Lager Mac & Cheese

If you’ve been yearning for a fresh twist on a classic comfort food, look no further than Lager Mac & Cheese. This recipe blends the familiar, creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese with the unique addition of lager, creating a gastronomic delight that’s as enjoyable to cook as it is to eat. With a trio of cheeses, a hint of garlic, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, this dish promises a delectable encounter that’s bound to leave you craving more. Enjoy a plateful of Lager Mac & Cheese and savor the symphony of flavors it brings to your plate.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• This recipe offers a creative spin on traditional macaroni and cheese by incorporating lager into the mix, giving the dish a distinct flavor profile that’s both unexpected and enjoyable.
• It features a blend of three different types of cheese – cheddar, mozzarella, and fontina – each bringing its own unique texture and taste, ensuring a rich, creamy, and cheesy delight in every bite.
• The addition of garlic adds a savory depth to the dish, while the breadcrumb and parmesan topping provides a pleasing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smoothness of the cheese sauce.
• Lastly, the recipe strikes a perfect balance between comfort food and gourmet cooking, making it not only a satisfying meal for casual, everyday dining but also a standout dish for special occasions or gatherings.

What is the Best Lager for this Recipe?

This Lager Mac & Cheese recipe leverages the robust flavor of lager to enhance the overall taste. However, beer aficionados or individuals with a preference for subtler flavors might wish to substitute the lager with a pale ale or wheat beer. The key here is to select a beer that you find enjoyable to drink independently, as its flavor will significantly influence the sauce and, by extension, the entire dish. Remember, the choice of beer can make a big difference, so choose wisely!

Ingredients

• Butter: Opt for a high-quality unsalted butter. It’s not only a cooking medium but also adds a richness to the cheese sauce.
• Milk: Whole milk is the best choice for this recipe, as it brings a creamy, indulgent quality to the sauce.
• Lager: Choose a lager that you enjoy drinking. Its flavor will infuse the cheese sauce, contributing a subtle, unique twist to the final dish.
• Small Macaroni: Small macaroni or elbow pasta will hold the cheese sauce well, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
• Cheddar Cheese, Shredded: Sharp or medium cheddar elevates the overall taste by adding a nice tang to the mix.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Shredded: Mozzarella is key for achieving that beautiful, stringy cheese-pull effect we all love in a baked pasta dish.
• Fontina Cheese, Shredded: Fontina amplifies the creamy texture and gives an added depth of flavor.
• Garlic Cloves, Minced: Fresh garlic is best for this recipe. It infuses the dish with a lovely, warm flavor, adding a savory layer to the cheese and lager.
• Breadcrumbs: Opt for a golden, toasted breadcrumb for the perfect crunchy topping. It provides a texture contrast to the creamy macaroni.
• Parmesan Cheese, Freshly Grated: A sprinkling of freshly grated parmesan not only adds to the crisp topping but also introduces an extra layer of umami flavor.
• Sea Salt and Black Pepper, to Taste: Lastly, use premium sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to season the dish. It’s a simple step that can significantly heighten the flavor of your Lager Mac & Cheese.

Substitutions and Additions

If you’re looking to tweak the recipe to fit your dietary preferences or if you want to experiment with new flavors, here are some suggestions:

• Butter: If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, you can replace butter with a plant-based butter alternative or even olive oil for a healthier option.
• Milk: Almond milk or oat milk can be good non-dairy alternatives, although they might slightly alter the creaminess of the sauce.
• Cheeses: For a different taste, you could substitute the cheeses with other types such as Gruyère, Provolone or Monterey Jack. Vegans could use vegan cheeses.
• Lager: For a non-alcoholic version, you could use non-alcoholic lager or a flavorful vegetable broth.
• Macaroni: Feel free to switch out small macaroni for another type of small pasta like penne or fusilli.
• Breadcrumb Topping: For a gluten-free version, almond meal could be used instead of breadcrumbs.

Instructions

Set the oven temperature to 400° F and let it preheat.

In a spacious pot, gently melt the butter over low heat. Take out two tablespoons and keep them aside in a medium bowl.

Combine the milk and lager in a pot and bring it to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Next, add the macaroni and cook it while stirring regularly until it becomes creamy and mostly cooked, which usually takes around 10-12 minutes.

Add the cheddar, mozzarella, and fontina cheeses. Keep cooking until the cheese is fully melted and has a creamy consistency, which should take around 3-4 minutes.

