Who doesn't love macaroni and cheese?! And I'm not talking about that stuff from the blue box. I'm talking gooey, melty, cheese homemade mac and cheese that can only be described as comfort food.
I'm taking that comfort food and adding a new layer of flavor for those with craving this childhood favorite with an adult twist. The secret ingredient? Beer. No need to go searching for microbrews or limited edition scratch beers here. This recipe works best with cheap, light beer that is sure to bring back some college memories!
In my case I used some Natural Light that's been in the fridge for a while. I mean, obviously I'm cooking with only the finest ingredients here 🙃 If you don't have Natty, Bud Light or Keystone would be fine. Really any light beer will work!
I'm taking that comfort food and adding a new layer of flavor for those with craving this childhood favorite with an adult twist. The secret ingredient? Beer. No need to go searching for microbrews or limited edition scratch beers here. This recipe works best with cheap, light beer that is sure to bring back some college memories!
In my case I used some Natural Light that's been in the fridge for a while. I mean, obviously I'm cooking with only the finest ingredients here 🙃 If you don't have Natty, Bud Light or Keystone would be fine. Really any light beer will work!
Ingredients:
1 pound of pasta of your choice (elbows or shells work best. I always use whole grain pasta, but the choice is yours)
1 stick of butter
1 can of light beer of your choice
8 oz cream cheese
1 cup milk
4 cups shredded cheese of your choice
Salt and pepper
1 sleeve of ritz or saltine crackers, crushed
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 pound of pasta of your choice (elbows or shells work best. I always use whole grain pasta, but the choice is yours)
1 stick of butter
1 can of light beer of your choice
8 oz cream cheese
1 cup milk
4 cups shredded cheese of your choice
Salt and pepper
1 sleeve of ritz or saltine crackers, crushed
4 tablespoons butter, melted
Boil a large pot of water and cook the pasta according to the instructions on the box.
Drain your pasta
While your pasta is draining, place the large pot back on medium heat and melt 1 stick of butter.
Next, choose your beer and pop the top. Allow those college memories to flood back, friends. Resist the urge to chug.
Add into your pot with the melted butter
Let this simmer for about 10 minutes. You want the alcohol to burn off but the yeast-y flavor to stay.
Add the cream cheese and wisk until smooth. Slowly add your milk.
In small handfuls, add your cheese and wisk until smooth before adding another handful. Season with salt and pepper.
Once your sauce is finished, mix in your cooked pasta and pour into a greased baking dish.
Crush your crackers and sprinkle on top of your pasta. Melt the 4 tablespoons of butter and drizzle over the crackers. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-40 minutes.
The perfect recipe for kids and college kids at heart.
Grab a fork and dig in! 🍴
Happy cooking, happy eating my friends!
Grab a fork and dig in! 🍴
Happy cooking, happy eating my friends!