Rackhouse Pub's Beer Baked Mac N Cheese


Just when you thought mac 'n' cheese couldn't get any better, the rackhouse pub in denver decides to add beer to this quintessential comfort food. And it's magical. The recipe combines no less than five -- yes, five -- kinds of cheese in a rich base lightened with a cup of amber ale and then bakes it all under a crust of panko crumbs and parmesan cheese to rich, crisp, golden perfection. the recipe was printed in the los angeles times' culinary sos column.

Steps


In a medium , heavy-bottom pot , melt the butter over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour to form a light roux.
Slowly whisk in the beer and half and half.
Add the brie and cream cheese to the sauce , stirring until the cheeses are melted and incorporated.
Stir in the gorgonzola , cheddar and 1 cup parmesan cheese.
Stir in the pasta , taste and adjust the seasonings as desired with salt and pepper.
Pour the mixture into a 13-by-9-inch baking dish.
Top the mixture by sprinkling over the remaining parmesan cheese and panko crumbs.
Place the dish in the oven and bake until the sauce is bubbly and the toppings are crisp and golden , about 1 hour.
Cool slightly before serving.

Ingredients


butter, flour, amber beer, half-and-half, brie cheese, cream cheese, gorgonzola, shredded cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, penne pasta, salt and pepper, panko breadcrumbs