Cheesy Beer-Bacon Macaroni Delight
Indulge in a gourmet twist on a classic comfort food with this Cheesy Beer-Bacon Macaroni Delight. Featuring rich, thick-cut bacon cooked to crispy perfection, this dish begins with a base of savory bacon drippings that forms the foundation of a creamy cheese sauce. Infused with your favorite beer and a medley of smoky spices, each bite offers a delightful balance of flavor that elevates traditional mac and cheese to new heights. Perfect for dinner parties or cozy nights in, this irresistible casserole serves eight and is sure to impress both guests and family alike. Topped with fresh chives for a burst of color, this dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing.
8
Servings
400
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dry elbow macaroni
8 ounces (uncooked)
Thick cut bacon
12 ounces (uncooked, cut into bite-size pieces)
Unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
All-purpose flour
1/4 cup (none)
Garlic powder
1 teaspoon (none)
Ground arbol chile
1 teaspoon (or cayenne pepper, adjusted to taste)
Smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Beer
1/2 cup (like Blue Moon)
Chicken broth
1/2 cup (none)
Whole milk
2 cups (none)
Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon (none)
Shredded mild cheddar cheese
8 ounces (none)
Chives
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. When it reaches a rolling boil, add a generous handful of salt and the dry elbow macaroni. Cook the pasta uncovered over medium-high heat until al dente, stirring occasionally. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
2
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the chopped bacon pieces. Stir them occasionally, allowing them to cook until they are golden brown and crispy. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined bowl to drain. Carefully reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings in the skillet and discard the rest.
3
3. Wipe the sides of the skillet carefully to prevent flame-ups, then return the 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings to the skillet. Add the unsalted butter, allowing it to melt completely over medium heat.
4
4. Once the butter has melted, add the flour and whisk to combine. Cook the mixture for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until it turns light golden brown to remove the raw flour taste.
5
5. Stir in the garlic powder, ground arbol chile, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Next, pour in the beer and chicken broth, whisking everything together. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to boil for about 3 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate the flavorful bits.
6
6. Gradually whisk in the whole milk, returning the mixture to a gentle bubble. As soon as you see the first few bubbles break the surface, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cooked bacon, Worcestershire sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and combined.
7
7. Now, add the cooked elbow macaroni to the sauce, stirring well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated. Continue to cook over medium heat for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the pasta to absorb some of the delicious flavors.
8
8. Finally, transfer the cheesy beer-bacon mixture into a casserole dish. Garnish with fresh chives if desired, and serve immediately, enjoying every creamy, savory bite.
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
35g
Carbs
11.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Beer-Bacon Macaroni Delight?
It is a gourmet twist on classic mac and cheese featuring thick-cut bacon, a creamy beer-infused cheese sauce, and smoky spices.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings, making it perfect for families or small dinner parties.
What type of pasta is used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of dry elbow macaroni, cooked until al dente.
How much bacon do I need?
You will need 12 ounces of thick-cut bacon, cut into bite-size pieces.
Can I use any type of beer for the sauce?
Yes, you can use your favorite beer, though Blue Moon is specifically recommended for this recipe.
What can I use if I do not have ground arbol chile?
You can substitute ground arbol chile with cayenne pepper, adjusted to your personal spice preference.
What kind of cheese is best for this macaroni?
The recipe suggests using 8 ounces of shredded mild cheddar cheese for a smooth and creamy texture.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving of Cheesy Beer-Bacon Macaroni Delight contains approximately 400 calories.
What are the nutritional facts for fat and protein?
Each serving contains 22.5g of fat and 11.25g of protein.
Do I need to save the bacon grease?
Yes, you should reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings to form the savory base for the cheese sauce.
How do I prevent the sauce from tasting like raw flour?
Cook the butter and flour mixture (roux) for about 2-3 minutes until it is light golden brown before adding liquids.
Is chicken broth necessary for this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of chicken broth to add depth of flavor to the beer and milk sauce base.
What type of milk is recommended?
2 cups of whole milk are used to ensure the cheese sauce is rich and creamy.
When should I add the cheese to the sauce?
Remove the pan from the heat once the milk mixture bubbles, then stir in the cheese until fully melted.
What garnish is recommended for this dish?
Fresh chives are used as a garnish to add a burst of color and a fresh herbal note.
How long does it take to thicken the sauce once the pasta is added?
Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat for about 5 minutes after adding the pasta to allow the sauce to thicken.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
The recipe calls for unsalted butter; if you use salted, you may want to reduce the additional kosher salt.
What spices provide the smoky flavor?
The smoky flavor comes primarily from the 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
What role does Worcestershire sauce play in this recipe?
It adds a savory, umami depth that complements the bacon and cheddar cheese.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture and transfer it to a casserole dish, then reheat it when ready to serve.
How do I cook the bacon?
Cook the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown and crispy, then drain on paper towels.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
No, it contains bacon and chicken broth. However, you could substitute these with plant-based alternatives.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does the beer need to be at room temperature?
The recipe does not specify, but using room temperature liquids can sometimes help prevent the sauce from breaking.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
While elbow macaroni is traditional, shapes like shells or rotini would also hold the creamy sauce well.
Is the dish very spicy?
It has a mild kick from the arbol chile and smoked paprika, but you can adjust the chile amount to your taste.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
What is the best way to reheat this mac and cheese?
Reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore the creaminess of the sauce.
Do I need to bake the casserole?
The instructions focus on stovetop preparation and then transferring to a dish; additional baking is optional if you prefer a browned top.