Baked Macaroni and Cheese With Bread Crumbs

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Butter a 3-quart baking dish. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil.

2. Step 2

   In a medium pan, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Add the bread crumbs and 1 cup of cheese and stir until combined. Set aside.

3. Step 3

   In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the remaining butter. Stir in the flour and red pepper flakes and reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes. Whisk in the milk and raise heat to medium. Simmer, whisking occasionally, for 3 minutes. Stir in the cream, remaining cheese, mustard, ¼ teaspoon black pepper and 1 teaspoons salt.

4. Step 4

   Cook the macaroni until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water before draining. In a large bowl, combine the macaroni, cooking water and sauce. Transfer to the baking dish and spread evenly with the topping. Bake until golden, 20 to 25 minutes.