Mac & Beer Cheese With Sausage

After watching it snow all day, an almost getting stuck in my driveway, shoveling and frigid temperatures moving in...it's time for alcohol.  I chose to combine it with one of my favorite comfort foods ~ mac and cheese.

  

Mac & Beer Cheese With Sausage

4 tbsp butter
4 tbsp flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup beer
8 oz Cavatappi pasta, cooked and drained
1 cup mild cheddar cheese, grated
4 oz Apple Wood Smoked Gouda, grated
4 oz cream cheese
1 cup sliced sausage
1 tbsp butter, melted
1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
1/4 tsp paprika
1 dash garlic powder
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Melt 4 tbsp butter and stir in flour.  Gradually add in milk, stirring constantly.  When thickened, remove from heat and add in cheeses.

In a casserole, put cooked macaroni, sausage and cheese sauce.

In a small pan, melt 1 tbsp butter.  Add in Panko bread crumbs and spices.  Stir into macaroni mixture.  Bake at 350° for 20 minutes.