chef john's macaroni and cheese

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 3 cups milk
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Recipe

Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 45 mins Ready Time: 55 mins


• preheat oven to 400 degrees f (200 degrees c).
• fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. once the water is boiling, stir in the macaroni, and return to a boil. cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through but still slightly firm, about 8 minutes. drain well.
• melt 1/4 cup butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. when the butter starts to foam and bubble, stir in the flour; cook on medium heat until flour just begins to turn pale yellow, 3 to 4 minutes. add thyme, cayenne pepper, and pepper; cook and stir another minute, then whisk in 1 cup of milk until smooth. pour in remaining milk and whisk again. bring the sauce just to a simmer.
• stir in nutmeg, worcestershire sauce, and salt; simmer on medium-low heat until thickened, about 8 minutes, whisking often. turn heat off, then add 2 1/4 cups of cheddar cheese; stir until melted and combined. add dijon mustard.
• transfer the macaroni into a casserole dish, then pour in the cheese sauce; stir to thoroughly combine sauce with pasta. mix panko bread crumbs and 1 tablespoon melted butter in a small bowl, and sprinkle crumbs on top of macaroni and cheese. sprinkle remaining 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
• bake in the preheated oven until bread crumbs and cheddar cheese topping are golden brown, about 20 minutes.