My Oktoberfest Bacon Beer Mac & Cheese

My Oktoberfest Bacon Beer Mac & Cheese

from crennrecipes.com
Entrees
45 min
8 servings
485 kcal / serving

This Oktoberfest Bacon Beer Mac & Cheese combines German and American flavors with creamy Gruyère and cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and the rich maltiness of Oktoberfest beer. Crafted for discerning home chefs seeking restaurant-quality fall comfort food with authentic Oktoberfest flair.

Ingredients

  • 1 lbelbow macaroni pasta
  • 8 ozthick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 12 ozoktoberfest beer (paulaner or hacker-pschorr recommended)
  • 4 tablespoonsunsalted butter
  • 4 tablespoonsall-purpose flour
  • 2 cupswhole milk
  • 8 ozgruyère cheese, shredded
  • 8 ozsharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoondijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoonsmoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspooncayenne pepper (optional)
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • fresh parsley for garnish
  • additional shredded cheese for topping

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water (or beer for extra flavor) according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. <

  2. 2

    p id=”instruction-step-2″>2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, reserving 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.

  3. 3

    p id=”instruction-step-3″>3. In the same skillet with bacon fat, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for 2 minutes until golden and fragrant.

  4. 4

    p id=”instruction-step-4″>4. Gradually whisk in Oktoberfest beer and milk, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened, about 5-7 minutes.

  5. 5

    p id=”instruction-step-5″>5. Reduce heat to low and add Gruyère and cheddar cheese in batches, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Stir in Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste. <

  6. 6

    id=”instruction-step-6″>6. Add cooked macaroni and crispy bacon pieces to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine thoroughly. <

  7. 7

    id=”instruction-step-7″>7. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with additional shredded cheese. <

  8. 8

    id=”instruction-step-8″>8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. <

  9. 9

    id=”instruction-step-9″>9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with extra crispy bacon on top if desired.