Mac and Two Cheeses with Caramelized Shallots Instead of breadcrumbs, this mac and cheese is topped with rich, pungent caramelized shallots and creamy, crumbled goat cheese.6 servings

• Prep: 40 minutes
• Total: 55 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter plus more for baking dish
• 3 cups sliced large shallots (about 6)
• 8 ounces small elbow macaroni (2 cups)
• 1 1/4 cups half and half
• 2 1/2 teaspoons hot sauce (such as Cholula)
• 2 cups (packed) coarsely grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 2/3 cup crumbled soft fresh goat cheese

Preparation

Preheat oven to 400°F. Butter 11x7x2-inch glass baking dish. Melt 3 tablespoons butter in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallots; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover and cook 5 minutes, stirring often. Reduce heat to medium. Cook, covered, until shallots are deep brown, stirring often, about 6 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook macaroni in large saucepan of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally; drain well. Reserve pan.

Bring half and half and hot sauce to simmer in same saucepan over medium heat. Toss cheddar cheese and flour in medium bowl to coat; add to half and half mixture. Whisk until sauce is smooth and just returns to simmer, about 2 minutes. Mix in pasta. Season with salt and pepper.

Spread pasta mixture in prepared dish. Top with shallots, then goat cheese. Sprinkle with pepper. Bake until heated through, about 15 minutes.