"Classic" Macaroni and Cheese

This is the classic dish, baked with breadcrumbs on top, but with a few updates. I use Panko crumbs (not because they're trendy, geez) but because they make a much crispier topping than regular breadcrumbs.

9 oz macaroni, cooked and drained
2 cups cheese sauce (see below)
1 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese
5 slices of bacon, fried crisp, drained, and crumbled
1/2 Panko breadcrumbs, buttered

Preheat the over to 375°F. Butter a 1 1/2 quart casserole (I use a stoneware dish, so I skip this step). Put the cooked macaroni into the casserole, pour the cheese sauce over it, and mix gently with a fork. Sprinkle the grated cheese and the crumbled bacon evenly over the top. Spread the crumbs over all. Bake uncovered, until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling, 27-30 minutes.

Cheese Sauce

1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
2 cups milk
salt
cayenne pepper
1 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese

Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the roux cooks and bubbles, but do not brown it. Mix the two milk types into a microwave oven proof cup and heat milk, but do not boil. Add the warm milk to the roux, continuing to stir as the sauce thickens. Bring to a boil. Add salt to taste and a couple of pinches of cayenne pepper (or to taste). Lower the heat and cook, stirring for another 2-3 three minutes. Add the cheese and stir until the cheese is thoroughly melted and combined.

Laura