Here’s an easy dish for you, stovetop beer mac and cheese. It’s a tasty and creamy bowl of comfort, topped with toasted scallion panko breadcrumbs.

 

Stovetop Beer Mac and Cheese by Diverse Dinners

 

It’s getting colder in New York. Enter stovetop beer mac and cheese. A one pot combination of among other things, pasta shells, American and asiago cheese and beer. This is such a tasty dish, and an ideal weeknight meal.

I just want to make it very clear, this one is not for the kids… it’s got beer in it! Instead serve this at an upcoming game day, or movie night.

Some of you may be asking, why add beer? Well, the beer adds a malty, somewhat smokey taste, which helps cut the richness of this mac and cheese dish. Also, why not?

If you prefer a lot of sauce with your mac and cheese you can hold the breadcrumbs. Alternatively, add the breadcrumbs and serve as a side to some fried chicken, or other great snacks and game day bites.

This stovetop beer mac and cheese recipe doesn’t require the creation of a traditional roux sauce. American cheese can exist in melted form for a while, eliminating the need to start with a cheese sauce as so many mac and cheese recipes do. 

 

Stovetop Beer Mac and Cheese by Diverse Dinners

 

This stovetop beer mac and cheese will please your guests no end for two reasons:

  1. It’s a little indulgent, and
  2. wonderfully yummy

 

Print Recipe

Stovetop Beer Mac and Cheese

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 8 oz dry medium pasta shells
  • 1 cup half and half
  • 4 oz unsalted butter
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 cup beer
  • 3 cups American cheese shredded
  • 1 cup asiago cheese shredded
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Panko Topping (Optional)

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp scallions sliced - green parts only

Equipment & Utensils

  • Medium baking tray
  • Parchment paper
  • Large saucepan

Instructions

Panko Topping

  • Mix scallions and breadcrumbs together then spread onto a parchment paper lined baking tray and place in a preheated oven at 450.
  • Toast until breadcrumbs are golden then remove and allow to cool.

    Stovetop Beer Mac and Cheese

    • Cook pasta shell as directed on the packaging.
    • Drain pasta and set aside.
    • Pour half and half into saucepan then add butter, heat and melt while stirring.
    • Add paprika, then stir, then add beer and stir.
    • As ingredients begin to bubble add American cheese, 1 cup at a time until melted.
    • Stir regularly to ensure cheese is melting evenly.
    • Add 1/2 cup of asiago and allow to melt while stirring.
    • Add pasta shells and mix thoroughly.
    • Add salt and pepper to taste and add the other 1/2 cup of asiago and mix thoroughly.
    • Serve immediately with our without panko topping.