This Bacon Beer Mac & Cheese is what happens when comfort food hits the bar scene.

We’re talking ultra-creamy cheese sauce laced with beer, loaded with crispy bacon, and wrapped around tender pasta — finished with a golden topping and plenty of smoky flavor.

Perfect for dinner, potlucks, or leveling up your game day menu.

Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup beer (amber ale, brown ale, or lager — avoid IPAs)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• 2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded
• 1 cup Monterey Jack or Gruyère
• Optional: ½ cup Parmesan for added bite
• Optional topping: toasted breadcrumbs + extra bacon

Beer Tip: Go with something malty and smooth — amber ale or bock works best. A brown ale brings a nutty richness. Avoid anything too hoppy or sweet.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Fry the Bacon

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.

Remove bacon and set aside. Leave 1 tbsp bacon fat in the pan for flavor.

Step 3: Make the Beer Cheese Sauce

Add butter to the bacon fat in the same skillet. Once melted, whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.

Gradually whisk in beer and milk. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan (if using) until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Fold cooked pasta and most of the bacon into the cheese sauce. Stir until well coated.

Want it baked? Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, extra cheese, and the remaining bacon. Broil or bake at 400°F for 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

• Top With:
  • Crispy fried onions
  • Chopped chives or scallions
  • Hot sauce drizzle or chipotle aioli
• Serve With:
  • A crisp side salad for contrast
  • Roasted veggies or grilled sausage
  • A cold pint of the same beer you used in the sauce

Beer Pairing

• In the sauce:
  • Amber ale
  • Brown ale
  • Vienna lager
• In your glass:
  • The same beer, or a cream ale for smoothness
  • A porter if you want to highlight the smoky bacon

Final Thoughts

Bacon Beer Mac & Cheese is rich, bold, and downright addictive.
It’s everything you love about mac and cheese — amped up with smoky bacon and malty beer.

One bite, and you’ll never want to make a “plain” version again.

Cheers to comfort food that drinks like a pint and eats like a dream! 🥓🧀🍺

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