Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe — The Mom 100

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cups panko breadcrumbs ((or fresh breadcrumbs))
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter ((plus butter for greasing the baking dish))
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes ((optional))
• 4 ½ cups 2-percent or whole milk ((however indulgent you’re feeling))
• 1 cup heavy ((whipping cream))
• 5 cups coarsely grated flavorful cheese ((such as sharp cheddar or Gruyere, or a mix; see Note))
• 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt ((or more to taste))
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ((or more to taste))
• 1 ½ packages (24 ounces) dried cavatelli ((or ziti, penne, or any short pasta))