Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1 cup dry bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (optional)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the baking dish
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 6 cups whole milk
• 3 1/2 cups (about 14 ounces) grated sharp Cheddar

Preparation

1. Heat oven to 400° F. Butter a casserole or 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
   
   Cook the macaroni until almost tender but still firm, about 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
   
   Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, parsley (if using), oil, 1 teaspoon of the salt, and the pepper; set aside.
   
   In a saucepan, over medium heat, melt the butter. Stirring constantly, add the flour and cook for 3 minutes; the mixture will clump together. Still stirring constantly, add the milk slowly. Cook for 7 minutes. Add the Cheddar and the remaining salt and cook, stirring, until thick and creamy, about 5 minutes. Add the macaroni and combine. Transfer to the baking dish and top with the bread crumb mixture. Bake until golden and bubbling slightly around the edges, about 25 minutes.
   
   Tip: You can vary the flavor of the bread crumbs by using a different herb, such as thyme or oregano. Or minimalists can choose to omit it.
   
   To Freeze: Make the bread-crumb mixture and place it in a resealable freezer bag. Assemble (but do not bake) the casserole. Cover tightly with two layers of aluminum foil. Store both for up to 3 months.
   
   To Reheat: Thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator or thaw partially in the microwave. Sprinkle the bread-crumb mixture over it. Cover and heat in a 350° F oven for 40 minutes. Uncover and heat until bubbling, about 20 minutes more.