Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter or spray your 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta (Al Dente is Key!) Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the olive oil and elbow macaroni. Cook according to package directions, but subtract 2-3 minutes from the recommended cooking time. You want the pasta to be quite al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven and absorb sauce. Drain the pasta well and return it to the empty pot.
Step 3: Make the Roux While the pasta cooks, start your cheese sauce. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt ½ cup of butter over medium heat. Once melted, gradually whisk in the ½ cup all-purpose flour. Cook, whisking constantly, for 1-2 minutes until a light golden paste forms. This is your roux, which will thicken the sauce.
Step 4: Whisk in the Milk Gradually whisk in the warmed whole milk, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and thickens to a consistency that coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Keeping the milk warm helps prevent lumps and speeds up the thickening process.
Step 5: Season the Sauce Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the dry mustard powder, garlic powder (if using), black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to combine.
Step 6: Melt the Cheeses Gradually add the shredded cheddar, Gruyère (or Fontina), and Monterey Jack (or Provolone) cheeses to the sauce, stirring constantly until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce Pour the warm cheese sauce over the drained, al dente macaroni in the large pot. Stir gently until every piece of pasta is thoroughly coated with the rich, creamy sauce.
Step 8: Assemble in Baking Dish Pour the coated macaroni mixture evenly into your prepared 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out gently to fill the dish.
Step 9: Prepare the Crispy Topping In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss with a fork until the breadcrumbs are evenly moistened. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese in the baking dish.
Step 10: Bake to Golden Perfection Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the mac and cheese is bubbling around the edges and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy. If the topping browns too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the last 5-10 minutes.
Step 11: Rest and Serve Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making for cleaner scoops. Serve hot and revel in the comforting, cheesy perfection!
