Alton Brown's Baked Macaroni and Cheese

• 1 bay leaf
• Fresh black pepper
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 Egg
• 1/2 pound elbow macaroni
• 1 tablespoon Flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 tablespoon powdered mustard
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 12 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded
• 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced

Instructions

1. 1

   Whisk in the flour and mustard and keep it moving for about five minutes. Make sure it's free of lumps. Stir in the milk, onion, bay leaf, and paprika. Simmer for ten minutes and remove the bay leaf.Temper in the egg. Stir in 3/4 of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Fold the macaroni into the mix and pour into a 2-quart casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.Melt the butter in a saute pan and toss the bread crumbs to coat. Top the macaroni with the bread crumbs.

2. 2

   Bake for 30 minutes.

3. 3

   Remove from oven and rest for five minutes before serving.Remember to save leftovers for fried Macaroni and Cheese.Prep time 20 minutes. Cook time 45 minutes.