Thanksgiving is one of those days where the kitchen feels like the heart of the home. It’s chaotic, sure, but it’s also full of love, laughter, and the smells of something incredible coming together. This year, we wanted to share a dish that adds a little kick to the holiday table—our Zindrew Garlic Chili Beer Mac and Cheese.
We took inspiration from a recipe by Hailee Catalano and gave it the Zindrew twist, adding a couple of tablespoons of our Crunchy Garlic Chili Oil. The result? Creamy, cheesy comfort food with a bold, garlicky heat that’s going to have your guests scraping their plates and asking for the recipe. Let us walk you through how to make it—it’s easier than you think.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make the ultimate mac and cheese:
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2 shallots, minced
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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4 oz unsalted butter, plus extra for buttering the dish
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2 oz flour (about 1/2 cup)
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12 oz Modelo Negra (or another amber lager you like)
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2 ½ cups whole milk
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6 oz Gruyère, plus 2 oz for topping
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8 oz white cheddar, plus 2 oz for topping
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4 oz mascarpone cheese, room temperature
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2 tsp Dijon mustard
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Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
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1 pound pipette pasta (or elbows, if you prefer)
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Finely grated pecorino for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Start with the Pasta
Bring a big pot of water to a boil, and don’t be shy with the salt—it should taste like the sea. Cook your pasta until just al dente, drain it, and toss it with a little oil to keep it from sticking. Butter your baking dish and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In a medium pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced shallots and garlic, and let them soften until they’re golden and fragrant. This step sets the stage for the incredible depth of flavor you’re about to build.
3. Make the Roux
Whisk in the flour to form a roux, stirring constantly for about a minute. Slowly pour in the Modelo Negra, whisking as you go. The beer gives the sauce this subtle, malty backbone that’s absolutely perfect. Then, add the milk, and keep whisking until the sauce starts to thicken.
4. Cook the Sauce
Turn the heat down and let the sauce simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring frequently. This step is key—it gives the flavors time to meld and ensures the sauce is silky smooth with no raw flour taste.
5. Add the Cheeses
Take the sauce off the heat and stir in the Gruyère and white cheddar in batches. Once those are melted and creamy, mix in the mascarpone, Dijon mustard, and 2 tablespoons of Zindrew’s Crunchy Garlic Chili Oil. This is the game-changing step. The garlic and chili oil brings a layer of heat and crunch that elevates the whole dish. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.
6. Combine and Assemble
Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta, stirring until everything is coated in creamy goodness. Transfer it to your buttered baking dish and top with the extra Gruyère, cheddar, and a sprinkle of pecorino for good measure.
7. Broil Until Perfect
Pop the dish under the broiler until the top is bubbling and golden brown. Keep an eye on it—this only takes a few minutes!
Why This Dish Shines
Zindrew’s Crunchy Garlic Chili Oil is what makes this mac and cheese unforgettable. The crispy garlic adds texture, the chili brings heat, and the oil itself infuses the entire dish with rich, savory depth. Combined with the creaminess of the cheeses and the subtle maltiness of Modelo Negra, this mac and cheese is a perfect balance of comforting and bold.
Make It the Star of Your Thanksgiving Table
This Garlic Chili Mac and Cheese isn’t just a side—it’s a conversation starter. Pair it with classic Thanksgiving dishes like roasted turkey and green beans, or let it stand out as the unexpected favorite. Either way, it’s going to become a tradition of its own.
Thanksgiving is all about celebrating the things we love, and for us, that’s great food with bold flavors. We hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it does to ours.
Other Ways to Use Zindrew’s Garlic Chili Oil at Your Dinner Table
Zindrew’s Crunchy Garlic Chili Oil isn’t just for mac and cheese—it’s a versatile addition to your entire Thanksgiving spread. Drizzle it over roasted vegetables, stir it into mashed potatoes for a garlicky, spicy twist, or whisk it into turkey gravy for added depth. It’s even incredible as a dip for warm rolls or brushed onto leftover turkey sandwiches the next day. With its bold flavor and crispy garlic crunch, Zindrew’s oil transforms every dish into something unforgettable.
This keeps it concise while still inspiring readers to explore other uses!
Happy Thanksgiving, from our kitchen to yours!
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