Take the pot off the heat and carefully move the macaroni mixture into a medium-sized casserole dish.

Add the garlic, breadcrumbs, and parmesan to the reserved butter, ensuring they are well mixed. Then, generously spread the breadcrumb mixture on top of the macaroni.

Bake in the oven until the top turns a glorious golden brown and becomes irresistibly crispy, usually taking around 15 to 20 minutes. Let it cool for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Recipe tips

• To prevent your pasta from becoming overcooked, be sure to remove it from heat when it’s al dente. It will continue to cook in the oven, reaching the perfect texture.
• When selecting your lager, remember that a stronger beer will impart a stronger flavor into the dish. If you’re unsure, opt for a milder lager.
• While stirring the sauce, make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking and burning. This will also help incorporate all the flavors evenly.
• Letting the mac and cheese rest for about 10-15 minutes after baking allows the cheese sauce to thicken up and gives the dish a better consistency.
• If you want to add a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to your sauce, or top the finished dish with some hot sauce.
• This dish can easily be made ahead of time – simply prepare everything right up until the baking step, then cover and store in the fridge. When ready to serve, top with breadcrumb mixture and bake as directed.

Storage & reheating

This Lager Mac & Cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. If you’re planning to freeze it, be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

When it comes to reheating, if refrigerated, simply place in a preheated oven at 350° F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If frozen, it’s best to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Alternatively, you can reheat it directly from frozen state by covering it with foil and baking at 350° F for about 1 hour, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is crispy and the dish is heated through. Please note that reheating times may vary depending on your oven.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use a different type of beer in this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of beer. However, keep in mind that the flavor of the dish will change accordingly. A stout or an IPA, for example, will bring a different taste profile compared to a lager.

Can I replace the beer with a non-alcoholic beverage?

Yes, if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute the beer with a non-alcoholic lager or a flavorful vegetable broth.

What’s the best way to shred the cheese for this recipe?

For the best results, it’s recommended to shred the cheese yourself rather than using pre-shredded cheese. This is because pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents and does not melt as smoothly.

Can I add any meat or vegetables to this dish?

Yes, additions like cooked bacon, ham, peas, or broccoli can be added to this mac and cheese for extra flavor and texture. Just ensure that any additions are fully cooked before adding them to the mac and cheese.

Is it necessary to bake this dish? Can’t I just serve it straight from the pot?

While you can certainly serve the mac and cheese straight from the pot, baking it gives a delightful crispy crust on the top, adding a contrast to the creamy macaroni. If you prefer, you can skip the baking step.

How can I prevent the macaroni from becoming too soft or mushy?

To avoid overcooking, keep an eye on your pasta while it’s boiling and aim for an al dente texture. Remember that it will continue cooking in the oven, so slightly undercooking it on the stovetop will result in perfectly cooked macaroni in the end.

Yield: 4-6 portions

Lager Mac and Cheese

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Try something different with your favorite lager and give a classic comfort food a new twist

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Ingredients

• 4 T. butter, divided
• 3 c. milk
• 1 c. lager
• 10 oz. small macaroni
• 8 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded
• 8 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 4 oz. fontina cheese, shredded
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 c. breadcrumbs
• 1/2 c. parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400° F.
2. In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat. Remove two (2) tablespoons and set aside in a medium bowl.
3. Add the milk and lager to the pot and bring to a steady simmer – season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the macaroni and cook, stirring regularly, until the macaroni is mostly cooked through and creamy, around 10-12 minutes. 
4. Add in the cheddar, mozzarella, and fontina. Continue cooking until the cheese is completely melted and very creamy, another 3-4 minutes.
5. Remove the pot from heat and transfer the macaroni mixture to a medium casserole dish. 
6. To the reserved butter, add the garlic, breadcrumbs, and parmesan; mix well. Spread the breadcrumb mixture on top of the macaroni. 
7. Place in the oven to bake until golden brown and crispy on top, approximately 15-20 minutes. Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. 

Notes

This recipe calls for lager which has a strong beer flavor. Feel free to substitute a pale ale or wheat beer if you prefer a more subtle beer flavor. Regardless of what beer you choose, be sure to make it one you enjoy drinking by itself since the sauce will carry that flavor. 

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 632Total Fat: 40gSaturated Fat: 23gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 123mgSodium: 978mgCarbohydrates: 32gFiber: 1gSugar: 8gProtein: 32g