Okay, you guys, listen up!Guinness Mac & Cheese: What are someIs mac and cheese really that good? Is it the kind of comfort food that hugs you from the inside out? How do I make my taste buds sing? Think of it as the sophisticated cousin of your childhood favorite, but instead of that powdery, spongy look. What is a cheese packet, we’re talking rich, creamy, boozy goodness. I think it might even be better than my grandma’s secret recipe (don’t tell her I said it)! The bitterness of Guinness perfectly balances the sharp cheddar, creating a flavor. What is a highly addictive profile? My husband, who claims to not like mac and cheese, devoured an entire bowl. I knew this one was a keeper.
What is Guinness Mac and Cheese?
What is the best way to break it down.? How is Guinness Mac and Cheese? Add Guinness stout. Is it a marriage between an Irish pub and cosy kitchen staple? Guinness adds a depth of flavor that you just can’t get from regular beer, imparting subtle flavor. What are the notes of coffee and chocolate that complement the cheese beautifully. Is it overpowering? Is it more like a whisper of something special that elevates the entire dish? What makes this mac and cheese unique is the alcohol. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a rich, malty flavor that makes it unique. What is the kind of dish that people ask for the recipe after just one bite?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I begin? The flavor is out of this world. The combination of sharp cheddar, creamy béchamel, and the distinct taste of Guinness is just… What’s a flavor party in your mouth? Don’t let the “Guinness” part intimidate you – this is still a simple, straightforward mac and mouse. What are some good cheese recipes that anyone can master? What I love about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Can you add different cheeses, spices, or even veggies to customize it to your liking? I often throw in some crispy bacon or caramelized onions for an extra layer of flavor. What is the sort of dish that seems fancy, but it’s actually super budget-friendly to make. It’s a crowd-pleaser. I’ve made it for potlucks, birthday parties, and even just a cozy night in and it’s always gonna be good. If you love comfort food, this is the recipe for you.Guinness Mac & Cheese.Isn’t it easier to throw away than boxed stuff?
How do I make Guinness Mac and Cheese?
Quick Overview
Making this Guinness Mac & Cheese.Is it easier than you think? How do you make a creamy cheese sauce infused with Guinness? Cook pasta until golden brown. Bake until bubbly. What is the best way to cook a meal in 45 minutes? What is the aroma that fills your kitchen while baking? How do you make a roux, add the Guinness and cheese, and toss with the pasta?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: What are some examples?
* 1 pound elbow macaroni (I like to use cavatappi for extra cheesiness)
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 3 cups milk (whole milk works best for creaminess)
* 1 (12 ounce) bottle Guinness stout
* 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated is always best)!
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Pinch of nutmeg (trust me on this one!)
For the Topping (optional, but highly recommended):
* 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
* 2 tablespoons melted butter
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I always use butter for this because it adds a little extra flavor, but cooking spray works just as well. Make sure you get all the corners so the mac and cheese doesn’t stick!
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni
Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. If you cook it in the oven, you want it to be slightly firm. I always rinse mine with cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain well and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Roux
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is golden brown. Remove from heat. What is called a roux, and it’s what thickens the cheese sauce. Don’t skip this step! Make sure you whisk constantly to avoid burning it.
Step 4: Add Milk and Guinness
Slowly whisk in the milk and Guinness until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Be patient and keep stirring, it will thicken up!
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until the cheese is melted. Is the sauce smooth? Why is nutmeg added to cheese? Just a pinch is all you need!
Step 6: Combine and Bake
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Pour into the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Set aside. What is the best way to serve mac and cheese? Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. I like to broil it for the last minute or two to get the topping extra crispy, but watch it carefully. I’m a big fan of that. How do I get it to not burn?
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Let the Guinness Mac and Cheese.Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set up nicely. Serve warm! I like to garnish mine with chopped parsley for a pop of color.
What should I serve it with?
This Guinness Mac and Cheese.Is it good on its own or paired with the right side?
For a casual weeknight dinner:Serve it with a simple green salad and crusty bread for dipping into the cheesy sauce. What are some good Side Dishes to serve with steamed broccoli or green beans?
For a Game Day Gathering:What are some good side dishes to serve with chicken wings or chili? The richness of the mac and cheese complements the savory flavors of these dishes perfectly.
For a Special Occasion: Elevate it with a roasted chicken or steak. The Guinness in the mac and cheese adds a touch of elegance that makes it suitable for a more formal meal.
My family loves it with a side of corned beef and cabbage – it’s like a mini St. Patrick’s Day feast! I’ve also served it with grilled sausages, which is always a big hit. Seriously, you can’t go wrong with this stuff, so get creative and serve it with whatever you like!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Guinness Mac and Cheese
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this Guinness Mac and Cheese even more amazing.
Cheese Choice: While sharp cheddar is my go-to, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere, Fontina, or even a touch of smoked Gouda for a unique flavor.
Guinness Flavor: If you want a more pronounced Guinness flavor, you can reduce the stout in a saucepan before adding it to the cheese sauce. This concentrates the flavor and makes it even more intense. Be careful with this; I once reduced it too much and the bitterness was overwhelming!
Pasta Perfection: Don’t overcook the pasta! It should be al dente because it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked pasta will result in a mushy mac and cheese.
Creamy Sauce: For an extra creamy sauce, try adding a tablespoon of cream cheese or sour cream to the cheese sauce. This makes it incredibly rich and decadent.
Breadcrumb Topping: If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers for the topping.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a little kick. My husband loves it when I add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to his portion!
Honestly, the biggest tip I can give you is to taste as you go and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! This recipe is very forgiving, so have fun with it!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Reheating in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Add a splash of milk or cream to the mac and cheese to rehydrate it, then cover the dish with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to crisp up the topping.
Reheating in the Microwave: Place a portion of the mac and cheese in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk or cream to rehydrate it, then cover and microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Freezing: While you can freeze this mac and cheese, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. I find that adding a little extra cheese when reheating helps to restore the creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give this Guinness Mac and Cheese recipe a try! It’s a comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a party, this mac and cheese is sure to be a hit. And trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back to the boxed stuff again! If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other cheesy creations, like my Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons. Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out – leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and don’t forget to rate the recipe! If you try any fun variations, share them with me! I’m always looking for new ways to make this even more delicious.
Guinness Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Elbow Macaroni
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 0.33 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 3 cups Milk
- 1 cup Guinness Stout
- 4 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese Sharp or Medium
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk and Guinness until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Pour into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
