Only the BEST EVER Mac & Cheese

I have searched high and low for the best Mac & Cheese recipe. I thought I had found it when I made a Giada De Laurentiis recipe. It was really yummy, but my execution was off, and it made for a soupy Mac & Cheese with amazing flavor. I think with some more modifications it could be really great so I would still recommend it, but this recipe from The Pioneer Woman takes the cake! Her website is very user friendly. I personally love that she has pictures that take you step by step through the recipe. I promise you won't be disappointed if you try one of her dishes!

Ingredients:
4 cups dried macaroni
1/4 cup (1/2 stick, 4 tablespoons) butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups whole milk
2 heaping teaspoons dry mustard (more if desired)
1 egg, beaten
1 pound cheese, grated
1/2 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt (more to taste)
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
*Optional spices: cayenne pepper, paprika, thyme

The How to:
1. Cook macaroni until very firm. Macaroni should be too firm to eat right out of the pot. Drain.
2. In a small bowl, beat egg.
3. In a large pot, melt butter and sprinkle in flour. Whisk together over medium-low heat. Cook mixture for five minutes, whisking constantly. Don’t let it burn.
4. Pour in milk, add mustard, and whisk until smooth. Cook for five minutes until very thick. Reduce heat to low.
5. Take 1/4 cup of the sauce and slowly pour it into beaten egg, whisking constantly to avoid cooking eggs. Whisk together till smooth.
6. Pour egg mixture into sauce, whisking constantly. Stir until smooth.
7. Add in cheese and stir to melt. Add salts and pepper. Taste sauce and add more salt and seasoned salt as needed! DO NOT UNDERSALT.
8. Pour in drained, cooked macaroni and stir to combine.
9. Serve immediately (very creamy) or pour into a buttered baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.

The Verdict:
Only the BEST Mac & Cheese ever. The Doc, who is not that big on Mac & Cheese said this was the best one I have made. I agree and so did the boys! Being the lazy cook, I bought pre-shredded cheese. I used an Italian Blend (Fontina, Asiago, Mozzarella, Provolone, Romano & Parmesan) and Mild Cheddar. I used in the sauce a cup from each bag and then 1/4 cup of each to sprinkle on top. I want to go get some more right now and eat it for dessert, that is how good it was!