Mac and Two Cheeses With Caramelized Shallots

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter, plus more
• butter, 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 (or slightly more if you prefer a thicker sauce)
• 2/3 cup crumbled soft fresh goat cheese

Directions

1. 1

   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.

2. 2

   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.

3. 3

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