Mac N' Cheese Recipe

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt.

Add 12 oz elbow macaroni and cook until 1 minute shy of package directions (usually 7–8 minutes for al dente). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain pasta in a colander and set aside.

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) if you plan to bake with topping; otherwise keep at medium heat on the stove for stovetop mac and cheese.

Make a roux

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Once foaming, sprinkle in flour (see note: 1/4 cup) and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes until it smells slightly nutty and is pale golden, but not browned.

Slowly whisk in 2 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 constantly until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 4–6 minutes).

Stir in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of cayenne (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning.

Reduce heat to low. Gradually add the shredded cheeses: first 2 cups sharp cheddar, stirring constantly until melted and smooth, then 1 cup Gruyère, and finally 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan. If sauce seems too thick, whisk in up to 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until desired consistency is reached.

Fold the drained pasta into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. If making stovetop mac and cheese, serve immediately.

If baking: transfer the sauced pasta to a 2‑quart (or similar) baking dish, smoothing the top.

In a small bowl, combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 teaspoon paprika and 1 tablespoon chopped parsley. Toss to coat.

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the pasta. Bake in preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 18–22 minutes until bubbling and topping is golden brown. For extra browning, broil 1–2 minutes while watching closely.

Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving.