Description
This Irish Cheddar & Stout Mac and Cheese Bake is a delightful twist on a classic. Combining rich flavors of stout and creamy cheddar, this dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner or a cozy night in. It’s simple to prepare with just a few key ingredients, making it a go-to for anyone seeking a quick yet satisfying meal.
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 and set aside.
- In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat.
- Add garlic and panko breadcrumbs to the skillet, stirring frequently until they are lightly toasted.
- Season the toasted breadcrumbs with salt and pepper, and stir in minced parsley before removing from heat.
- In a large saucepan, melt the remaining 1½ tablespoons of butter, then whisk in flour to form a roux, cooking for about 2 minutes.
- Slowly add stout, milk, and half and half, whisking to combine until smooth.
- Stir in salt, black pepper, dijon mustard, and cream cheese until the mixture is well-blended and heated through.
- Add 3 cups of shredded cheddar into the mixture, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is thickened.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a baking dish, mixing well to coat evenly.
- Top with the reserved breadcrumbs and remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
You may adjust the amount of cheese based on your taste preference.
Using a different stout can alter the flavor profile, so experiment to find your favorite combination.
For added texture, consider incorporating cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg