Beer Mac n Cheese

The temps are cooler… let’s make some hot comfort food for dinner! And there is no better comfort food than some hearty homemade Mac n’ Cheese! Grab a growler of Tumbledown Red for the recipe… make sure you save some to enjoy with dinner.

Ingredients​​

1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
1/4 cup butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground mustard
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon pepper
2-1/2 cups 2% milk
3/4 cup amber beer
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
3 cups (12 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded fontina cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 tablespoons minced chives
5 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

Directions
​
Cook macaroni according to package directions for al dente.

Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic; cook and stir for 1 minute. Stir in the flour, mustard, salt and pepper until smooth; gradually whisk in the milk, beer and cream. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.

Reduce heat. Stir in 2 cups cheddar cheese, fontina cheese and 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese until melted. Add chives.

Drain macaroni; stir into sauce. Transfer to a greased 3-qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheeses.

Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and heated through. Top with crumbled bacon. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy!​

Yield: 12 servings.