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+ servings
Halloween Pumpkin Ale Mac and Cheese

Spooky Halloween Pumpkin Ale Mac and Cheese for a Cozy Feast

This Halloween Pumpkin Ale Mac and Cheese is a quick, playful twist on a classic comfort dish, perfect for Halloween gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Cheese Sauce
  • 1 cup Pumpkin Ale For non-beer version, use vegetable broth or water with pumpkin spice.
  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese A mild cheddar can be used for a subtler flavor.
  • 4 tablespoons Flour Consider using gluten-free flour as a substitute.
  • 2 cups Heavy Cream You can lighten the dish with milk or a non-dairy alternative.
For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Black Bean Rotini Regular rotini or any pasta shape can work as well.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can be omitted but is recommended for best texture.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • medium saucepan
  • Whisk

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the black bean rotini and cook according to package instructions, usually around 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and toss it with olive oil.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter until bubbly. Whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour to form a roux, cooking for about 2 minutes until light golden and bubbly.
  3. Gradually pour in 2 cups of heavy cream while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Stir for about 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  4. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of pumpkin ale to the thickened cream sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth.
  5. Reduce heat to low and add 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese to the pumpkin ale mixture. Stir continuously for about 2–3 minutes until melted.
  6. Stir in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to cook for another minute.
  7. Add the drained black bean rotini to the cheese sauce, gently folding to coat the pasta. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  8. Spoon into serving bowls, drizzling any excess cheese sauce over the top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Serve warm and enjoy the creamy texture of the dish. Adjust spices to taste.

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