Bourbon Mac & Cheese

By: The Food Hunter

The weather is heating up outside and though I dread turning on the oven, a must have at any summer cookout is mac & cheese. A natural side for BBQ and/or smokes meats, mac & cheese is also a great option when entertaining guests. Adding a little bourbon to this classic childhood favorite gives it a grown-up flavor and feel that can't be beat.

Bourbon Mac & Cheese
 (printable recipe)

3 Tablespoons butter
3 Tablespoons flour
6 Tablespoons bourbon
2 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
1lb pasta
6 oz Kerrygold  Aged Cheddar, grated
6 oz aged Kerrygold Skelling Cheese, grated

Heat oven to 350. Cook pasta to al dente

Meanwhile melt butter in saucepan.  Add flour, paprika & crushed pepper. Cook constantly until smooth. Add cream a little at a time until fully incorporated. Add bourbon. Cook stirring constantly until thickened. Add 3/4 of the cheese and stir constantly until fully melted.

Combine pasta and sauce in a casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheese and bake for 30 min until golden brown and bubbly. Serve immediately.