This Spicy IPA Mac & Cheese is not here to play it safe — it’s sharp, fiery, and loaded with hop-forward flavor from a citrusy, bitter IPA.

We’re talking jalapeños, pepper jack, sharp cheddar, and a splash of your favorite India Pale Ale stirred into a silky cheese sauce that bites back (in the best way).

Perfect for beer lovers who like their comfort food with attitude.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (elbows, shells, or cavatappi)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 jalapeño, minced (seeds in for max heat, out for mild)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup IPA beer (citrusy West Coast or juicy hazy — your call)
• ¾ cup whole milk
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne (optional but recommended)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack or Monterey Jack
• Optional: ½ cup Parmesan for a salty bite
• Optional: 2–3 dashes hot sauce or sriracha

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook pasta in salted water until just al dente.

Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté & Make the Roux

• In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
• Add jalapeño and sauté 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
• Stir in flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes to create a roux.

Step 3: Add Beer & Milk

Slowly whisk in the IPA, then the milk.

Simmer until slightly thickened — about 3–5 minutes.

Add mustard, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

Lower the heat. Stir in cheeses gradually, one handful at a time, until smooth.

Add hot sauce if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 5: Combine & Serve

Add the drained pasta and stir to coat.

Serve immediately for creamy stovetop-style mac, or pour into a greased baking dish, top with extra cheese or breadcrumbs, and broil for 2–4 minutes for a bubbly, golden finish.

Pro Add-Ons

• Meaty: Crumbled chorizo, bacon, or spicy sausage
• Crunchy: Toasted panko topping mixed with butter and crushed red pepper flakes
• Veg-Boost: Roasted poblanos, jalapeño coins, or diced tomatoes
• Extra Heat: Drizzle with chili oil or serve with pickled jalapeños on the side

Beer Pairing

• In the Sauce:
  • Citrusy IPA
  • West Coast-style IPA
  • Juicy/hazy IPA (for a softer finish)
• In Your Glass:
  • The same IPA you used
  • A lighter pale ale or kölsch to cool the heat
  • Try a spicy saison or peppery farmhouse ale to match intensity

🧀 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

Spicy IPA Mac & Cheese brings together beer, cheese, and heat in one fiery, craveable skillet.

It’s not for the faint of palate — but if you’re into bold flavor, hop-forward richness, and a creamy base with real spice, this dish is your new go-to.

Cheers to hops, heat, and mac that bites back! 🌶️🧀🍺

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.