Indulgent Guinness Mac and Cheese: Comfort Food Bliss
This creamy Guinness mac and cheese is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food, melding gooey cheeses with the rich flavor of stout beer.
Equipment
- saucepan
- Baking dish
- sauté pan
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces Mini Penne Pasta can substitute with elbow macaroni
For the Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Butter (for Sauce and Topping) either salted or unsalted
- 2 tablespoons Flour all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
- 2 cups Whole Milk can substitute with 2% milk or a milk alternative
- 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg can be omitted
- 1/2 cup Crème Fraîche (optional) or sour cream
- 1 cup Smoked Cheddar Cheese can use regular cheddar or Gruyère
- 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese or white cheddar
- 1 cup Guinness (or Stout Beer) avoid light beers
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon White Pepper regular black pepper works as well
For the Topping
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs can substitute with regular breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Thyme freshly chopped or dried
- 2 cloves Garlic preferably fresh
Instructions
Steps
- Prepare the Béchamel: Heat whole milk in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming but not boiling. In another saucepan, melt butter; whisk in flour for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and pale. Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Mix in the Flavors: Add nutmeg to the béchamel, then take it off the heat. Stir in crème fraîche, smoked cheddar, and sharp cheddar cheese until smooth and melted together.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking dish. Toss the cooked mini penne pasta in the cheese sauce until every piece is well-coated.
- Prepare Topping: In a sauté pan, melt some butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and thyme, cooking until fragrant, then stir in the panko breadcrumbs until they are lightly toasted.
- Bake it Up: Sprinkle the crunchy breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
Optional: For an extra twist, drizzle with a little more Guinness before serving.