Best Ever Mac & Cheese

(from castro15’s recipe box)

Categories: Pasta

Ingredients

  • 16 oz uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 4 slices hearty white bread, torn into large pieces
  • 6 tbsp. butter, cubed and divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 tsp salt, divided
  • 1 tsp pepper, divided
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 tsp ground mustard
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups half-and-half cream
  • 1 cup cubed Velveeta
  • 8 oz block sharp Cheddar, shredded
  • 8 oz block Monterey Jack, shredded
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400. In a stockpot or Dutch oven, cook pasta as directed for al dente; drain and return to pan. Pulse bread, 2 tbsp. butter, Parmesan, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper in a food processor until coarsely ground.

  2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, melted remaining butter. Add onion 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. Add remaining cheeses a handful at a time, stirring until the cheese is melted. Add Worcestershire and the remaining salt and pepper. Pour over pasta; toss to coat.

  3. Transfer pasta to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle bread crumbs over top of casserole. Bake until topping is golden brown and sauce is bubbly, 10-12 minutes.

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