and beer cheese on Pinterest the other day! It looks so easy and delicious.
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Thank you.
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This looks great! I love mac and cheese and Welsh rarebit and this seems to combine the two?
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I had to look up Welsh rarebit and it seems like it with macaroni instead of bread.
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You have just made me incredibly hungry Marci. I just have to make this, really sounds scrumptious 🙂
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Thank you so very much, Lynne!
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No word of a lie, my mouth is watering just reading the ingredient ist! I too would eat this straight from the pan 🙂
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Thank you! Both kids have asked for this again soon.
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Reblogged this on Oh Yes, They Did and commented:
I Love Macaroni, can’t wait to try this one!
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Thank you! Hope you like it!
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I’m sure we will!
Thanks for being our biggest (First, and probably only so far ) Fan lol!
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Part of being a blogger. 🙂
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I think I’m starting to like this blogging community, everyone has been very helpful 💖
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Great! That is how it should be. 🙂
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