Name: Oktoberfest Bacon Beer Mac & Cheese: Comfort Food Bliss!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: German-American
Ingredients: Elbow macaroni – 1 pound (450 g), cooked al dente; Thick-cut bacon – 8 slices, chopped and cooked crisp; Unsalted butter – 4 tablespoons; All-purpose flour – ¼ cup; Whole milk – 2 cups; Beer – 1 cup (lager or amber ale); Sharp cheddar cheese – 2 cups, shredded; Gruyère cheese – 1 cup, shredded; Cream cheese – 3 tablespoons, softened; Dijon mustard – 1 teaspoon; Paprika – ½ teaspoon; Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon; Salt & black pepper – to taste; Topping: 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Description

Warm, creamy, and irresistibly rich — this Oktoberfest Bacon Beer Mac & Cheese combines the hearty comfort of classic mac with smoky bacon and the malty tang of your favorite lager.

Ingredients

Scale

Elbow macaroni – 1 pound (450 g), cooked al dente
Thick-cut bacon – 8 slices, chopped and cooked crisp
Unsalted butter – 4 tablespoons
All-purpose flour – ¼ cup
Whole milk – 2 cups
Beer – 1 cup (lager or amber ale)
Sharp cheddar cheese – 2 cups, shredded
Gruyère cheese – 1 cup, shredded
Cream cheese – 3 tablespoons, softened
Dijon mustard – 1 teaspoon
Paprika – ½ teaspoon
Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon
Salt & black pepper – to taste
Topping: 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a large cast-iron skillet or baking dish.
Cook the pasta just until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux, stirring for about 1 minute until golden and fragrant.
Slowly pour in milk and beer, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened — about 3–5 minutes.
Add cheeses (cheddar, Gruyère, cream cheese) and stir until melted and silky. Mix in Dijon, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Fold in cooked pasta and half the bacon until evenly coated.
Transfer to your skillet or baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and remaining bacon, drizzle melted butter over the top.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm with an Oktoberfest-style beer.

Notes

This dish is perfect for fall gatherings and pairs well with a cold beer.
For a spicier kick, add some cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: German-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 600
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 80mg