This Guinness and Irish Cheddar Mac & Cheese is a bold and creamy twist on classic comfort food. The deep, malty flavor of Guinness beer pairs beautifully with the sharp, tangy taste of Irish cheddar, creating a rich and flavorful dish. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any time you’re craving a hearty, cheesy meal.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup Guinness beer
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 ½ cups shredded Irish cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Gradually whisk in the Guinness beer, followed by the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the Irish cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until fully coated.
- In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly on top.
- Broil on high for 2-3 minutes until the topping is golden brown.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, mix some crispy bacon bits into the breadcrumb topping.
- Use a combination of sharp white cheddar and Gruyère for an even richer flavor.
- Add cooked sausage or caramelized onions for more depth.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, reduce the amount of Guinness and increase the milk.
- To make it extra indulgent, stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Guinness and Irish Cheddar Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort dish with a sophisticated twist. The robust flavor of Guinness enhances the creaminess of the cheese, creating a rich and satisfying meal. With a crispy, golden topping and gooey, melty cheese, every bite is a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether for a holiday gathering or a cozy dinner, this dish is sure to impress!
