Recipe by Michelle
Double B Mac n' Cheese
Spicy mac n' cheese with bacon, stout beer, thyme, sharp cheddar, and Three38 Habanero hot sauce.
Published January 19, 2022
Who didn't grow up without consuming ample boxes of KD? It was a pantry staple in most households and a go-to easy meal for moms attempting to appease ravenous rug rats.
This homemade mac n' cheese rivals any version Michelle has tried in the past. What makes it special? Garlic, thyme, cheese, bacon, and beer. A hearty stout is one of the ingredients that elevates the whole meal.
Method
- 1
Preheat the oven, or grill, to 350 degrees. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the shells to al dente according to package directions, then drain.
- 2
Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add 3 Tbsp of the butter. Once melted and sizzling, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook until bubbly and golden in colour.
- 3
Slowly whisk in the milk and beer. Once the mixture starts to thicken slightly, add the cheese, salt, pepper, nutmeg, garlic, and about half of the thyme. Reduce the heat and continue stirring until the mixture thickens, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- 4
Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 3/4 of the cooked bacon along with the cooked shells.
- 5
In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 1 Tbsp of butter. Remove from heat and add the panko, parmesan, remaining thyme, and remaining bacon. Sprinkle over the pasta mixture.
- 6
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
The true test was Michelle's teenage son, who loves his KD. After a few bites, his three-word review was exactly what she wanted to hear: Is there more?
Michelle hopes you enjoy this recipe as much as the family did.