Classic Mac and Cheese

1 . Stage

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2 . Stage

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain.

3 . Stage

Melt butter in the bottom of an oven-proof fry pan. Add flour and stir over heat until just beginning to brown — don't let it get too brown. Take it off the heat and stir in about 1 cup of milk until the butter and flour mixture is fully incorporated. Put it back on the heat and simmer until just beginning to thicken, about 5 minutes. Add the rest of the milk; stir to fully incorporate.

4 . Stage

Add all of the cheeses and stir to melt. Once melted, add the cooked macaroni. Stir to mix.

5 . Stage

Cover the top of the macaroni and cheese with panko crumbs and place the pan in the oven. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until it is bubbling and the bread crumbs are slightly browned.