Baked Beer Ziti & Cheese

Creamy and full of flavor, this Baked Beer Ziti & Cheese is a comforting dish!

Baked pastas are a comfort food must have for many. This ziti has a thick cheese sauce with just a hint of beer. The small additions of mustard, garlic, and nutmeg add even more flavor!

Baked Beer Ziti & Cheese

• 1 (12 oz) box ziti or penne pasta
• 2 cups milk (I used 1%)
• 2 cups freshly shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
• 3/4 cup beer (such as a pale ale)
• 1/2 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup freshly shredded asiago
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

Topping

• 1 cup panko 
• 2 tablespoons butter

Preheat oven to 400 F and lightly grease the baking dish(es).

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until almost al dente (just a little under). After cooked, drain and set aside.

Pour milk and beer into a saucepan and bring to a simmer to warm up. Turn off heat.

While pasta is cooking, add the butter to a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. When butter is melted, whisk in flour and cook 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk in warmed milk and beer and whisk until smooth and cook until thickened, about 5 to 7 minutes minutes. Turn off heat and stir in cheeses until melted. Season with mustard, nutmeg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the (almost) cooked pasta and pour into the prepared baking dish(es). 

For the topping, melt the butter in a small skillet. Turn off heat and stir in panko. 

Top pasta with the buttered panko and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until browned and crispy.