1 1/2 cups macaroni noodles
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup dark beer (I have used Newcastle and Killian's, whatever tastes good to you)
3 links of beer bratwurst (I use Johnsonville Beer Brats)
2 teaspoons ground mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Fill a pot with two quarts of water and a pinch of salt, bring to a rolling boil. Add macaroni and boil 15 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat bratwurst in the microwave for a few minutes, until fully cooked. Slice and cut into bite sized pieces.
3. While pasta is cooking, melt butter and olive oil in a large saucepan. Add flour to the pan and stir until a smooth paste forms. Gradually add the milk while stirring the mixture. Continue cooking until the mixture is thick and bubbly. Add six ounces of cheese and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat and add beer, bratwurst, mustard, garlic powder, pepper and remaining salt. Stir until well combined.
4. Spray a glass baking dish (9x13 or 9x9) with non-stick cooking spray. Use the pot from earlier to combine the drained pasta and cheese sauce. Pour the mixture into the baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove foil and sprinkle the remaining 2 ounces of cheese on top. Continue cooking for another 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
