Ingredients
- 2 cups of creamy whole milk
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, adjust to your liking
- A touch of spicy cayenne
- A dash of dried mustard (if desired)
- A hint of fragrant ground nutmeg
- 3 tablespoons of rich unsalted butter, divided
- 1 cup of tender elbow macaroni
- ½ cup of crispy panko bread crumbs
- 1 cup of freshly grated sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of freshly grated white Cheddar cheese
Step 1
Start by gently bringing a mixture of milk, salt, cayenne, mustard, nutmeg, and a touch of butter to a gentle simmer in a pot on the stove. Add the macaroni and let it cook until it reaches that perfect balance of firmness and tenderness, which should take roughly 8 minutes - make sure not to undercook it for the best results.
Step 2
While the macaroni is simmering away, take another pan and melt the rest of the butter over medium heat. Toss in the breadcrumbs and toast them until they turn a beautiful golden brown, which usually takes around 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 3
Once the macaroni is ready, stir in a delightful mix of cheeses until they melt into gooey perfection. Lower the heat and gently stir until everything is nicely combined. Let it sit covered for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together before giving it a final stir and adjusting the seasoning to your liking.
Step 4
To serve, spoon the creamy mac and cheese into warm bowls and generously sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs on top for that perfect finishing touch. Enjoy your delicious homemade dish!
Extra Tips & Suggestions
- 1. Utilize stackable containers to store your macaroni and cheese ingredients, keeping everything organized and easily accessible.
- 2. Store your cooked macaroni in airtight containers to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out.
- 3. Keep your cheese sauce in a squeezable bottle for convenient and mess-free pouring over your macaroni.






