Classic Macaroni and Cheese For Side Dish

Classic Macaroni and Cheese recipe is work well with whole, low-fat, and skim milk all work well in this recipe. Classic Macaroni and Cheese recipe can be halved and baked in an 8-inch-square, broilersafe baking dish. If desired, offer celery salt or hot sauce (such as Tabasco) for sprinkling at the table. Classic Macaroni and Cheese recipe is for 6 to 8 servings, or 10 to 12 as a side.





Ingredients:
For the Pasta and Cheese:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon table salt
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 5 cups milk
- 8 ounces monterey jack cheese shredded (2 cups)
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded (2 cups)
- 1 teaspoon table salt
For the Bread Crumb Topping:
- 6 slices of white sandwich bread (good-quality, about 6 ounces), torn into rough pieces
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold), cut into 6 pieces

Directions:
For The Bread Crumbs:
- Pulse bread and butter in food processor until crumbs are no larger than 1/8 inch, ten to fifteen 1-second pulses.
- Set aside.

For The Pasta And Cheese:
- Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat broiler. Bring 4 quarts water to boil in Dutch oven over high heat. Add macaroni and 1 tablespoon salt; cook until pasta is tender. Drain pasta and set aside in colander.
- In now-empty Dutch oven, heat butter over medium-high heat until foaming. Add flour, mustard, and cayenne (if using) and whisk well to combine.
- Continue whisking until mixture becomes fragrant and deepens in color, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk; bring mixture to boil, whisking constantly (mixture must reach full boil to fully thicken).
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer, whisking occasionally, until thickened to consistency of heavy cream, about 5 minutes. Off heat, whisk in cheeses and 1 teaspoon salt until cheeses are fully melted.
- Add pasta and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is steaming and heated through, about 6 minutes.
- Transfer mixture to broiler-safe 9-by 13-inch baking dish and sprinkle evenly with bread crumbs.
- Broil until crumbs are deep golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes, rotating pan if necessary for even browning.
- Cool about 5 minutes, Classic Macaroni and Cheese is ready to serve.