Beer Macaroni and Cheese
We absolutely love macaroni and cheese in this house. Ooey gooey melted cheese with anything is a favorite. So why not put a little beer in it? The sauce is similar to a fondue, some are made with wine and some are made with beer, so this isn't all too unfamiliar. I use shells in most pasta dishes, because it's easier for my little one to eat, and these medium size shells are perfect to hold all that cheesy sauce. So every bite you take is full of melted oozing cheese. The bread crumb topping adds a crunchy element to the dish.
We're using 3 kinds of cheeses here. First we want to melt the cream cheese with the cream and beer.
I used an IPA, because that's what my husband drinks and it was in the fridge. You could use any kind of beer you like. Keep in mind while the alcohol is going to cook out (so the kids can still enjoy this too!), your still going to taste the beer, so be sure to use something you like.
While the cream cheese is melting away, get your pasta going. Toss about a half pound of your favorite pasta into boiling water. Be sure to salt it generously, no one likes bland pasta.
Ok, the cream cheese is melted. Time to season with SplenDishes House Blend. If you wanted to add a little kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper here too.
Its cheese time! I LOVE cheese....ALL cheese. I hate grating it though, so I cheated and bought the already shredded kind. This is an Italian blend, add about a 3/4-1 cup.
Next add sharp cheddar. This will give it a nice bite. About 3/4-1 cup as well.
Stir well to combine. Your pasta should be done by now, get it drained and ready to pour in. Be sure to leave it al dente, you don't want mushy pasta.
In goes the pasta. Stir it up good, so the sauce gets all up in those shells.
Oh my goodness, look at all that heavenly cheesyness!! Pour into a casserole dish and lets make the topping.
For the topping, we're going to mix together, more of the Italian cheese, bread crumbs and some olive oil. You could also use melted butter.
Cover casserole with topping and place in 325(f) degree oven for about 15 minutes. Since everything is cooked, you just want the topping to get golden brown.
And here it is! Beautiful golden crust and ooey gooey cheesey goodness in the middle.
RECIPE
BEER MACARONI AND CHEESE
| Prep Time: 5 Minutes | Cook Time: 30 Minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Servings: 6 |
Ingredients:
8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup shredded Italian blend cheese PLUS 1/4 cup for topping
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup half and half
6 ounces beer
1/2 teaspoon SplenDishes House Blend
1/2 pound pasta shells, uncooked
1/4 cup bread crumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees(f).
Boil pasta in salted water.
In a sauce pan, heat beer, half and half and cream cheese until cheese is melted.
Season with House Blend then stir in both cheeses.
Once pasta is cooked al dente, stir into cheese sauce.
In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup remaining cheese, bread crumbs and olive oil.
Spread over top of casserole and bake for 15 minutes until golden brown on top.
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