This Classic Beer Mac & Cheese is rich, cheesy, and super creamy with just the right kick of beer to give it depth and character.

It’s comfort food that drinks like a pint — simple enough for weeknights, bold enough for bar food purists.

Whether you’re pairing it with BBQ, loading it with bacon, or eating it straight from the pan with a spoon (no judgment), this is your go-to recipe for boozy mac magic.

Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni (or shells, cavatappi, etc.)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¾ cup beer (lager, amber ale, or wheat beer — nothing too bitter)
• 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, mozzarella, or Gruyère
• Optional: ½ cup Parmesan for extra bite

Beer Tip: Use a smooth, malty beer like a lager, amber, or cream ale. Avoid IPAs or stouts unless you’re going for something bolder or more experimental.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

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

Step 2: Make the Beer Cheese Sauce

• In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
• Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to make a light roux.
• Slowly whisk in milk and beer. Cook, stirring, until thickened — about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Cheese & Seasonings

Lower the heat. Stir in mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Add the cheeses in handfuls, stirring until melted and smooth.

Optional: Stir in a splash more beer at the end for extra flavor and creaminess.

Step 4: Combine & Serve

Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.

Serve immediately, or pour into a baking dish, top with more cheese or breadcrumbs, and broil for 2–4 minutes for a golden finish.

Add-On Ideas

• Mix-ins:
  • Crumbled bacon or pancetta
  • Jalapeños or roasted poblano
  • Pulled pork or chopped BBQ brisket
  • Sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions
• Toppings:
  • Toasted breadcrumbs + butter
  • Extra cheddar and Parmesan
  • Hot sauce or BBQ drizzle

Beer Pairing

• In the sauce:
  • American lager
  • Cream ale
  • Amber or Vienna lager
• In your glass:
  • The same beer you cooked with
  • A crisp pilsner for balance
  • A citrusy pale ale for contrast

🧀 More Beer Mac & Cheese Recipes

Creamy, cheesy, and kicked up with the flavor of craft brews — these beer-infused mac and cheese recipes go way beyond basic. Whether you’re into IPAs, stouts, or smoky add-ins, there’s a bowl here for you.

🍺 Beer Mac & Cheese Recipes (Main Hub) – Your ultimate mac & cheese guide with a boozy twist.

🧀 Classics & Crowd-Pleasers

🍺 Classic Beer Mac & Cheese – Smooth cheddar sauce with a malty beer boost.
🥓 Bacon Beer Mac & Cheese – Smoky bacon and melty cheese in every forkful.
🧄 Garlic Herb White Cheddar Mac & Cheese – Rich and fragrant with roasted garlic and herbs.

🍻 Beer-Specific Twists

🧄 IPA Mac & Cheese – Hoppy, bold, and layered with sharp cheddar.
🌶️ Spicy IPA Mac & Cheese – Heat and hops for a fiery beer lover’s dream.
☘️ Guinness Mac & Cheese – Dark, creamy, and perfect for stout fans.
🍄 Stout Mushroom Mac & Cheese – Earthy mushrooms meet deep stout flavor.
🧀 Hopped-Up Gouda Beer Mac & Cheese – Smooth Gouda with a hoppy beer backbone.

🔥 Bold, Loaded, & Over-the-Top

🔥 Buffalo Chicken Beer Mac & Cheese – Spicy buffalo chicken meets creamy mac.
🧅 BBQ Brisket Mac & Cheese – Smoky brisket folded into cheesy, saucy mac.
🦞 Lager Lobster Mac & Cheese – Elegant comfort with sweet lobster and crisp lager.

Final Thoughts

Classic Beer Mac & Cheese is creamy, dreamy, and just boozy enough to make you wonder why you ever made it without beer.

It’s comfort food done right — rich, melty, and begging for a second (or third) scoop.
Make it once, and it’ll be your new go-to anytime mac & cheese is on the table.

Cheers to cheese, beer, and not needing an excuse! 🍺🧀🔥

Explore Our Top Cooking-with-Beer Recipes 🍺 🍺

From crispy beer-battered classics to bold mains, cheesy dips, breads, and even desserts — these roundups bring together the best of beer-infused cooking. Whether you’re hosting a game day, planning a backyard BBQ, or just experimenting in the kitchen, there’s a beer recipe collection for every craving.

• 🍽️ Cooking with Beer (Main Hub) – Your ultimate guide to cooking with beer, from mains to apps and desserts.
• 🥨 Beer-Battered Appetizers and Sides – – Crispy onion rings, fried pickles, mushrooms, zucchini, & more pub-style favorites with a golden beer crunch.
• 🍞 Beer Bread Recipes – From 2-ingredient quick breads to jalapeño cheese loaves.
• 🧀 Beer Cheese & Dips – Beer cheese soup, queso, nachos, ranch dip & more.
• 🍖 Beer Can Chicken & Grilled Mains – Bold, juicy recipes straight from the grill.
• 🌶️ Beer Infused Chili’s – Hearty, bold, and slow-simmered beer-infused chili.
• 🍻 Beer Mac & Cheese – Creamy, quick& easy, made to impress.
• 🍰 Beer-Infused Desserts & Sweets – Sweet treats made better with beer.
• 🎉 Oktoberfest & Seasonal Ideas – Perfect pairings for parties, fall feasts, and festive gatherings.