NFL Playoffs “Cooking With Beer” – AleSmith Nut Brown Ale Mac & Cheese

Festive foods take on new meaning when made with serious beer, especially along with the NFL playoffs. And who doesn’t enjoy Mac & Cheese fresh from the oven, while rooting on your favorite football team this weekend?

We’ve published several beer-infused Mac & Cheese recipes in the past using everything from Hazy IPAs, to straightforward Lagers. But what makes this recipe so unique is its use of a true English-Style Brown Ale, and San Diego-based AleSmith Brewing makes one of the best in the nation.

A tribute to the British classic, AleSmith Nut Brown is an award-winning 5% ABV Brown Ale with a malty character and rich biscuit, mild cocoa and earthy hops notes that really add something special to this definitive dish.

So let’s do this…and GO Commanders!

AleSmith Nut Brown Ale Mac & Cheese

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup craft beer
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
5. Gradually whisk in the craft beer and milk, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
6. Stir in the cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until melted and smooth. Add the Dijon mustard and season with salt and pepper.
7. Add the cooked macaroni and bacon to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine.
8. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
9. In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle over the macaroni and cheese.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

(Courtesy AleSmith Brewing)

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Want more Cooking with Beer recipes?

We’ve got them…

HOPNOSIS IPA LOBSTER ROLL

GUINNESS BEEF STEW

DALE’S PALE ALE STUFFED PIZZA BREAD

SIERRA NEVADA HAZY IPA BEEF SLIDERS

BEER CAN TURKEY

CHOCOLATE STOUT BROWNIES

SIERRA NEVADA CAMPFIRE CHICKEN TACOS

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