INGREDIENTS
•
1 pound dry chunky pasta (shells work great here)
•
kosher salt
•
1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick), plus an additional 1-2 tablespoons for topping
•
1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
•
2 cups whole milk
•
1 cup heavy cream
•
1 teaspoon Colman’s dry mustard, or to taste
•
hot pepper sauce (like Tabasco), to taste
•
2 cups grated sharp farmhouse Cheddar cheese
•
1 cup grated cave-aged Gruyere
•
1/2 cup grated Parmagiano Reggiano, plus ¼ cup for topping
•
1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano, plus ¼ cup for topping
•
2 cups coarse fresh breadcrumbs
•
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme, rosemary, sage or savory