Beer Macaroni & Cheese

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Bake: 15 min.

Makes

12 servings

Updated: Sep. 30, 2022
Creamy with a hint of beer, this cheesy mac is one of our favorites for a big family dinner. —Lauren Petersen, Marysville, Washington
Beer Macaroni & Cheese Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon ground mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 2-1/2 cups 2% milk
  • 3/4 cup amber beer
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 2 cups shredded fontina cheese
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 2 tablespoons minced chives
  • 5 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

Directions

  1. Cook macaroni according to package directions for al dente.
  2. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic; cook and stir for 1 minute. Stir in the flour, mustard, salt and pepper until smooth; gradually whisk in the milk, beer and cream. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
  3. Reduce heat. Stir in 2 cups cheddar cheese, fontina cheese and 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese until melted. Add chives.
  4. Drain macaroni; stir into sauce. Transfer to a greased 3-qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheeses.
  5. Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and heated through. Top with crumbled bacon. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 420 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 641mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.