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My Oktoberfest Bacon Beer Mac & Cheese


  • Author: Sarah White
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

Creamy mac and cheese meets smoky bacon and Oktoberfest beer for a cozy, flavor-packed twist. Perfect for game day or fall gatherings.


Ingredients

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni pasta

  • 8 oz thick-cut bacon, chopped

  • 12 oz Oktoberfest beer (Paulaner or Hacker-Pschorr recommended)

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

  • 3 cups whole milk

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

  • 4 oz Gruyère cheese, shredded

  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)


Instructions

  1. Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  2. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.

  3. Add butter to the pan, melt, and whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook 1–2 minutes until golden and nutty.

  4. Slowly whisk in beer, then milk, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened, about 5 minutes.

  5. Stir in Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

  6. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, Gruyère, and half the Parmesan until melted and creamy.

  7. Fold in cooked pasta and half of the bacon until evenly coated.

  8. Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining bacon, Parmesan, and panko breadcrumbs.

  9. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling.

  10. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

 For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat best in the oven.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American