Imagine taking the comforting, creamy goodness of classic mac and cheese and elevating it with the deep, malty flavors of Guinness Stout. This Guinness Mac & Cheese recipe does just that, combining tender rotini pasta with a rich cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and light processed cheese. The savory notes of turkey sausage and sautéed onions add depth and heartiness to the dish, making it a perfect option for a cozy dinner or a standout side at your next gathering.

Photo byElizabeth

In this recipe, the robust flavor of Guinness Stout melds beautifully with the creaminess of the cheese, creating a mac and cheese experience that’s both familiar and exciting. The pasta is cooked to al dente perfection, then folded into a velvety sauce infused with the unmistakable taste of Guinness. Each bite delivers a warm, comforting flavor that’s sure to satisfy.

Serving Suggestions:

- Serve Guinness Mac & Cheese as a comforting main dish, paired with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.

- This dish also makes a great side for grilled meats, such as steak or sausages.

- Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, for a pop of color and flavor.

- For a bit of extra crunch, top the mac and cheese with toasted breadcrumbs before baking.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):

• • - Calories: 450
  • - Total Fat: 20g
  • - Saturated Fat: 10g
  • - Cholesterol: 60mg
  • - Sodium: 780mg
  • - Total Carbohydrates: 50g
  • - Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • - Sugars: 5g
  • - Protein: 18g

Storage Information:

- Store any leftover Guinness Mac & Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

- This dish can also be frozen. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Photo byElizabeth

Guinness Mac & Cheese Recipe

Ingredients:

• - 8 ounces uncooked rotini pasta
• - 2 teaspoons canola oil
• - 6 ounces bulk turkey sausage
• - 3/4 cup diced onion
• - 2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• - 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
• - 1 cup Guinness Stout beer
• - 1/3 cup whole milk
• - 2.5 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• - 2 ounces light processed cheese, shredded (such as Velveeta Light)
• - Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

   - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

   - In a large skillet, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Add the turkey sausage and cook, breaking it up into crumbles, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

   - Add the diced onions to the skillet and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove the sausage and onions from the skillet and set them aside.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce:

   - In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the flour. Cook the flour, stirring constantly, for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

   - Gradually whisk in the Guinness Stout, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to whisk as the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

   - Stir in the whole milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

   - Add the shredded sharp cheddar and light processed cheese, stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt to taste.

3. Combine and Bake:

   - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a baking dish with cooking spray.

   - Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly. Fold in the cooked sausage and onions.

   - Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.

4. Bake:

   - Bake the Guinness Mac & Cheese in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbly.

5. Serve:

   - Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the rich, beer-infused flavors of this decadent mac and cheese, with the savory sausage adding an extra layer of deliciousness.

Photo byGeorge BakosonUnsplash

Guinness Mac & Cheese is a comforting dish that combines the creamy goodness of classic mac and cheese with the robust flavor of Guinness. Perfect for cozy dinners or as a crowd-pleasing side, this dish is sure to be a hit!