Drunk Mac and Cheese

ScottySauce's Note:

You may think it sounds strange to add beer to macaroni and cheese but I promise you this version is simply amazing.

• Total Time: 1 hrs
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 1 ½ cups large macaroni
• 2 teaspoons salt , divided
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon light flavor olive oil
• 1 large shallot , finely minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 ounces tillamook sharp cheddar cheese , shredded
• 4 ounces smoked gouda cheese , shredded
• 2 ounces Velveeta cheese
• ½ cup dark beer
• 6 slices precooked bacon , sliced into 1-inch pieces
• 2 teaspoons full strength prepared stone ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon black pepper , freshly ground
• 1 dash hot sauce

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large pot, over medium-high heat, bring two quarts water and 1 teaspoon salt to a full rolling boil. Gradually add macaroni and boil approximately 15 minutes or until pasta reaches desired tenderness. Drain.
3. Melt butter and olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté shallots in butter and olive oil for approximately 2 minutes or until they begin to turn transparent. Add flour to the pan, stirring constantly until a smooth paste forms. Stirring constantly, gradually add milk and continue cooking until mixture is thick and bubbly (mixture should coat the back of a spoon). Add 6 ounces of the cheese and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat and add beer, bacon, mustard, garlic powder, pepper and remaining salt. Stir well.
4. Spray a 9” x 9" square glass pan with non-stick cooking spray. In the large pot, combine macaroni and cheese sauce and stir. Pour into 9” x 9" baking dish, cover with foil and place into preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove foil and sprinkle the remaining 2 ounces of the shredded cheese and continue cooking, uncovered for another 15 minutes.
5. Remove macaroni and cheese from the oven. Allow to cool for approximately 5 minutes before serving.