Prepare the Oven and Toast the Crumbs
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 10-inch ovenproof skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and toast them until they turn a light golden brown. Season with a pinch of salt and transfer the crumbs to a dish. You can clean the pan if desired.
Soak the Pasta
Place uncooked pasta in a large bowl and cover it with hot tap water. Let it soak for 10 minutes, then drain and shake out the excess water.
Prepare the Sauce and Assemble
Grate the three cheeses onto a paper or board. Return the skillet to the stove over medium-high heat and melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Add flour and whisk to combine. Gradually add milk, whisking after each addition until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, cayenne, and nutmeg. Cook until the mixture thickens, then stir in the cheeses, reserving some for topping. Add the drained pasta and mix well. Sprinkle the reserved cheese and toasted breadcrumbs on top.
Bake the Mac and Cheese
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Check if the macaroni is cooked through, and bake for an additional 5 minutes if needed. For a browned top, broil for a minute. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve and Store
Enjoy the macaroni and cheese immediately. If preparing ahead, assemble the dish and bake when ready to eat. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes.
When it comes to reheating macaroni and cheese, baking it fresh is always the best option. It takes almost the same amount of time to reheat as it does to bake, so why not enjoy it fresh out of the oven? However, you can prepare the dish in advance and bake it when you’re ready to enjoy. Leftovers can be reheated in the original pan or an ovenproof dish at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes.