Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Heat the oven to 400°F. Lightly butter a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish. Bring a saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil.

Add the macaroni and cook until it is still slightly firm, about 6 minutes. Drain well.

Melt the butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, mustard powder, and black pepper until smooth. Cook for about 1 minute.

Slowly whisk in the milk, smoothing out any lumps. Add the American cheese and processed cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and thickened.

Fold the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce. Spoon the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread the breadcrumbs evenly over the top.

Cover the casserole and bake until the sauce is thick and bubbling, 20 to 25 minutes.