Mac and Beer Cheese Cups

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter 
• 0.8 cup panko bread crumbs 
• 8 oz elbow macaroni uncooked
• 0.3 cup flour all-purpose
• 0.8 cup milk 
• 0.8 cup lager such as a boston lager
• 4 oz processed cheese food shredded
• 10 oz cheddar cheese shredded extra-sharp
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• 0.3 teaspoon pepper black freshly ground
• 1 Slices popped popcorn cooked

Equipment

• bowl
• frying pan
• sauce pan
• oven
• whisk
• aluminum foil
• microwave
• muffin liners

Directions

1. Heat oven to 375°F.
2. Place foil baking cup in each of 18 regular-size muffin cups. In small microwavable bowl, microwave 1 tablespoon of the butter uncovered on High 15 to 30 seconds or until melted. Stir in bread crumbs; set aside.
3. Cook and drain macaroni as directed on package.
4. Meanwhile, melt remaining 3 tablespoons butter in 4-quart saucepan over low heat. Stir in flour. Cook 1 minute, stirring with whisk. While continuing to stir, add milk and beer. Cook and stir 1 to 2 minutes or until thickened and smooth.
5. Remove from heat; stir in cheeses, salt and pepper.
6. Add cooked macaroni; stir well.
7. Spoon about 1/4 cup macaroni into each cup. Top each with scant 1 tablespoon bread crumb mixture.
8. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until hot and topping is golden brown. Cool 5 minutes; remove from pan.
9. Garnish with bratwurst or popcorn.