Hump Day Snack: Bacon-Crusted Beer Mac and Cheese

By: Jamie Lisanti
Bacon Mac + Cheese

The air is brisk, the leaves are changing and football season is in full swing. With college and professional games on TV almost every night of the week, why not bring the spirit of tipsy tailgates into your kitchen? This recipe for Bacon-Crusted Beer Mac and Cheese combines the irresistible ooey-gooeyness of cheese with a two football favorites — beer and bacon — for a hearty, winning combination. Throw in a generous glug of your favorite brew into classic bechamel to add an extra layer of flavor. Combine the cheesy concoction with elbow pasta, then top with a salty combo of bacon, Parmesan and panko bread crumbs for a smoky, crunchy finish. The finished dish will certainly score a touchdown with your friends and family, any day of the week.

For more game-time grub to nosh on, check out some of Cooking Channel's best football finger foods:

Next Up

Fall Fest: Cauliflower and Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese

Take your Dutch oven out from its seasonal hiatus to host a twist on Rachael Ray's Cauliflower Mac 'n' Cheese.

Every Day We’re Brusselin’: 4 Craveable Brussels Sprout Salads

Get easy brussels sprouts salad recipes perfect for a fall meal on Cooking Channel.

Fall Fest: Top In Season Thanksgiving Sides

In our humble opinion, Thanksgiving is superior to any other day of the year. In an effort to make this year's feast the best of all time (sorry, Pilgrims and Wampanoag tribe), we're bringing you the recipes, how-tos and decorating ideas to help you become a Turkey Day pro.

Fall Fest: Winning Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Ace your Thanksgiving with these all-star side dishes.

All Hail the Sweet Potato

Here are a few ways you can get hip to sweet potatoes, including mashed sweet potatoes and sweet potato soup recipes.

Meatless Monday: Stuffed Artichokes

Make meatless stuffed artichokes for an easy Thanksgiving side or vegetarian main.

Fall Fest: Bring On the Brussels Sprouts

Get Cooking Channel's favorite Brussels sprouts recipes just in time for Thanksgiving.

Fall Fest: Carrot Recipes to Covet

Turn carrots into soup, salad, dessert and even jam with these clever ideas.

On TV

So Much Pretty Food Here