This Mac and Cheese recipe is kicked up a notch with grilled bratwurst and amber beer — a fun, flavorful twist on classic mac and cheese.
I’m a little obsessed with mac and cheese. From Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese to Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese and BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, I love testing new twists on the creamy, comforting classic. This Bratwurst Beer Mac and Cheese combines two great flavors — grilled bratwurst and amber beer — for a rich, hearty dish that works as a satisfying weeknight meal or a game-day favorite.
Adding beer to the cheese sauce gives the dish a subtle, malty depth that pairs perfectly with the savory, slightly smoky flavor from grilled bratwursts. You can grill the sausages for added char, or cook them by your preferred method, but the grill adds a nice layer of flavor. This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, so it’s ideal for busy weeknights when you still want something indulgent and homemade.
Bratwurst Beer Mac and Cheese Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni noodles
- 1 lb bratwurst (about 4-5 links)
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- ½ cup amber beer
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and grill the bratwurst for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked. Set aside to rest.
- While the bratwurst grills, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and return the noodles to the pot set over low–medium heat.
- Add the cubed cream cheese, amber beer, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, chili powder and kosher salt to the pot with the pasta. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Once the sauce is creamy, add the shredded cheddar. Stir until the cheddar is fully melted and the sauce is well combined with the pasta.
- Slice the grilled bratwurst and fold it into the mac and cheese. Adjust seasoning to taste, and serve immediately while warm.
Tips and Variations
- Beer: An amber beer works beautifully because it adds maltiness without overpowering the dish. If you don’t have amber, a brown ale or even a mild lager will work. The alcohol cooks off, leaving flavor behind.
- Cheese: Swap part of the cheddar for smoked cheddar or Gruyère for a more complex flavor. For extra creaminess, add a splash more milk or a tablespoon of butter.
- Spice: Increase the chili powder or add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for heat. Freshly ground black pepper brightens the sauce.
- Texture: For a crunchy topping, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with panko mixed with a little melted butter, and broil until golden. Or finish with crumbled cooked bacon for extra savoriness.
- Sausage alternatives: If you prefer, use kielbasa or smoked sausage instead of bratwurst. You can also remove the sausage from the casing and brown it for bite-sized crumbles.
Serving, Storage and Reheating
Serve this mac and cheese hot with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk, stirring until creamy. Reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes also works well — cover with foil to prevent drying out, and remove the foil at the end if you want to brown a topping.
Notes
I used a local San Diego amber beer, Coronado Red, which I enjoy for its flavor, but any amber beer available to you will complement the cheese sauce nicely. This recipe yields about four servings and is easily scaled up or down. Total time is approximately 30 minutes, making it a quick and indulgent option for busy evenings or casual gatherings.
Nutrition (per recipe)
- Calories: 1029 kcal (per serving size listed in original recipe)
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Fat: 73 g
- Saturated Fat: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 208 mg
- Sodium: 1806 mg
- Potassium: 694 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Vitamin A: 1475 mg (30%)
- Calcium: 540 mg (54%)
- Iron: 1.9 mg (11%)
Final Thoughts
This Bratwurst Beer Mac and Cheese is rich, creamy and full of bold flavor. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that brings together comfort-food appeal and hearty, savory notes from the bratwurst and beer. Perfect for mac and cheese lovers who want to try something a little different without a lot of extra work.