Guinness and Irish Cheddar Mac & Cheese

Welcome to the world of comfort food, where the rich, creamy texture of macaroni and cheese meets the bold flavors of Ireland in a delightful fusion dish: Guinness & Irish Cheddar Mac & Cheese. This unique recipe not only pays homage to the beloved classic but also incorporates the deep, robust flavors of Guinness stout and the sharp, tangy notes of Irish cheddar cheese. It's a dish that speaks to the heart of Irish cuisine while offering a twist that will delight food lovers everywhere.

Dive into a delicious twist on a classic comfort food with this Guinness & Irish Cheddar Mac & Cheese recipe. Combining the rich flavor of Guinness stout with sharp Irish cheddar cheese, this dish is creamy, comforting, and surprisingly sophisticated. Follow easy step-by-step instructions to create a luscious cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and an irresistible baked topping. Ideal for family dinners or festive gatherings, you’ll love every cheesy bite of this hearty meal.

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Ingredients

8 oz elbow macaroni

1 cup Guinness stout

4 cups sharp Irish cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Cheese Sauce Base: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the flour, whisking constantly to create a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is bubbling and golden.

Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the Guinness, ensuring there are no lumps, followed by the whole milk and heavy cream. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 4-5 minutes.

Flavor the Sauce: Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Incorporate the Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and gradually stir in the shredded Irish cheddar until completely melted and creamy.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently until the pasta is well coated with the cheese mixture.

Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.

Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese.

Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.

Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your hearty Guinness and Irish Cheddar Mac & Cheese!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 50 minutes | Serves 4-6