Discover the rich, creamy flavor of our Beer Cheese Pasta Sauce, a beloved copycat recipe inspired by the iconic Spaghetti Works restaurant in Omaha. This comforting dish brings a taste of local tradition straight to your kitchen.
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food: creamy beer cheese pasta sauce, perfectly coating al dente Cavatappi noodles, and crowned with savory bacon crumbles. This rich and hearty dish offers a nostalgic flavor that satisfies the soul.
A Taste of Omaha: The Spaghetti Works Legacy
In Omaha, Nebraska, certain establishments hold a special place in the hearts of locals, and Spaghetti Works is undoubtedly one of them. This enduring restaurant has been a fixture in the community for decades, offering a unique dining experience that feels both classic and welcoming. With two vibrant locations, one in Ralston and another nestled in our historic Old Market downtown (beautifully captured in the photo by Doug French), Spaghetti Works is more than just a restaurant; it’s a treasured landmark. They even have a branch in Des Moines, Iowa, extending their reach of deliciousness.
What makes Spaghetti Works truly stand out is its famous “bottomless bowl of pasta.” Imagine a culinary adventure where you can continuously order different pasta flavors and noodle types until you’re delightfully full – it’s an experience that leaves a lasting impression. Beyond the endless pasta, however, lies another crowd-pleaser: their absolutely massive salad bar. It’s a feast for the eyes and the stomach, brimming with fresh ingredients and toppings to customize your perfect salad.
Spaghetti Works has always been celebrated for being an economical and family-friendly dining destination. Many cherish memories of sharing meals there with friends and loved ones, enjoying good food and great company. For instance, my dear friend Todd always made a point of ordering their iconic Beer Cheese Sauce – a creamy, savory concoction that quickly became a personal favorite.
Crafting the Perfect Beer Cheese Pasta Sauce: A Copycat Creation
The inspiration for this Beer Cheese Pasta Sauce recipe struck me recently when I was preparing my Homemade Italian Meatballs. I realized that this rich, savory sauce wouldn’t just be incredible tossed with pasta; it would also transform those meatballs into an irresistible appetizer. Just picture a slow cooker filled with tender Italian meatballs, simmering in this luxurious beer cheese sauce – perfect for entertaining, with toothpicks ready for dipping. And let me tell you, I was absolutely right! The combination is truly spectacular.
The Key Ingredients for Authentic Flavor
To truly replicate the beloved Spaghetti Works Beer Cheese Pasta Sauce, specific ingredients are essential. Our recipe calls for a carefully selected combination to achieve that distinctive, comforting taste:
- Half & Half: Provides the creamy, rich base without being overly heavy.
- Beer: The star ingredient, lending its unique depth of flavor.
- Cheez Whiz: This might surprise some, but it’s the secret weapon for authenticity!
- Beef Broth: Adds a savory layer and balances the richness.
- Butter: Forms the foundation of our roux, creating a smooth, thick sauce.
- Flour: Essential for the roux, thickening agent.
The “Secret” Ingredient: Cheez Whiz
I know what some of you might be thinking: “Cheez Whiz? Really?” And yes, I understand the skepticism. However, in my quest to create an authentic copycat of Spaghetti Works’ Beer Cheese Pasta Sauce, every single recipe claiming to replicate that specific flavor included Cheez Whiz. I decided to trust the process, give it a try, and guess what? It absolutely hit the mark! The unique texture and mild, processed cheese flavor of Cheez Whiz are surprisingly crucial in achieving that distinct, nostalgic taste that Spaghetti Works fans adore. Don’t knock it ’til you try it – it’s a game-changer for this specific recipe.
When selecting your beer, consider your flavor preference. I opted for a light beer because, while I enjoy a cold brew, I don’t always prefer an intense beer flavor in my food. This choice yields a mellow, balanced sauce where the cheese truly shines. If you’re a connoisseur of more robust beer flavors, feel free to use a darker beer – it will impart a deeper, more pronounced hoppy note to your sauce. The original recipe I referenced called for whole milk, but always having skim on hand, I compensated by using full-fat half & half for that essential richness. When it comes to cheese, why compromise on richness?
Serving Suggestions and Customization
While I didn’t recall bacon being a standard topping at Spaghetti Works, many suggestions pointed to serving this sauce with crumbled bacon. After trying it both ways, I can definitively say that the addition of crispy bacon takes this Beer Cheese Pasta Sauce to an even higher level of deliciousness. The smoky, salty crunch of bacon perfectly complements the creamy, mellow sauce.
It’s important to note that this beer cheese sauce is intentionally mellow. It contains no spices beyond what’s inherent in the broth and cheese, allowing the core beer and cheese flavors to truly shine. If you prefer a bit more kick, consider topping your pasta with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. This simple addition provides a wonderful “umph” that awakens the palate and adds another dimension of flavor. You could also experiment with a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of garlic powder for a subtle savory boost.
Beyond Cavatappi, this versatile sauce pairs beautifully with various pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, penne, or even linguine. For an appetizer, serve it warm with soft pretzels, crusty bread, or blanched vegetables. It’s also fantastic over baked potatoes or as a decadent cheese sauce for homemade mac and cheese. Don’t limit yourself to just pasta!
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Whether you choose to keep it wonderfully mellow and cheesy, just as it is, or decide to add your own creative twists, this Beer Cheese Pasta Sauce recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. What additions or modifications would you make to personalize your perfect bowl?
As with all my recipes, I sincerely hope you enjoy bringing this delicious Beer Cheese Pasta Sauce to life in your own kitchen. It’s a taste of Omaha history and a comforting classic all rolled into one. Happy cooking!
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Print Recipe
Beer Cheese Pasta Sauce
Ingredients
- 12 ounces (approximately 1 1/2 cups) Half & Half
- 1 12-ounce jar Cheez Whiz
- 1 12-ounce light beer (pour it a little ahead so it’s a bit flat)
- 12 ounces (approximately 1 1/2 cups) beef broth
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 pound pasta (such as Cavatappi, cooked according to package directions)
- Bacon for topping (cooked and crumbled, if desired)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat for about 2 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t brown. Gradually whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to cook out the raw flour taste. Set aside.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the Half & Half, Cheez Whiz, beer (ensure it’s somewhat flat for best results), and beef broth. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is well combined and reaches approximately 140°F (60°C).
- Slowly whisk the prepared roux into the cheese mixture. Continue cooking and stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and reaches 160°F (71°C). It is crucial not to let the sauce come to a rolling boil, as this can cause the cheese to curdle.
- Serve the creamy Beer Cheese Pasta Sauce immediately over freshly prepared pasta. Garnish with crumbled bacon and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired, for added flavor and texture.
Notes
Recipe adapted from a version found on Youtube/Big Red Recipes.