Name: Irish Cheddar & Stout Mac and Cheese Bake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons flour; ⅔ cup guinness or other stout; 1 ½ cups 2% milk; ½ cup half and half; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon dijon mustard; 2 ounces cream cheese, cut into pieces; 3 ½ cups shredded cheddar; 1½ tablespoons butter; 2 teaspoons finely minced garlic; ½ cup panko breadcrumbs; salt/pepper to taste; 2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

Creamy, cheesy, and downright comforting, Irish Cheddar & Stout Mac and Cheese Bake is a delightful twist on the classic favorite. The rich flavors of aged Irish cheddar blend perfectly with the deep, roasted notes of stout, creating a dish that not only fills your belly but also warms your heart. Imagine indulging in a bowl of pasta, each bite enveloped in a luscious cheese sauce and dotted with toasted breadcrumbs for that irresistible crunch. This recipe takes an everyday mac and cheese to gourmet status without breaking a sweat or your budget.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Irish Cheddar & Stout Mac and Cheese Bake
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Irish Cheddar & Stout Mac and Cheese Bake

Irish Cheddar & Stout Mac and Cheese Bake

I remember the first time I made this dish. It was a chilly evening, and after a long day, I craved something warm and comforting. The pantry offered a few essentials, and a leftover bottle of Guinness sparked a soothing culinary adventure. As the pasta boiled and the cheese sauce bubbled, anticipation lingered in the air. The first taste was a revelation, a perfect marriage of flavors that had everyone asking for seconds. You, too, can create such magic in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just under 1.5 hours, this dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of tangy Irish cheddar and robust stout creates an amazing depth of flavor.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs, this bake is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a hearty snack on a chilly night.
Diet-Friendly Options: With a few simple swaps, you can make this gluten-free or dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound elbow macaroni: The classic choice for mac and cheese, but you could also use shells or cavatappi for added fun.
2 tablespoons butter: Use unsalted butter for better control of seasoning.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: This is essential for creating a roux, which thickens the cheese sauce.
⅔ cup Guinness or other stout: Adds a unique richness; feel free to experiment with other dark beers or even non-alcoholic stout.
1 ½ cups 2% milk: Whole milk can be used for extra creaminess.
½ cup half-and-half: This adds luxurious creaminess to the sauce, but you can substitute it with heavy cream if preferred.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor, but adjust to your taste preference.
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a sharpness to balance the richness.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: A hint of mustard adds depth to the cheese sauce.
2 ounces cream cheese, cut into pieces: This helps create a smooth and creamy texture.
3 ½ cups shredded cheddar: Aged Irish cheddar is recommended for its strong flavor; choose a good melting cheese for the best results.
1½ tablespoons butter: Used to toast panko breadcrumbs, providing a delightful crunch.
2 teaspoons finely minced garlic: Fresh garlic brings wonderful aroma and flavor.
½ cup panko breadcrumbs: Adds that satisfying texture contrast.
Salt and pepper to taste: Always taste as you go for optimal seasoning.
2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley: For a pop of color and freshness on top.

How to Make Irish Cheddar & Stout Mac and Cheese Bake

Melt Butter: In a medium skillet over medium-low heat, melt 1½ tablespoons butter. Add in the minced garlic and panko breadcrumbs, cooking while stirring until the breadcrumbs turn a golden brown and smell fragrant. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Once done, remove from heat, season with salt and pepper, and stir in the minced parsley. Set aside to cool.

Boil Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add 1 pound of elbow macaroni. Cook until just al dente, typically about 7-8 minutes. Remember to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the macaroni; this will help adjust the sauce consistency later.

Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, whisking together for about one minute until thickened. Gradually pour in the ⅔ cup of Guinness, followed by 1 ½ cups of 2% milk and ½ cup of half-and-half. Season with ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer, whisking frequently until the mixture thickens slightly, which should take around 3-5 minutes.

Incorporate Cheeses: Stir in the 2 ounces of cream cheese until melted, then add 2½ cups of shredded cheddar. Mix until the sauce is completely smooth. Fold in the drained macaroni, ensuring every piece is coated with that delicious cheese sauce. If the mixture seems thick, add in the reserved pasta water bit by bit. Finally, add the remaining 1 cup of cheddar, stirring until melted and gooey. Let the mixture sit on low heat for a few minutes; this helps the pasta absorb the flavors.

Assemble and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the cheesy pasta to a greased baking dish. Top with those delicious toasted panko breadcrumbs, and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is bubbling and golden brown.

Serve: Once out of the oven, serve hot, garnished with more minced parsley if desired. Each bite of Irish Cheddar & Stout Mac and Cheese Bake is a revelation!

Storing & Reheating

To store your Irish Cheddar & Stout Mac and Cheese Bake, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you’re looking to keep it longer, freeze it in a suitable container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through, adding a splash of milk to refresh the texture if needed.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be careful not to overcook the macaroni; it should be al dente as it will continue to cook while baking.
Make sure all your cheeses are at room temperature before adding to the sauce; this helps with melting.
Feel free to mix up the cheeses; Gruyère or mozzarella can offer a different flavor profile.
For a unique flavor boost, consider adding cooked crispy bacon or some sautéed mushrooms.
This dish can be assembled ahead of time; simply refrigerate until ready to bake.
Experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for added fragrance in your cheese sauce.

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that combines comfort and sophistication, then this Irish Cheddar & Stout Mac and Cheese Bake is calling your name. It’s creamy, cheesy, and a little bit boozy, sure to bring warmth to your family dinner or potluck. Plus, the cozy scent wafting through your kitchen will bring everyone to the table in no time. Don’t hesitate to play around with flavors—this dish is all about what makes you happy in your culinary adventures!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use regular cheese instead of Irish cheddar?

While Irish cheddar adds a distinctive flavor, you can absolutely use any good melting cheese like sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or even a blend. Just remember, the flavor profile may change slightly based on your choice.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dish up to the point of baking. Simply cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few minutes to the cooking time as it will be cold from the refrigerator.

What can I serve with this dish?

This decadent bake goes wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. If you want something hearty, a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or garlic bread never hurts!

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly! Just ensure the stout you use doesn’t contain any fins or animal by-products. A non-alcoholic stout option is available for a family-friendly version as well.