Mac and Cheese: Classic

Source: Appleton Post Crescent

Ingredients

  • 4 Tbls cold butter, divided
  • 3 slices good quality bread, torn into rough pieces
  • 1/2 lb. macaroni or medium shells
  • salt to taste
  • 3/4 t. dry mustard
  • 3 Tbls. all-purpose flour
  • 2-1/2 c. milk
  • 1 c. Monterey jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 c. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 t. salt
  • 1/8 t. cayenne pepper

Instructions

Cut 1-1/2 tablespoons butter into 3 pieces. Place in a food processor; add bread. Pulse 10-15 times until bread crumbs are no larger than 1/8 inch. Set aside.

Bring 2 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a med-large sauce pan. Add macaroni; stir to separate the noodles. Cook according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Add remaining 2-1/2 tablespoons butter to same saucepan; place over med-high heat until butter foams.

Add flour and mustard; whisk well to combine. Continue whisking for about 1 minute.

Gradually add milk; bring to a full boil, whisking constantly, then reduce heat to low-med and simmer, whisking occasionally until thickened to the consistency of heavy cream (about 5 minutes).

Remove from heat and whisk in the cheeses and 1/2 t. salt; stir until cheeses are fully melted.

Add pasta; cook over med-low heat, stirring constantly until thickened and heated through (about 5 minutes).

Stir in cayenne pepper.

Transfer to a greased, medium size baking dish. Sprinkle with bread crumb mixture and bake at 350 degrees until crumbs are browned a bit (about 10-15 minutes).

NOTE: Serves 4-6