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Ingredients
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Pasta & basic
Cheese sauce
Topping (optional)
Method
Pasta & basic
Cook pasta
Preheat a large pot of water: bring 6 cups water and 1 tablespoon salt to a rolling boil. Add 1 lb elbow macaroni and cook until just shy of al dente (about 7–8 minutes; check package). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Cheese sauce
Make roux
In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons unsalted butter. Once foaming, whisk in 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 1½–2 minutes until the raw flour smell is gone and the mixture is pale golden (do not brown).
Add dairy
Slowly whisk in 3 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream in a steady stream to avoid lumps. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a gentle simmer, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 5–7 minutes).
Season
Lower heat to medium-low and whisk in 1 teaspoon dry mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of cayenne, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Add cheese
Remove the sauce from heat. Gradually stir in 3 cups grated sharp cheddar and 1 cup white cheddar or Monterey Jack, one handful at a time, stirring until fully melted and smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, whisk in up to ½ cup reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Combine with pasta
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently until fully coated. If making baked mac 'n' cheese, transfer to a 9x13-inch greased baking dish; for stovetop serving, keep in the saucepan or a warm serving dish.
Topping (optional)
Prepare topping
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan until crumbs are evenly coated.
Top and bake
If baking: sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac 'n' cheese in the 9x13 baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly and the topping is golden, about 20–25 minutes. For extra browning, place under the broiler for 1–2 minutes—watch closely. If serving stovetop, sprinkle the topping on top just before serving for a textural contrast.
