Ingredients:
8 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 slices white bread, crusts removed, cut into small cubes
5 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
4 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
2 cups gruyere cheese, grated
1 lb elbow macaroni
Directions:
Heat oven to 375F. Butter a 3-quart casserole dish; set aside.
Place bread in a medium bowl. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Pour butter into bowl with bread, and toss. Set breadcrumbs aside.
In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, heat milk. Melt remaining 6 tablespoons butter in a high-sided skillet over medium heat. When butter bubbles, add flour. Cook, whisking, 1 minute.
While whisking, slowly pour in hot milk. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, until the mixture bubbles and becomes thick.
Remove pan from heat. Stir in salt, nutmeg, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dijon mustard, cheddar cheese, and Gruyere; set cheese sauce aside.
Cook macaroni 2 to 3 minutes less than manufacturer’s directions. Transfer macaroni to a colander, rinse under cold running water, and drain well. Stir macaroni into the cheese sauce
Pour mixture into prepared dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over top. Bake until browned on top, about 30 minutes. Transfer dish to a wire rack to cool 5 minutes; serve hot.
Servings: 12
Time preparation: 15 min.
Time total: 45 min.