Four-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese | Saveur

Ingredients

• Kosher salt, to taste
• 8 oz. hollow pasta, preferably elbow macaroni or shells
• 3 slices crustless white bread
• 6 tbsp. unsalted butter
• ¹⁄₂ tsp. paprika
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 shallots, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• ¹⁄₄ cup flour
• ¹⁄₈ tsp. cayenne pepper
• 3 cups milk
• 10 oz. grated sharp white cheddar (about 4 cups)
• 10 oz. grated Gruyère (about 4 cups)
• 6 oz. Velveeta, cut into 1/2" cubes (about 1 1/4 cups)
• 1 oz. blue cheese, crumbled (about 1/4 cup)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste