Best Ever Mac & Cheese

Name: Best Ever Mac & Cheese
Ingredients: 1 package (16 ounces) uncooked elbow macaroni; 4 slices hearty white bread (4 ounces), torn into large pieces; 6 tablespoons butter, cubed and divided; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon salt, divided; 1 teaspoon pepper, divided; 1/4 cup finely chopped onion; 1 teaspoon ground mustard; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups whole milk; 2 cups half-and-half cream; 1 cup (4 ounces) cubed process cheese (Velveeta); 1 block (8 ounces) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 block (8 ounces) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

16 ingredients

3 steps

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) uncooked elbow macaroni
4 slices hearty white bread (4 ounces), torn into large pieces
6 tablespoons butter, cubed and divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1 teaspoon pepper, divided
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
2 cups half-and-half cream
1 cup (4 ounces) cubed process cheese (Velveeta)
1 block (8 ounces) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 block (8 ounces) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Directions

1

Preheat oven to 400°. In a stockpot or Dutch oven, cook pasta according to package directions for al dente; drain and return to pan. Pulse bread, 2 tablespoons butter, Parmesan, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a food processor until coarsely ground.
2

Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, melt remaining butter. Add onions and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Add ground mustard and cayenne; stir until blended. Stir in flour until smooth, about 3 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk and cream; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in Velveeta. Slowly add remaining cheeses a handful at a time, stirring until cheese is melted. Add Worcestershire and remaining salt and pepper. Pour over pasta; toss to coat.
3

Transfer to a greased 13x9-in baking dish. Sprinkle bread crumbs over top of casserole. Bake until topping is golden brown and sauce is bubbly, 10-12 minutes.