Name: Irish Cheddar & Stout Mac and Cheese Bake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 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

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Irish Cheddar & Stout Mac and Cheese Bake is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food we all know and love. Picture this: creamy, cheesy macaroni enveloped in the rich flavors of Guinness, enhanced by the sharpness of Irish cheddar. The texture is nothing short of dreamy, seamlessly blending the gooey cheese with al dente pasta, topped with a crispy golden breadcrumb layer. There’s a warmth that envelopes each bite, evoking memories of cozy nights spent by the fireplace and laughter shared over a table filled with good food.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Irish Cheddar & Stout Mac and Cheese Bake
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Irish Cheddar & Stout Mac and Cheese Bake

Irish Cheddar & Stout Mac and Cheese Bake

I first stumbled upon this recipe during a chilly evening when I craved something hearty yet uniquely delicious. It instantly transported me to the charming pubs of Ireland, where savory dishes reign supreme. The beauty of this Irish Cheddar & Stout Mac and Cheese Bake lies in its simplicity; it’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and sure to impress anyone at your dinner table. If you’re looking for something new to share with family or friends, this is it. Trust me, once you make this dish, it’ll become a staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This cheesy delight comes together in about 80 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of stout and sharp cheddar creates a depth of flavor that’s simply mouthwatering.
Eye-Catching Appeal: A golden, crunchy topping adds an irresistible crunch to the rich creamy base.
Flexible Serving: This dish is a fantastic main course or a delightful side, ideal for parties or cozy family dinners.
Diet-Friendly Options: Feel free to adapt with gluten-free pasta or different cheeses based on your dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound elbow macaroni: A classic pasta choice that holds onto all that cheesy goodness.
2 tablespoons butter: Essential for creating a rich, flavor-packed sauce; you can also use a vegan alternative if desired.
2 tablespoons flour: This helps thicken the cheese sauce for that creamy texture.
⅔ cup Guinness or other stout: Adds depth and character to the flavor profile; feel free to swap for your preferred stout.
1 ½ cups 2% milk: Provides a smooth base for the cheese sauce; whole milk can also be used for extra creaminess.
½ cup half and half: Adds a luxurious creaminess; you can substitute with more milk for a lighter version.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: A touch of spice; adjust to your taste.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a tiny zip and complements the cheese beautifully.
2 ounces cream cheese: For an ultra-creamy texture; make sure it’s softened for easy blending.
3 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: The star of the show! A sharp Irish cheddar is recommended for authentic flavor.
1½ tablespoons butter: Additional butter for toasting the breadcrumbs.
2 teaspoons finely minced garlic: Infuses the breadcrumb topping with amazing aroma and flavor.
½ cup panko breadcrumbs: These provide the crunchy topping that contrasts perfectly with the smooth mac and cheese.
Salt and pepper to taste: Always important to season your dish thoughtfully.
2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness to finish.

How to Make Irish Cheddar & Stout Mac and Cheese Bake

Melt Butter: In a medium skillet over medium-low heat, melt 1½ tablespoons of butter. Then, add in 2 teaspoons of finely minced garlic and ½ cup of panko breadcrumbs. Cook while stirring frequently until the breadcrumbs are nicely toasted and fragrant, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in 2 teaspoons of minced fresh parsley before setting this mixture aside.

Cook Pasta: While your breadcrumbs are toasting, boil 1 pound of elbow macaroni in a pot of salted water until just al dente, usually around 6-8 minutes. Remember to save 1 cup of the pasta water before draining it, as it can help adjust your sauce’s consistency later on.

Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of flour. Whisk together for about a minute until it bubbles slightly. Gradually pour in ⅔ cup of Guinness, 1 ½ cups of 2% milk, and ½ cup of half and half while whisking consistently. Season with ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper, and whisk in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and cook until it thickens slightly, stirring for several minutes.

Incorporate Cheeses: Add 2 ounces of cream cheese and 2½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese into your sauce, whisking until completely smooth. Next, stir in your drained elbow macaroni, ensuring it’s well coated. Add the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and gooey—letting this mixture sit over low heat for a few minutes helps the pasta absorb the cheesy goodness.

Assemble and Serve: Transfer your gorgeous macaroni mix to a serving dish or individual bowls. Sprinkle the top generously with the toasted breadcrumbs. Serve immediately and enjoy the cheers and smiles from your family and friends!

Storing & Reheating

You can store any leftovers at room temperature for up to 2 hours or place them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze the mac and cheese for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. Keep in mind, the texture may become a bit firmer, but you can revive its creaminess with a splash of milk during reheating.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the pasta; you want it al dente since it will continue cooking when baked.
For an extra cheesy experience, save some cheese for the very top before baking.
For more pronounced garlic flavor, add an extra teaspoon of minced garlic to the cheese sauce.
Make it ahead by preparing everything up to the baking step, then refrigerate. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.
Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for unique flavors.

Irish Cheddar & Stout Mac and Cheese Bake is more than just comfort food; it’s an experience filled with flavors that linger long after each bite. Whether you’re enjoying it for a casual weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, it’s an easy dish that invites conversation and enjoyment. As you prepare this recipe, don’t hesitate to play with the ingredients and techniques to make it your own.

The rich, creamy, and cheesy nature of this dish is unbelievably satisfying, and I can’t wait for you to make it. Gather your close ones and serve up this delicious creation, creating new memories to cherish. Enjoy every last creamy bit and let the flavors take you on a journey!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! While Irish cheddar brings a distinct flavor, you can substitute with good melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even Pepper Jack for a kick. Just make sure to choose cheeses that melt well for that luscious texture.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! Most kids are fans of mac and cheese, and the addition of stout is subtle enough that they won’t even notice it. If you’re concerned, you can always replace the stout with additional milk for a kid-approved version.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it up to the baking step. Simply cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven; it may need a few extra minutes to heat through properly.

How does the Guinness flavor affect the dish?

The Guinness enhances the mac and cheese by adding a rich, deep flavor that complements the sharp cheddar beautifully. It doesn’t taste like beer but rather contributes to a delightful umami quality, making each bite more complex and satisfying.