Pumpkin Ale Mac and Cheese
A delightful twist on a classic comfort food, this Pumpkin Ale Mac and Cheese combines creamy cheese with the unique flavor of pumpkin ale, perfect for cozy dinners or festive gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 oz pumpkin ale
- ½ pound (about 3 cups) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ stick (4 tbsp) unsalted butter
- ½ tsp turmeric + a pinch more
- ½ tsp smoked paprika + a pinch more
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 oz black bean rotini
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- Pinch of pumpkin spice
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese: Shred the sharp cheddar cheese and toss it with ¼ cup of flour. Set aside to reach room temperature.
- Boil the pasta: In a large pot, bring about 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the black bean rotini and cook for about 7 to 8 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and return to the pot, drizzling with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Make the roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour, turmeric, and smoked paprika. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes until it forms a roux, stirring constantly.
- Combine with pumpkin ale: Slowly pour in the pumpkin ale while stirring continuously. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate the cheese: Remove from heat. Gradually add the flour-coated cheddar cheese a cup at a time, stirring until fully melted and combined. Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked rotini, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Serve: Immediately serve in bowls, drizzling a bit more of the cheese sauce over the top if desired.
Notes
For a non-alcoholic version, substitute pumpkin ale with vegetable broth or a non-alcoholic pumpkin-flavored beverage.
Find it online: https://dishvela.com/pumpkin-ale-mac-and-cheese-halloween/