Soft Pretzel Mac & Cheese with Beer Cheese Sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, heat the milk and cream over low heat until warm but not boiling.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually pour in the warm milk mixture, whisking constantly until smooth.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add the beer, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, mixing well to combine.
- In a baking dish, combine the cooked macaroni, beer cheese sauce, and chopped pretzel pieces, mixing until evenly coated.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve hot and enjoy this delightful twist on an old favorite!
How to Serve Soft Pretzel Mac & Cheese with Beer Cheese Sauce
To serve this delicious dish, consider garnishing it with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color. Pair it with a light side salad or some roasted veggies to balance the richness. For a fun touch, serve it alongside a cold beer or a fizzy soda—perfect for sharing with friends or family!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Storing leftovers is simple! Allow the Soft Pretzel Mac & Cheese to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like, you can also freeze it for up to 2 months. For reheating, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through. Always ensure it reaches a safe temperature of 165°F before serving.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Use a variety of cheeses for added flavor; try gouda or pepper jack for a kick!
- When melting your cheeses, do so on low heat to avoid separation.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it will continue to cook while baking.
- Try adding crispy bacon or sautéed onions for an extra layer of taste.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun variations to try:
- Substitute the elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-friendly option.
- Experiment with different beer types—IPAs for bitterness or stouts for a deep flavor.
- Top with crushed pretzel crumbs before baking for an added crunch.
Your Questions Answered
Q: How long does it take to prepare this dish?
A: The total preparation and cooking time is about 45 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying meal.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match cheeses based on your preferences.
Q: How do I safely store and reheat leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
With its cozy flavors and fun twist on traditional mac and cheese, this Soft Pretzel Mac & Cheese with Beer Cheese Sauce will surely become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Enjoy every cheesy, pretzel-flavored bite!
Soft Pretzel Mac & Cheese
A comforting blend of creamy macaroni and cheese enveloped in a rich beer cheese sauce, topped with soft pretzel pieces for a delightful twist.
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni (Cook according to package instructions.)
- 1 cup whole milk (Heated until warm.)
- 1 cup heavy cream (Heated until warm.)
- 2 tablespoons butter (Melted for roux.)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (Used for roux.)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (Mix until melted and creamy.)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (Mix until melted and creamy.)
- 1/2 cup beer (Adjust based on preference.)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- to taste salt and pepper
Toppings
- 6 pieces soft pretzels, chopped into bite-sized pieces (Adds texture and flavor.)
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, heat the milk and cream over low heat until warm but not boiling.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually pour in the warm milk mixture, whisking constantly until smooth.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add the beer, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, mixing well to combine.
Baking
- In a baking dish, combine the cooked macaroni, beer cheese sauce, and chopped pretzel pieces, mixing until evenly coated.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Serving
- Serve hot and enjoy this delightful twist on an old favorite!
For storing leftovers, allow to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through, ensuring it reaches a safe temperature of 165°F before serving.
