Categories: Macaroni and cheese, Main Dish, Side Dish

Ingredients

• Topping:
• 4 slices white bread, torn into quarters
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Macaroni and Cheese:
• salt
• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 3 1/2 cups whole milk
• 16 ounces colby cheese, shredded
• 8 ounces extra-sharp cheese, shredded
• ground black pepper

Directions

1. For the topping, process the bread and butter in a food processor fitted with the steel blade until coarsely ground, about six 1-second pulses; set aside.

2. For the mac and cheese, adjust an oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 400°.

3. Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a Dutch oven over high heat.

4. Stir in 1 tablespoon salt and macaroni; cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 5 minutes.

5. Drain the pasta and leave it in the colander; set aside.

6. Wipe the pot dry; add in the butter and return to medium heat until melted.

7. Add in the garlic, mustard, and cayenne; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

8. Add in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until golden, about 1 minute.

9. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk; bring to a simmer and cook, whisking often, until large bubbles form on the surface and the mixture is slightly thickened, 5-8 minutes.

10. Off the heat, whisk in the colby and cheddar cheese gradually until completely melted.

11. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

12. Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir, breaking up any clumps, until well combined.

13. Pour into a 13 × 9 inch baking dish and sprinkle with the bread-crumb topping.

14. Bake until golden brown and bubbling around the edges, 25-30 minutes.

15. Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes before serving.

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