Chef John’s Mac & Cheese

Flight plan

Method

1. 1Melt the butter over medium heat.
2. 2Add the flour and whisk, cooking on medium for 3 to 4 minutes.
3. 3Add the spices and whisk, cooking for 1 minute.
4. 4Whisk in 1 cup of cold milk, then add the other 2 cups.
5. 5Bring to a simmer over medium, then add the Worcestershire and 1 tsp salt.
6. 6Simmer on medium-low for 8 minutes.
7. 7Turn off the heat and stir in 3 1/2 cups of the cheese, then the mustard.
8. 8Stir the sauce into the noodles and pour into a baking dish.
9. 9Toss the panko with the melted butter and scatter it over the top.
10. 10Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, until bubbling and golden.