SERVES 6 TO 8
It’s crucial to cook the pasta until tender—that is, just past the al dente stage. Whole, low-fat, and skim milk all work well in this recipe. The recipe may be halved and baked in an 8-inch square, broiler-safe baking dish. If desired, offer celery salt or hot sauce for sprinkling at the table.
BREAD-CRUMB TOPPING |
|
6 |
slices high-quality white sandwich bread, torn into quarters |
3 |
tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces |
MACARONI AND CHEESE |
|
1 |
tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon table salt |
1 |
pound elbow macaroni |
5 |
tablespoons unsalted butter |
6 |
tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour |
1½ |
teaspoons dry mustard |
¼ |
teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) |
5 |
cups milk (see note) |
8 |
ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (about 2 cups) |
8 |
ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups) |
1. FOR THE BREAD-CRUMB TOPPING: Pulse the bread and butter in a food processor until coarsely ground, 10 to 15 pulses. Set aside.
2. FOR THE MACARONI AND CHEESE: Adjust an oven rack to the lower-middle position and heat the broiler. Bring 4 quarts water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon of the salt and the macaroni and stir to separate the noodles. Cook until tender, drain, and set aside.
3. In the now-empty pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the flour, mustard, cayenne (if using), and remaining 1 teaspoon salt and whisk well to combine. Continue whisking until the mixture becomes fragrant and deepens in color, about 1 minute. Whisking constantly, gradually add the milk; bring the mixture to a boil, whisking constantly (the mixture must reach a full boil to fully thicken), then reduce the heat to medium and simmer, whisking occasionally, until thickened to the consistency of heavy cream, about 5 minutes. Off the heat, whisk in the cheeses until fully melted. Add the pasta and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is steaming and heated through, about 6 minutes.
4. Transfer the mixture to a broiler-safe 13 by 9-inch baking dish and sprinkle with the bread crumbs. Broil until deep golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes, then serve.