Cheesy Amber Ale Mac ‘n’ Crust
Dive into a comforting blend of cheese and ale with our Cheesy Amber Ale Mac ‘n’ Crust. This dish elevates traditional mac 'n' cheese into a gourmet delight by combining five distinct cheeses in a creamy amber beer-infused sauce. Topped with a crisp layer of Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs, and baked to golden perfection, it's a melty, comforting meal with a subtle kick. Perfect for gatherings, it offers a modern and sophisticated twist to a classic favorite, leaving you with heartwarming flavors in every bite.
16
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/2 cup (melted)
flour
1/2 cup
amber beer
1/2 cup
half-and-half
2 cups
brie cheese
1/2 lb (cut into pieces)
cream cheese
16 ounces (softened)
crumbled gorgonzola
1 1/2 cups
shredded cheddar cheese
2 1/2 cups
grated parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups (divided)
penne pasta
16 ounces (cooked and drained)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a medium, heavy-bottom pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Gradually whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux.
3
Slowly whisk in the amber beer, allowing the mixture to thicken before adding the half-and-half. Continue whisking until smooth and creamy.
4
Add the Brie and cream cheese to the pot, stirring until completely melted and blended with the sauce.
5
Gently fold in the crumbled Gorgonzola, shredded cheddar, and 1 cup of grated Parmesan until all the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is thick and creamy.
6
Incorporate the cooked penne pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring each piece is coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7
Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to a 13-by-9-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
8
For topping, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs over the top of the pasta.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the top is crispy and golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
10
Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving, letting the flavors meld together for a creamy, crunchy finish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Amber Ale Mac ‘n’ Crust?
It is a gourmet version of mac 'n' cheese that combines five distinct cheeses with an amber beer-infused sauce and a panko crust.
What kind of beer should I use for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for amber beer to provide a subtle kick and modern flavor profile.
Which five cheeses are used in the sauce?
The five cheeses are Brie, cream cheese, crumbled Gorgonzola, shredded cheddar, and grated Parmesan.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve approximately 16 people.
What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Penne pasta is used in this recipe, which should be cooked and drained before adding it to the sauce.
How do you make the crispy topping?
The topping is made by sprinkling panko breadcrumbs and the remaining Parmesan cheese over the pasta before baking.
How long does the Mac ‘n’ Crust need to bake?
It needs to bake for about 1 hour until the top is crispy and golden brown.
What size baking dish is required?
You should use a 13-by-9-inch baking dish to spread the mixture evenly.
How do I start the cheese sauce?
Start by melting butter and whisking in flour to create a smooth roux, then gradually add the beer and half-and-half.
How should the Brie be prepared?
The Brie should be cut into small pieces before being added to the pot to ensure it melts easily.
Should the cream cheese be at room temperature?
Yes, the recipe suggests using softened cream cheese so it blends smoothly into the sauce.
Is the Gorgonzola added at the same time as the cheddar?
Yes, the crumbled Gorgonzola, shredded cheddar, and the first portion of Parmesan are folded in together until melted.
How much half-and-half is needed for the sauce?
The recipe requires 2 cups of half-and-half to create a creamy base.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, you should taste the pasta and sauce mixture and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference before baking.
Is the Parmesan cheese divided?
Yes, 1 cup of Parmesan is melted into the sauce, and the remaining half-cup is used for the crunchy topping.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
How much butter is used in the roux?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of melted butter.
Why let the dish cool before serving?
Allowing it to cool slightly helps the flavors meld and ensures a perfect creamy yet crunchy finish.
How much Gorgonzola is required?
You will need 1.5 cups of crumbled Gorgonzola cheese.
What is the role of flour in this recipe?
Flour is whisked with butter to form a roux, which acts as the thickening agent for the beer-infused cheese sauce.
How much penne pasta do I need?
The recipe uses 16 ounces of penne pasta.
Is this recipe considered a casserole?
Yes, it is tagged as a casserole and a baked pasta dish.
What flavor does the amber ale provide?
The amber ale provides a subtle kick and a modern, sophisticated twist to the traditional flavor.
Can I use different breadcrumbs?
The recipe specifies panko breadcrumbs for a superior crunch, but you could substitute if necessary.
How much cream cheese is used?
The recipe uses 16 ounces of softened cream cheese.
What should the sauce look like before adding pasta?
The sauce should be thick, smooth, and creamy after all the cheeses have melted.
Is this dish suitable for a large gathering?
Yes, with 16 servings, it is perfect for parties or family gatherings.
Does this recipe include any tags?
Yes, tags include mac and cheese, comfort food, gourmet, and baked pasta among others.
How much cheddar cheese is added?
The recipe calls for 2.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.