BAKED MACARONI WITH THREE CHEESES

Steps:

• Heat the oven to broil.
• Use 1 T of butter to generously coat a 3-quart casserole dish.
• Bring 6 quarts of water to a boil in large stockpot.
• Add 2 T of salt, stir briefly, then add the pasta.
• Cook until tender and just past al dente, about 10-13 minutes, or slightly longer than package directions.
• Drain the pasta, then transfer it to a large bowl.
• Drizzle the olive oil over the pasta, then toss to coat; set aside.
• To make the sauce, in a small saucepan over low heat, bring the milk to a simmer.
• Remove the pan from the heat.
• In medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of the remaining butter, using a whisk to swirl it to ensure the butter melts completely and does not turn brown.
• If the butter begins to brown, lower the heat.
• While whisking, sprinkle in the flour.
• Continue to whisk until the mixture just bubbles, about 2 minutes.
• Do not let the mixture brown.
• While whisking, slowly pour the milk in the saucepan.
• Continue whisking until there are no lumps.
• Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and season with salt and pepper.
• Continue whisking until the sauce reaches the consistency of heavy cream and coats the back of a spoon, about 2 minutes.
• Remove the sauce from the heat.
• Whisk in 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese, all of the Monterey Jack cheese and 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese.
• Whisk until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
• Pour the sauce over the pasta and gently toss to coat.
• Transfer the pasta and sauce, using a rubber spatula to scrape the bowl, to the prepared casserole dish.
• Set aside.
• In small microwave-safe bowl, melt the remaining 1 T of butter by microwaving on high for about 20 seconds.
• Add the breadcrumbs and remaining cheddar and parmesan cheeses; toss well.
• Spread the bread crumb mixture evenly over the pasta.
• Place the dish on the oven's middle rack and broil for 6-8 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly, and a crunchy crust forms on top.
• Cool briefly before serving.