Baked Macaroni & Cheese

INGREDIENTS

4 tbsp

all-purpose flour

4 tbsp

butter

4 1/2 cups

whole milk, or half & half

1 tbsp

kosher salt

1 tsp

granulated garlic

1/2 tsp

onion powder

1/2 tsp

black pepper

1/4 tsp

cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp

dry mustard (optional)

ground nutmeg

1/2 cup

seasoned Italian or Japanese breadcrumbs (optional)

1 lb

dried pasta of your choice (see note below)

kosher salt (for the pasta water)

1 cup

grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese

1/2 cup

pecorino-romano cheese (optional)

1 cup

shredded gruyere cheese

2 cups

shredded cheddar cheese

2 cups

shredded fontina cheese, plus a few pieces cut into cubes