Chef Johns Macaroni and Cheese

This easy-to-make old-school macaroni and cheese has a perfectly crispy crust.

Step: 1

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Step: 2

Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the macaroni, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through but still slightly firm, about 8 minutes. Drain well.

Step: 3

Melt 1/4 cup butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. When the butter starts to foam and bubble, stir in the flour; cook on medium heat until flour just begins to turn pale yellow, 3 to 4 minutes. Add thyme, cayenne pepper, and white pepper; cook and stir another minute, then whisk in 1 cup of milk until smooth. Pour in remaining milk and whisk again. Bring the sauce just to a simmer.

Step: 4

Stir in nutmeg, Worcestershire sauce, and salt; simmer on medium-low heat until thickened, about 8 minutes, whisking often. Turn heat off, then add 2 1/4 cups of Cheddar cheese; stir until melted and combined. Add Dijon mustard.

Step: 5

Transfer the macaroni into a casserole dish, then pour in the cheese sauce; stir to thoroughly combine sauce with pasta. Mix panko bread crumbs and 1 tablespoon melted butter in a small bowl, and sprinkle crumbs on top of macaroni and cheese. Sprinkle remaining 3/4 cup of Cheddar cheese on top.

Step: 6

Bake in the preheated oven until bread crumbs and Cheddar cheese topping are golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Per Serving: 695 calories; protein 29.4g; carbohydrates 72.8g; fat 32.3g; cholesterol 94.5mg; sodium 928.4mg.

Prepare your food in advance can be extremely enjoyable when you do it with your favorite music in the background , a relaxing beverage of your pick or even a partner. It is thoughtful to write every step required to create the food , which may include everything from your tools and utensils to your ingredients . Make sure to checkdown the ingredients in the process of it , so as not to leave it . A handwritten list is typically best.

Having the right cooking tools is just as important as having the right dishes menu . This includes everything from pots, pans, bowls and utensils to those essential items that are easy to forget, like as parchment paper and foil. Items like squeeze bottles for adding the perfect drizzle or sprinkle items to your main food and long tweezers to range smaller and thinner dish are a must-have for all of home chef.