Chef John's Macaroni and Cheese
This panko mac and cheese is Chef John's easy-to-make, old-fashioned casserole with a crisp, buttery breadcrumb topping and a gooey, cheesy center.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Melt 1/4 cup butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. When butter starts to foam and bubble, stir in flour; cook on medium heat until flour begins to turn pale yellow, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add thyme, cayenne, and white pepper; cook and stir another minute, then whisk in 1 cup milk until smooth. Pour in remaining milk and whisk again. Bring sauce just to a simmer.
- Stir in salt, Worcestershire sauce, and nutmeg. Simmer, whisking often, on medium-low heat until thickened, about 8 minutes.
- Turn heat off, then add 2 1/4 cups Cheddar cheese; stir until melted and combined. Mix in Dijon mustard.
- Transfer macaroni into a 8×8-inch casserole dish, then pour in cheese sauce; stir to thoroughly combine pasta with sauce.
- Mix together panko bread crumbs and 1 tablespoon melted butter in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle mixture over macaroni and cheese. Sprinkle remaining 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven until top is golden brown, about 20 minutes.
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