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–+ servings
Irish Cheddar Mac & Cheese

Savor the Comfort of Irish Cheddar Mac & Cheese Delight

Experience the rich flavors of Irish Cheddar Mac & Cheese, combining Guinness and cheddar for a cozy meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Irish
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Elbow Macaroni or shells for better sauce retention
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter or salted butter sparingly
  • 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour cook enough to eliminate raw taste
  • 1 cup Guinness Draught Stout room temperature to prevent curdling
  • 2 cups Whole Milk or half-and-half for richer sauce
  • 2 cups Sharp Irish Cheddar Cheese preferably high-quality like Kerrygold
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese optional for stronger cheddar taste
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard for subtle sharpness
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Mustard Powder enhances complexity
  • to taste Salt and Black Pepper adjust as needed
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika optional for hint of smokiness
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs mix with melted butter for browning
  • 2 tablespoons Melted Butter for topping

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • colander
  • large skillet
  • Whisk
  • Baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water for about 6 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Melt unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
  3. Gradually whisk in room-temperature Guinness and let simmer until smooth.
  4. Pour in whole milk while whisking and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until thickens slightly.
  5. Stir in shredded sharp Irish cheddar cheese and mozzarella, mixing well until melted.
  6. Add Dijon mustard, ground mustard powder, and season with salt and black pepper. Optional: stir in smoked paprika.
  7. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Simmer for another 2 minutes.
  8. Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter in a bowl.
  9. Transfer mac and cheese to a greased baking dish, top with panko mixture and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden.
  10. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1000IUCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For the best melting experience, shred your cheese fresh. Watch broiling closely to prevent burning.

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