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5 from 2 votes
Bratwurst and Beer Mac and Cheese
Bratwurst and Beer Mac and Cheese
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
40 mins
Total Time
50 mins
 

This bratwurst and beer mac and cheese is inspired by the great flavors of Oktoberfest! It is pure comfort for the cooler weather this fall.

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Bratwurst and Beer Mac and Cheese, Mac and Cheese
Servings: 6
Calories: 868 kcal
Author: Jeanie and Lulu's Kitchen
Ingredients
  • 6 links Bratwurst
  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup beer
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 pinch truffle salt
  • 1 pound medium pasta shells
  • 1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated smoked gruyere cheese
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated smoked gouda
Instructions
  1. Fill a large pan with about 3 inches of water and bring it to a boil on the stove. Boil the bratwurst for about 15 minutes to let them plump up and cook through. Remove them from the pan and drain the water, then get it back on the medium high heat. Sear the bratwurst for a couple of minutes in the hot pan to get some color on the outside. Then set them aside on a cutting board. Start on the cheese sauce. The base is a yummy bechamel sauce!
  2. Combine the butter and flour in the hot pan and stir it together until it becomes a thick, golden roux. It should take no more than two minutes. Pour the beer in and let it bubble for about 30 seconds as you stir. Switch to a whisk and slowly pour the milk in as you whisk to get a smooth white sauce going. Season it with the pinch of salt. Let the sauce gently bubble and boil for about 15 minutes to thicken, whisking occasionally.
  3. While the sauce cooks, get a large pot of water on the stove to boil for the pasta. Salt it generously. When it's boiling, cook the shells until tender for about 8-10 minutes. Take the cooked bratwurst and slice them into little rounds to make them bite sized.
  4. Once the bechamel sauce has cooked for 15 minutes, whisk in all of that grated cheese until it becomes a smooth, rich sauce. Stir in the sliced bratwurst as well and let the mixture bubble together for a minute. The pasta shells should be done at this point too. Drain them and pour them into the pan with the cheese sauce and bratwurst. Stir it all together well, then take the pan off of the heat. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Bratwurst and Beer Mac and Cheese
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 868 Calories from Fat 437
% Daily Value*
Fat 48.5g75%
Saturated Fat 23.5g147%
Cholesterol 139mg46%
Sodium 1271mg55%
Potassium 110mg3%
Carbohydrates 75g25%
Fiber 8.4g35%
Sugar 9.6g11%
Protein 38g76%
Calcium 67mg7%
Iron 21mg117%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.