Guinness Mac and Cheese: A Savory, Indulgent Treat

Guinness mac and cheese is a creamy, indulgent dish that combines rich flavors with a comforting texture. It’s quick, simple, and perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. This recipe elevates classic mac and cheese with a hint of stout, making it a special meal worth making now!

Guinness Mac and Cheese Recipe

What Makes This Recipe Unique

This Guinness mac and cheese stands out because of its depth of flavor. The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and the warm, malty notes from Guinness creates a delightful richness. It’s not just mac and cheese; it’s a culinary experience that surprises and delights your taste buds.

The Role of Bechamel Sauce

The bechamel sauce in this recipe is the heart of the dish. It transforms ordinary pasta into something luxurious and creamy. By cooking the roux to develop a nutty aroma and adding a pinch of nutmeg, you create a flavor base that enhances the overall richness of the dish.

Ingredients for Guinness Mac and Cheese

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound mini penne pasta (or pasta of choice), cooked al dente
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 3 ½ cups whole milk
• A pinch of nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons creme fraiche (optional)
• 1 cup shredded smoked cheddar cheese
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese (white or yellow)
• ½ cup Guinness or other stout beer (warmed)
• Salt and white pepper (to taste)

Optional Ingredients

• For the breadcrumb topping:
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 sprigs thyme
• 1 garlic clove (smashed and finely chopped)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Cheese Sauce

First, heat the milk in a saucepan over low heat until it’s steaming. Be careful not to boil. In a separate large saucepan, melt the butter and add the flour, whisking for 2-3 minutes until it becomes fragrant, forming a roux. Gradually whisk in the hot milk and add the nutmeg. Cook until the sauce thickens and bubbles appear.

Cooking the Pasta

While the sauce thickens, cook your mini penne pasta until al dente. This ensures the pasta can absorb the rich cheese sauce while still holding its shape during baking.

Combining Ingredients

Remove the bechamel from heat and whisk in the creme fraiche, followed by both cheeses until they melt beautifully. Finally, stir in the warmed Guinness, seasoning with salt and white pepper to taste. Combine this luscious cheese sauce with your cooked pasta, mixing well.

Making the Breadcrumb Topping

In a sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and thyme, cooking for about a minute until fragrant. Stir in the panko breadcrumbs and lightly toast them, seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove the thyme sprigs before using the topping.

Baking the Dish

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a large baking dish. Spread the mac and cheese mixture evenly in the dish, then sprinkle the toasted breadcrumb topping over the top. Bake until it’s bubbly and golden brown, creating a delightful contrast of textures.

Tips for Perfecting Your Mac and Cheese

Avoiding Common Mistakes

To prevent curdling, avoid boiling the cheese sauce after adding the cheese. Always add cheese off the heat and ensure your Guinness is warmed before incorporating it into the sauce.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated. Just note that if it’s cold when you bake it, the baking time will be longer. It’s perfect for meal prep and can be a delightful treat throughout the week!

FAQs

Related Recipes to try

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• Turkey Sweet Potato Chili

Conclusion

This Guinness mac and cheese is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavor and comfort! For more delicious ideas and inspiration, be sure to explore our Pinterest page at Artemis Recipes. Enjoy making this dish, and don’t hesitate to share with friends and family for a truly memorable gathering!

Guinness Mac and Cheese

This indulgent mac and cheese features a creamy cheese sauce enriched with Guinness, creating a savory and satisfying dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

• saucepan
• large saucepan
• whisk
• baking dish
• sauté pan

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound mini penne pasta or pasta of choice, cooked al dente
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 3.5 cups whole milk
• a pinch nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons creme fraiche optional
• 1 cup shredded smoked cheddar cheese
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese white or yellow
• 0.5 cup Guinness or other stout beer, warmed
• Salt and white pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter for breadcrumb topping
• 3 sprigs thyme
• 1 clove garlic smashed and finely chopped
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

 

• Heat the milk in a saucepan over low heat until steaming. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to form a roux.
• Gradually whisk the hot milk into the roux, adding nutmeg, and cook until thickened.
• Remove from heat and whisk in creme fraiche and both cheeses until melted, then stir in the warmed Guinness.
• Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a baking dish. Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce and spread in the dish.
• In a sauté pan, melt butter, add garlic and thyme, then stir in breadcrumbs and toast.
• Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese and bake until bubbly and golden.

Notes

Avoid boiling the cheese sauce after adding cheese to prevent curdling; add cheese off heat. Warm the Guinness before incorporating it into the sauce. Use pasta shapes with a center, like mini penne, to better absorb the sauce.

Keyword baked mac and cheese, cheesy pasta, comfort food, guinness mac and cheese